Question:
What Are Your Top FIVE items to take to the hospital, and have at home?
I am 16 days away from surgery (April 1, lap RNY). I'm just wondering what are the top 5 things to make sure you have at the hospital, and the top 5 things to have at home after surgery? Thank you — KellyJeanB (posted on March 15, 2003)
March 15, 2003
I was glad I had my own slippers, baby or antibacterial wipes, deoderant,
(your own sanitary pads if you'll be needing them),shampoo and soap, and
maybe some magazines for the hospital. You might want your own robe and
night shirt. At home, someone to help you out of bed for the first few
days, mini food processor, blender, or a stick blender that goes right into
a pot, some suggested foods fore a pureed diet that I enjoyed were,
scrambled egg w/ American cheese melted on it, fat free refried beans (Taco
Bell brand, shredded low fat cheddar cheese (for the beans), light, low
sugar yogurt, unsweetend applesauce cups, mini cottage cheeses, sugar free
jello and fudgicles, creamed Campbell's Healthy request soups, tuna and
deli turkey. I blended the turkey or the tuna in the food processor with a
little lite mayo. Sorry I rambled, Good Luck!!!!
— Fixnmyself
March 15, 2003
toothbrush, slippers, brush, shampoo & conditioner, robe. Have a
pillow for the ride home to help with bumps. At home have your juice and
water ready. I also had to use many pillows to sleep on top of.
— Cheryl L.
March 15, 2003
lip gloss (maybe Bonne Bell on a string so you can't lose it), toothbrush
& toothpaste, hair brush, several pairs fresh undies, cotton (too me
forever to get out of bed. I don't think I used anything else, except the
pain button. LOL. At home, protein, vites, s/f jello, broth, s/f
popsicles, V-8 (I dunno why, but they consider it clear). And drag out all
your pillows so you can make a "nest" for comfort.
— vitalady
March 15, 2003
For me the top 5 things I took was a pair of shorts and a sleeveless top,
underpants, socks, toothbrush/paste and my favorite allergy pillow. I
always roast in hospitals so I came prepared. I was able to wear my
underwear by the 2nd night, shorts and top by the 3rd morning, used
toothbrush/paste by the 2nd day and the socks and pillow everyday. I
brought other things but never used them.
<p>Top 5 things at home were my mom, my fur babies (3 doggies), sugar
free jello, bottled water and a toilet that worked because I got diarrhia
the 2nd week. The 3rd week my toilet hit the skids and I had to get a new
one, so that's why it pretty high on my list! LOL I also made sure my
recliner was in tip top shape, plenty of food for the dogs for 3-4 months
so I would not have to lift 40 lb bags, tons of bottled water, laundry
detergent etc. I live alone so it was more important for me to stock up.
My mom stayed with me for 2 weeks but she couldn't lift heavy things
either, so long term planning became more important for me. If you have
someone else living there, it is less critical.
— zoedogcbr
March 15, 2003
Cheryl, I can't believe you took shampoo and conditioner. I don't think I
even brushed my hair the whole time I was there. I have short hair and
running my fingers through it with a little water does just as well. The
last thing on my mind was washing my hair. They offered me the opportunity
and I passed. In reading the responses we all have very different things
that are important to us. I knew one pre-op who is a hairdresser and is
always made up to the nines and she wasn't going to the hospital without
her makeup. I told her she didn't need it but she couldn't be without it.
When I saw her the day she went home she didn't have any on or her hair
done and she is darn pretty au natural. For me, makeup would have been the
LAST thing on my list.
— zoedogcbr
March 15, 2003
Hospital: chapstick, cotton housecoat to wear over hospital gown,
comfortable slippers/slip-ons with tread to walk hospital halls, toothbrush
& toothpaste, big pillow to hold on my stomach on the way home.
Home: Rented recliner to sleep in the first week, chicken broth,
sugar-free popsicles, protein drink - Designer Whey Protein Blast, and my
husband to wait on me.
— Kathy J.
March 15, 2003
Oh.... one more.... pain medication prescription filled before they
released me to go home !
— Kathy J.
March 15, 2003
#1 most important to me in hospital were, 2 of my own pillows from home.
after that carmex for my lips, I took a big suitcase full of stuff and used
NONE of it. The hospital provided hygene supplies. the only thing I took
out of the suitcase was the baggy sweats that I wore home. I did not care
to waer my own clothes in the hospital as I didn't want to have to have
some one launder them for me. For home, I bought the premade SF Jellos in
the little cups, and stocked up on juices (why I needed a gallon each of
apple juice, V8, grape juice, fot a tiny little pouch that could only
handle sips I will never Know. I was on clear liquids for 1 week, then full
liquids. I also stocked up on SF pudding and protein powder(Designer Whey).
My full Liquids were for 4 weeks. I didn't stock up on much for the full
liquids. I could drive at 2 weeks so i actually looked forward to getting
out to the store and to be honest I went with my husb grocery shopping
before that to get out of the house and walk.
— **willow**
March 15, 2003
I only have one thing to add...CHARMIN (or other soft toilet paper). That
stuff they use in the hospital is like sandpaper!
— sheltie
March 15, 2003
top 5 things to take to hospital:
candy or treats for your nurses
a gift for your sureon
a gift for your anesthesiologist(they are sooo under appreciated)
phone card for long distance calls
your angels phone number
top 5 to have post op:
a positive attitude that this really is worth it
several 32 oz sports bottles
crystal light powder
sugar free jello
yogurt
good luck from patsy in las vegas
pats
— PATSY N.
March 15, 2003
1. Your own blanket. They ran out at my hospital and I used "A"
sheet. As in singular. One sheet.
2. Lip Balm. For some reason, I needed it and I was rubbing surgical
lubricant on my lips out of despiration.
3. A few dollars in cash for telephone/TV service. It cost about $12 a day
for both services at my hospital..payable in cash.
4. baby powder, FDS spray, other feminine hygeine products to keep you
"fresh" while you can't shower. (Once I could shower, I didn't
feel up to it anyway).
5. a good book, magazine, walkman. Anything to pass the time once you start
to feel a bit better and are just waiting to go home.
Good luck and God bless! It is SO worth it!
— Kelly C.
March 15, 2003
After reading several suggestions on this site before my first surgery date
I bought some Cottenelle wipes (actually I got the Wal-mart brand) to pack
along with my chapstick and slippers. I didn't get to have my surgery but
ended up in the hospital anyway and used the wipes to stay clean during the
day since my only bathing option was the Refresh towels. I also made sure
I had my cabinets at home stocked with jello, pudding, baby food and mashed
potatoes. And I mixed up some Crystal Lite and made sure my juices were in
the frig so I would have something cool to drink as soon as I got home.
You might also want to make sure you have plenty of toilet paper and
laundry detergent and other items so you don't have to worry about going or
sending someone to the store. O.K. I think that's more than 5...sorry:)
— Sarahlicious
March 15, 2003
Your own pillow<P>
A CD player and relaxing CD (it is noisy there)<P>
chapstick<P>
A small fan<P>
— ~~Stacie~~
March 15, 2003
I am still pre-op and I am glad you asked this question. It is great to
here all the good ideas everyone has. While I was doing my research on WLS
I came across someone's profile that has helped me with almost every
question I have had. Her name is Sharon Neva. Her profile is wonderful.
She has so much helpful information in her profile. I have even bookmarked
it so it is easy to find. I just wanted to share this with you. Hope it
helps! Good luck with your surgery!!!
— Maria S
March 15, 2003
1. Your favorite pillow, in a bright pillow case, so it doesn't get
confused with the hospital ones.
2. Soft knit, drawstring pants.
3. Cotton "period" undies (am I the only one that has
"period" undies?) You might start your period, lots of us did.
4. Your favorite brand of feminine pads. For me, tampons were out of the
question. I couldn't bend that way.
5. Carmex or Chapstick.
I didn't use much else, other than these few items. After I got the IV out,
I put on a t-shirt, so you might want one of those. Oh yeah, your own
SLIPPERS! Otherwise, you'll be wearing those sweat inducing slipper socks.
ICK!
— Diana L.
March 15, 2003
The poster who mentioned making sure you are stocked up on paper towels,
toilet paper, etc., has an excellent point. You don't want to run out of
those things when you are early post-op. The thing about food to have at
home is not to get too much. Two or three boxes of SF Jellow will probably
be more than enough. Same thing with broth, SF popcicles, etc. I haven't
wanted Jello since my last hospital stay. Even then I only used it to get
pills down.
— garw
March 15, 2003
I'm four days post op lap ryn. I would definitely include a bottle of
water. Your taste's do change and It was nice to have my own water. Hair
things are also great. The second day I wanted to feel more normal so I
was in my own jammies. I would definitely bring another pair just In case
you have an accident. I took samples of lotion, shampoo/conditoner it's
nice to have your own things. I kept it simple but my own slippers were a
life saver. best wishes
— Heather S.
March 15, 2003
For your hospital stay-
1.- Tongs or big wooden spoon for wiping.....
2.- <i>flushable</i> Cottonelle wipes for tongs/spoon.....
3.- small fan, but check with hospital because they wouldn't let me use
mine because of fire safety (though it was brand new)- they found me one on
site.....
4.- phone card if you or loved one will be calling out of town......
5.- slippers.....
I took loads of stuff that I never used. The hospital provided the basics-
toothbrush, toothpaste, powder, mouthwash, Q-tips, etc. I never used my own
gowns or robe. I just wanted to sleep.....Good luck!....Karen (lap rny-
almost 6 mons. post- down 118 pounds!)
— karmiausnic
March 16, 2003
In the hospital: 1. toothbrush & toothpaste; shampoo &
conditioner; deodrant and lip balm 2. slippers & robe 3. address
& phone book with calling card 4. copy of all WLS printed info you
have, especially as it relates to diet 5. a good book or hand work
At home: 1. loads of sugar free jello 2. multiple cans of cream soups 3.
sugar free frozen popcicles 4. protein powder & milk 5. a mixer
Hope this helps.
Melanie in OKC
open RNY
Dr Totoro
1/13
down 85 pounds
— Melanie H.
March 17, 2003
You've gotten some great responses. The only other thing I took to the
hospital was a sleep mask. It is leather with foam on one side which
completely blocks the light. It was so helpful for sleeping at odd times
or with light from the hospital room. The nursing staff thought I was so
clever to bring this. My sleep mask was a lifesaver and made my days much
more comfortable.
— Ann B.
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