10 days to RNY surgery REMEMBER WHEN?

As I mentioned on the mentor thread [thanks to you *****sponded!] I am scheduled February 15th. Any suggestions/helpful hints as to what to pack for the hospital? Will I be able to read a book or should I not bother bringing it to the hospital? Do I bring shampoo/body wash/face wash -- will I be able to shower? Do I bring my protien suppliments/chewable vitamins [really terrifed of hair loss]? What shopping items I need to stock up on? ANY other advice? I'm feeling nervous that I'm not practically prepared [I've been mentally prepared for a while!] Also, I have a 3 year old, what do I tell her about the time I will be gone? Thanks in advance! xosm

hi again: i recommend you bring your own pillow, magazines, chapstick, your own slippers, and comfortable clothes to go home in. you probably won't be doing your chewable vitamins right away, leave 'em at home. i was able to shower sitting down. i stocked my pantry with broths, sf jello, sf popsicles. the baby foods are awful. don't waste your money. and when you're ready for them, sf fudgsicles went down well for me, too. not sure what to tell your 3 yr old. my kids were 18 an 14 and cheering me on. guess i'd just say i'm going to go in so i could feel better. three is kinda young to understand more than that. i'll keep you in my thoughts. your last week or so will fly by so quickly. have a good week. dorthe

Congratulations and best wishes on your upcoming surgery. What to pack? Do not, I repeat DO NO leave home without chapstick (the most important item I packed), slide on slippers and a robe for walking. I stayed in the hospital gown, it was easier with the IV and if any leakage why soil your PJs, I did bring body wash, shampoo and face wash but wasn't allowed a real shower until I got home, just a sponge bath and I used the stuff the hospital provided, a toothbrush and toothpaste and my deodorant and a brush. You won't need the vitamins nor the protein supplements in the hospital. Oh, I also bought a pillow, used it in the hospital (more comfortable than theirs) and for the ride home to help get comfortable. Items to shop for ~~ Depending on what your surgeon's post op plan is. I was allowed clear liquids only for 9 days (water, broth, decaf tea and coffee) then went straight to lean meats and green leafy vegetables so basically I bought broth and decaf coffee and tea only. Your surgeon or nut should give you a list of what is allowed, don't overbuy your taste will change, just because you like it today doesn't meal you will after surgery. My boys were 3 1/2 and 5 when I had surgery, I told them mom was going to the hospital to get well and would be home in 2 days (actually went home one day after). They didn't understand so why try explaining it to them. When I got home they asked question because I couldn't pick them up and I showed them my boo boos, they wanted to see them all the time but it gave them comfort and helped then realize mommy could hurt herself if I picked them up. They would each sit on the side of me and hold my arm, it was priceless. Best wishes, Dana