New to this Board

Hi All! I'm new to the VA boards- I'm having RNY here in NOVA on May 29th. I spend a lot of time on the May 2007 surgery boards and just came over here to check it out. Looks like there are a lot of great people here as well.  I'm starting to get nervous now that I'm only a week out. I guess maybe it's more anxious than nervous.   I'm ready to start my new life! I wanted to see if anyone had any helpful tips on what to bring or not to bring to the hospital with me. I know I won't need a whole lot, but did anyone bring anything they were REALLY glad they had with them? Just curious... Thanks and Good Luck to everyone!  Kathy

Hi Kathy, Welcome to the VA board!    I am fairly new here as well . I have to say it is a graet way to get information .  Everyone is so nice and helpful.  I just got my date yesterday (July 11) I am So excited But I have to say YIKES. I know someone asked the same question a month or so back I rember the main thing everyone said they are glad the had with them is CHAP STICK nothing else really mattered. Shoot I hope that is all I will want to make me feel better.  Good luck next week look forward to chating with you. Lanette

Hi Kathy  Welcome to the VA board.  We have alot of great people here who are very supportive.   Congratulations on your surgery date!  You will be beside all of us who have gone before you on that loser's bench.  I will keep a spot warmed for ya. What to take?  Honestly, don't take much, you won't use alot of it.  The things i used were: my own toothbrush, chapstick, robe, bedroom slippers (those socks they have are nice, but they weren't enough support on my aching feet)  So comfy slippers were a God send for me.  That is all I used.  And oh yes, make sure you have a comfy pillow for your ride home ..those bumps can be a nuisance to say the least. Good luck to you next week and i hope you have an uneventful surgery and you are home recovering very soon. hugs

Kathy ,  First let me say Congratulations on getting a date to start your new life .. I know you are excited .  I tell most of my pre-ops to only take some good shoes that they will not have any trouble getting into as you may not be able to bend well , but you will be asked to walk directily after getting back to your room from recovery .  I would take some chap stick . You lips tend to get a little dry .  I would take clothes to wear home .  Take some small toiletries from home , Tooth brush , hair brush ... and some body lotions or spray . These always made me feel good when I got ready to leave . And if you have time, and I have found this still to be the case .. you really do not have time .. you can read or do puzzle books ... but for the most part , you will be in and out so quick .. nurses coming to check on you ... ect .  I wish you nothing but the best , and I know you will be yet another success story soon !  Hugs,  Natalie

Welcome Kathy Everybody here is so nice and so helpful. Ask anything and I promise someone will have a answer. There is a lot of positive energy on this board. I hope you stay around for awhile. Montego

Thanks to everyone for the support and encourgement. Can't wait to be on the bench with all of you next week! OH-er's are the best!  Kathy

Hey Kathy, Welcome and congrats on your upcoming surgery. It is totally normal to be nervous, believe me, we have all shared in the same emotions. I noticed Dr. Moazzez is your surgeon, he was mine as well. I love him to pieces, he is truly amazing. He will take good care of you. The VA board is amazing, we are here for you bud, so if you have questions or concerns, just post. Great Success and I look forward to seeing you on the losers bench.  ~Moni

Hey Kathy!  Only a week to go, how exciting.  Nervousness is normal.  Basically slippers to walk around in, I really was glad to have my pj's, clothes to go home in & chapstick.  Anything else that I had brought never got used.  :) Courtney

Welcome Kathy, Good luck on your upcoming new life. I wore my sweats. More comfy than the hospital gown. Take care. Corinn

Congrats! You'll be on the losers bench in no time! :-)  The only thing I took that I absolutely could not have made it without was my pillow for the ride home and walking the "laps" at the hospital. I have a "bean bag" type round pillow....it was so great because it was squishy, but firm...and it could be molded to be what I needed.  I took all kinds of other stuff (book, puzzle book, chap stick, hairbrush, toothbrush, etc.) never used any of it (I'm sure I had dragon breath and looked scary!).  Best to you....remember to give us a full report when you're home and feel up to it.