GETTING CLOSER!

Hi everyone! As my surgery date of 10/1 approaches i'm becomming more nervous!! Can anyone think of things that were essential to pack for the hospital..... and the most important things to have on hand at home. I have ordered my protein powder.. Nectar... I hope it's edible..lol Any advise?

Hi Rebecca, The only thing I really used that I packed, were my PJs. I love my own PJs, and it felt good to walk around and not have to hold that darn Johnnycoat! Other than that, I didn't use anything else, except like my toothbrush, mouthwa****'s such a short stay. I must say when they said I could shower on day #2, I grabbed my cosmetic bag, shampoo, and jammies and ran for the shower! Hang in...I know this part is really really really stressful, but it will get here very fast, trust me! God bless. JA

I don't know where I found this list before my surgery, but it came in so handy and I'm trying to duplicate it here...please forgive me if I don't remember it all. To have in the hospital: clean underpants-you aren't going to be wanting to put on a bra-especially if you're having open RNY socks-my feet actually got cold in the hospital fan-check out your room-if it's too hot and they can't put the air conditioning on higher-you might want to bring a box fan from home-I saw some folks with them. You could have this brought to you if you need it. slippers-to walk around in-better than the paper slippers they give you in the hospital. telephone calling card-in case your calls are long distance...and you never know! I used my calling card a lot! Stuff to read At home: s/f jello s/f pudding cottage cheese no sugar added canned fruit s/f drinks-Crystal Lite, kool-aid made with Splenda, etc. protein drinks Carnation Instant Breakfast-no sugar added tongs-to help you wipe your butt-you may not be able to reach it baby wipes-to use with the tongs The tongs and baby wipes may sound funny-but trust me, they were essential. Your body goes through a big DIARRHEA phase and these were great for clean-up! At first I didn't think I was THAT big that I needed to use them, but when your stomach is stapled it really limits your ability to reach around! Nuff said! Do all your housework before you go into the hospital-so you won't be tempted to do anything when you get home. If you don't have someone living with you who can help you-try to get someone to come in to check on you at least once a day. They say you can do everything for yourself once you leave the hospital-but I found it was great to have someone there to pick stuff up that had fallen on the floor and, most of all, to put up my medications and make sure I took them. I was very confused as a result of having the anaesthesia and the surgery and having someone checking was a big help! I think that's about it from the list I used when I had my surgery.

Rebecca: The only thing I could not have lived without while in the hospital was my little fan and my chapstick!!! I couldn't put on my PJ's until they took out my IV on the last day. Best of luck to you. Chryssie

For me the only thing from home I truly needed and was so happy to have was - chapstick!! Especially the 1st day!. Anne

Hi there!! Hope you had a great weekend. You really don't need much. PJs are great to bring, but you may or may not end up wearing them -- it's a good to have. I was glad that I brought a comfy robe with me and some slippers. I also brought a comfort item with me and it did make me feel better. It was a stuffed bunny my Dad had given me when he was in the hospital before he passed away. It was snuggly, and I don't care that I'm an old hag, it was a comfort!! Reading material is nice to bring, though you might not get around to it. However, if you feel like up to it, it's a good to have. That was it for me. I drink Nectar Fuzzy Navel & I love it. I think you made a good choice! Let me know if you want any other info. XO Kathy F.

Hi Rebecca, I am very excited for you. The time will fly by and be here before you know it. I am also having surgery with Dr. Giles, however, I have elected to wait until he moves to New Britain General. I will keep you in my prayers and will want to hear everything!!!! Good Luck!! Phyllis