Packing: What do I need for the hospital?

The most important thing I had with me was my I-Phone which I used for music every single second of my stay in the hospital.  The music helped me shut out the hospital noise and even helped me to sleep. Chapstick is a must. 

I brought books and magazines and didn't read any of them.  

Good luck on Wednesday!  Looking forward to your updates.

I didn't use half the things I brought, but you'll probably be in Germany longer. The thing I used the most was lip stuff and I don't usually even like it! I brought my iPad but never used it (although my DH did...I was too groggy from the anesthesia) same for a book and a notebook. My cell phone obviously. I'd bring loose fitting pajamas if you're not going to wear the hospital gowns. My belly hurt too bad to look at  a pair of pants personally. 

I think you'll find that you don't need as much as you think you do! Hospitals provide a lot. If you do forget something, you'll be fine without it!!

Good luck!

I agree with Shannn--You'll need less than you think.  I was discharged yesterday and here's what I used:
>laptop and charger with Skype downloaded (and tested at home).  I used this to keep in touch with family since I'm in  Brazil.  Out-of-country calls were just too expensive if I wanted any quality talk-time.  We got a special trial through Skype which I use most to make free calls to phones, not just the computer, for one month.  The best tool yet and used daily!  Make sure the hospital has Internet access.  Hubby used it most to keep up with work emails, occasional solitaire game and esp. family contact.
>A light-weight, short sleeved, knee-length, zip front robe--much more comfortable than a hospital gown worn backwards to cover your tush!  It's winter here (temps around 70) but I was happy to have a lighter weight cover which didn't tangle in my IV lines or pole when I walked the halls.  I bought mine a size up for comfort but I'd have done that anyway.
>Lip balm which I only used 2-3 times.  I liked the unflavored Burt's Bees which tingles.  The pomegranate fragrance of the moisturizing version bothered me, though it felt good.
>If I'd been in the U.S. I have taken my cell phone and charger.
>My own soap and shampoo/conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste.  I must have brushed my teeth a hundred time to try to get the fuzzy, "monkey-butt" taste out of my mouth.  No it didn't help very long but my teeth were clean!
>A Turbie Towel hair wrap to get my hair out of the way if I didn't want to get it wet and to use when I did for drying.  Better than struggling with a bath towel on your head.
>A long back-scrubber thingie from the Body Shop--or sometimes available at Marshall's.  It's lightly textured and long (about 18" by 6").  It's what I use at home and was a wonderful help and packed like a dream--took only a fraction of space.
>I wore a hospital gown until I was discharged and am glad I didn't have anything around my waist even though my surgery was lap.
>I didn't take my pillow but if I'd had space I would have--not in a white pillowcase however.
>DH took a book and $ so he could buy food. Some meals came to the room for him but he was able to go get a fab salad or drink when he wanted more healthy stuff which he loved.
>There was a safe in our room but I'd suggest leaving valuables at home.  We had no problems, but my situation required me to have my passport with me and I'm glad I had a safe place to secure it.  I wouldn't have wanted to worry about personal items like credit cards, checkbook or jewelry.  I'm trusting but not stupid.
>I wore the same loose clothes out that I wore in.  I did purchase a sleep bra which I wore "home" but it came off the minute I walked in the door.

That's pretty much it.  Truly, there's not much else you'll need but some gals take sanitary products as they inevitably get their period.

Good luck!!
Lisa

I tried to do an edit of my post but was unable to do so and finally quit trying out of frustration. 

A couple things I forgot:
>My Birkies which are more comfortable and stable than slippers
>Reals--which is the currency of Brazil.  We did our exchange at our local bank ahead of time and got small bills which made things much easier once we got here.  Another American couple didn't and had to hire a taxi to get them to a place they could get a decent exchange rate as well as deal with the language difference.
>American $1.00 for tips.  In Brazil the Real is worth much less than the American $ so when you tip in US $ it's worth more and is appreciated.  We also tip in Reais (Reals).  I don't know how it is in Germany.
>A soft money belt.  Samsonite has a nice, comfortable one.  I wore that one, my DH wore a leather one and he ended up switching to mine once here.
>A Portuguese picture translation book and a small pocket-sized translation book.  We haven't needed to use either very much but when we have they helped a lot!
Lisa

No tips what to take just best wishes! Can't wait to hear the news!