Packing for the hospital

In a recent post I was rambling about my pre-surgery To Do list and included a work-in-progress packing list for the hospital stay.  A very good friend of mine has been studying up on WLS so that she is ready to support me and found some really good info on the web:

http://www.allina.com/ahsimages5/bariatricmanual06.pdf

I was startled to read that I shouldn't bring my laptop, cell phone or any jewelry (including wedding bands).  Not sure if just this hospital has theft issues or whether all hospitals are being cautious these days.

My husband supplied an answer - wireless (phone and laptop) is banned in hospitals because it interferes with the equipment (like on planes).

Hey Steph!  My hospital says that too and yet touts its wireless access! 

Hope you're doing well!

I would think that after surgery, you're not going to be doing much computer work!  I imagine that unless you will have someone with you 24/7 in your room, it's not worth the chance of having it stolen.

I think after surgery we'll be pretty much out of it, and sleep most of the first day.  With all the different people coming in and out of the room while we're sleeping, walking the hall, (or even in the loo), there's just no way to secure a laptop or cellphone (unless you want to lay on top of it! LOL) 

That's not to say that staff would steal it, but there are always other people coming in to visit patients, etc.  You wouldn't leave a wallet with $600 in it laying on your bedside table in the hospital, and a nice shiny laptop or cellphone might just be too much temptation for someone who wanders into your room.  I've had many surgeries, and they always say to leave your jewelery at home, and not to bring any other valuables with you (like credit cards, cellphones, cash).  It's best if you can have someone take home your purse after you check in. 

Even your drivers license, and a credit or debit card can start someone on the road to identity theft, and they could clean out your bank account before you even check it out after getting out of the hospital! It's just not worth it to take anything with you that could be taken by someone else.  Don't think of it as a problem with the hospitals, but as a great way to protect yourself!

My surgery is February 10th, and all I'm taking is my robe and slippers!

Good luck with your surgery!

Nancy

 

We're a day apart, Nancy!!

LT

How cool is that?!  Are you anxious about the surgery, or excited?

Nancy

I'm pretty excited.  I've done my research and feel like I know the good, the bad and the ugly of what I'm getting into.

Time will fly, I think, with the holidays etc.  70 days from today!!

 

LT

My husband says I'm a work-a-holic...it just feels so weird to not be on the laptop if I'm not doing anything else.

Hi My name is Sharon and I am having my surgery on the 10th of Feb as well. Do you know your time for surgery yet? I also have Dr. Schram for my surgeon.  I think I will take my robe and slippers as well. I don't know if I am going to wear my wedding band either. Glad to find someone who is also having surgery on the same day as I am. Sharon

Hi Sharon! 

How exciting!!  I already have a surgery buddy!  That will be awesome.

What area do you live in?  I'm in Oshawa, so it's a bit of a drive to Michigan, but when I went for the initial consult, there were people there from London, Kitchener, and Barrie too.

I was getting a little anxious, after I first got my date for surgery, but since I've had some time to think, I've been making lists.  I'm listing things that I will be so happy NOT to have to deal with any more!

They told me at the hospital, that I wouldn't know my time for surgery until about a week or two before the actual date, so no, I don't have my time yet.  Do you?

Please write again, and let me know how you're keeping as we count down the days, and thank you so much for writing to me!

Your new surgery friend,

Nancy