What should I take with me to the hospital?

Okay, I posted this on the main board the other night and got only a minimal response... I'm a list maker and planner... I write my lists, stew over it for a day or so, and then rewrite it! I'm now thinking about what I should pack to take to the hospital. I thought I'd ask you guys! Here's what I have put together from my own thoughts and from the comments I did get over on the other board. Please help me fine tune this from your own thoughts and experiences! For The Hospital Stay chap stick or lip gloss to keep lips moisturized when you can't have anything by mouth sanitary napkins as the surgery sometimes causes you to start your period early pajama bottoms if your legs get chafed from walking a book or two to keep you occupied if you don't read, perhaps a crossword puzzle book or similar item and pen/pencil a journal if you keep one hair brush and clip or ponytail holder if you choose toothbrush/toothpaste very minimal toiletries (soap, deodorant,shampoo) underpants CPAP machine if you use one Gas-X For the ride home a pillow to put against your tummy comfortable clothes to wear home unless you'll be wearing what you wore TO the hospital Someone on another list commented that they were taking the ProtiDiet liquid protein in case they couldn't stand the protein the hospital provides... Any other thoughts along that line?? I want to avoid sitting there in the hospital for 2 or 3 days thinking, "I sure wish I'd brought _____!" LOL All help is appreciated! Lea (surgery 8/29)

I had Lap RNY on the 17th of last month. I wore loose comfy pants and a T-shirt to the hospital, I wore the very same thing home the following day. I took a book (which I never touched), a hair brush, slippers, clean underwear and a robe. That's it, the hospital will give you a toothbrush and toothpaste, and sanitary pads if needed. I was in the hospital less than 24 hours, during the night when I was awake after surgery I spent my time walking. I wasn't able to concentrate enough to do crosswords or read. I do highly suggest a pillow to hold in front of you for the ride home, my hubby forgot to bring it, and they gave me one from the hospital. Also if you have any distance to travel ask for a pain shot before the remove your IV. We had a 50 mile drive and the DR gave me a shot of morphine for the ride home. Janet

It looks like you have almost everything covered. I wore sturdy slip on shoes or sandals to walk in. As a SMO, I needed support to walk that slippers didn't provide. I can't think of anything you forgot, except maybe some soft foam earplugs in case you get a roomie that has the TV on too much. Good luck to you, Loris

I think I was told that all the rooms at this unit (unit designated specifically for bariatric patients) were private... They also have larger showers, bigger beds, bigger chairs, larger gowns, etc to cater specifically to the bariatric patients. See http://www.camc.org/marketing/_articles2003/BariatricUnit/BariatricUnit2003.asp for more info. Dr. Stickler (my surgeon) has now performed well over 1000 bypasses and has been able to do them all lap-wise since 2004. I'm very excited to have him as my surgeon and to have it done in this bariatric unit! I'm not really worried about anybody else...just me! LOL I like what you said about shoes for walking though. I may wear shoes that will fill this need for the trip to and from. At 393, I need some support and sure don't need to worry about slipping or falling! Hugs

Your list sounds pretty complete, but might I suggest: Baby wipes--you can't shower and a baby wipe can help freshen you up between baths. Saline nose spray--if you are on oxygen for any length of time it can be very drying. A little saline spray can be a Godsend. Sanitizing hand gel--so you don't have to get up to wash your hands all the time. Facial cleansing wipes--you can by travel sizes at Wal-Mart and sometimes just cleaning your face makes you feel so much better. These usually have some moisturizer in them so they don't dry you out. Take a several copies of a list of your medications, any allergies and emergency contacts. You'd be amazed how many times you get asked the same questions again and again! Good Luck and I can't wait to welcome you to the loser's bench! Phyllis 414 pre-surgery 390 surgery day 318 currently

Lucky me, my period showed up the week before I had my surgery, so I didn't have to worry about it on my surgery day! I had lap RNY on Monday and the only thing I took out of my suitcase was the clothes I wore home. While in the hospital, I wore hospital issue gowns and slipper socks. I didn't have time to read the book or do the crossword puzzles I took with me. The hospital keeps you busy with breathing exercises, walking around, etc. I didn't shower, but I took a package of bathing wipes which came in handy. I also took my CPAP, toothbrush, and toothpaste. My hair is so short that I didn't need a hairbrush. I didn't get any protein in the hospital, just a clear liquid diet. Anyway, my recommendation is to take as little as possible. It's not like you are going to a spa, especially if you have uneventful lap surgery. It's practically in and out. Kix

Well, lucky me, my "aunt flo" showed up this morning about daybreak! Yuck! So, with any luck, I won't need pads at the hospital either! As for the other stuff, the advice seems to be about the same--take what you want, but don't expect to use much of it! One person said all they took was their toothbrush! I think I'm going to take a minimalist approach. I have some body product sensitivities, so I'm going to take my own soap and deodorant, my toothbrush, a list of phone numbers and phone card for long distance calls, and my pillow for the ride home. I'm going to wear clothes TO the hospital that will be good for wearing home. I may ormay not take a book... The few things that were mentioned that I may or may not take are facial cleansing wipes and anti-bacterial hand gel. These were suggested so that you can clean up a bit that first afternoon without having to GET up. I'm thinking that while getting up may be painful, it is the best way to go! Gotta keep moving! LOL One other thing that I am going to take is a notebook or journal of some sort. I picked up the suggestion from some old OH posts. It was suggested to have this handy for when your surgeon and nutritionist visit so that you can jot down suggestions or comments about what you're told. It was also suggested to have it handy to take down names of staff who are very nice/helpful as well as staff who may fail to be helpful enough so that you can write commending/condemning letters to the administration or your surgeon... You could also write down questions that come to mind when there is no one around to ask so that when your doctor/nut DO visit, you can ask them without having forgotten due to the pain meds! SO, that is where I'm at now! I guess when I stop getting feedback about what and what not to take, I'll post it all as a new post on the main board for others who have similar questions... Hugs, Lea