What to bring....

Hello everyone. My big day is this week and I am getting ready. Got my drinks, my vitamins and my chapstick, etc. What do I bring? Do you wear your own clothes after day 2? Or did everyone wear the johnnys the whole time? Do I bring sneakers for my walks or just slippers? I like to be covered and the few times I was in the hospital I wore shorts under the johnny. I know you can't do that in the OR or the next day but is that do-able the third day? Can you wear a sports bra after day 2? Or does it hurt too much? Or do you just not care what you wear? I'm not vain--just modest and I want to be comfortable. Thanx.

Inquiring minds want to know all the answers to those questions as well! Pattie

Hi I thought I'd care what I wore.. but I stayed in the Jonny the whole time. There's so much to get in and out of.. and you have IVs in.. so it's hard to manage putting anything on. You'll definitely need your own clothes to get out of there. That's all I found I needed. AND by the way.. bring your own feminine pads.. just a warning. Yes, they have some pads at the hospital.. but it's just not pretty. I wasn't expecting to have my period, but of course the second I got off the operating table it was there. Hope everything goes well! Good luck. See you on the other side. Take care, Michelle

I stayed in my johnny the whole time. Didn't much care what I was wearing. I went home on day 3. I did have my slippers to walk in because those socks they give you always twist the wrong way on my feet. I really did not care about anything but getting my walks in while I was in the hospital. I don't see why shorts would be a problem as long as they don't rub on your incision or drains. Good luck and congratulations. Maggie

Linnie: I could not have survived the hospital stay with out 2 things: lip balm and my little desk sized fan. I did not put my own clothes on until about an hour before I left the hospital. Also the hospital gives you the slipper socks for walking. Do bring a toothpaste & brush since the ones the hospital supply are kinda crummy. The pads are a good idea also. Best of luck to you. Keep us posted on your progress!!! Chryssie

Hi Linnie, I guess it depends on what type of surgery you are having lap vs. open as to weather or not you can wear shorts. I, unlike most, wore my own PJs as soon as I could. I wanted to feel comfortable sleeping and not worry about the johnny opening up, etc. Plus it was in July and was very warm, so I didn't really use covers. I agree with bringing your own toothbrush/mouthwash. I brought my little bag with a few things, but was glad I had them, especially my shampoo, soap, lotion for when I got to take my shower! Good luck, smooth sailing, and we'll save you a seat on the "losers' bench". JA

Hi Linnie: First congrats on your upcoming surgery! One of the most invaluable items I brought was my BACK SCRATCHER! It became my extended arm! It helped me reach things too far to reach on my rolling table. Well worth to pack. Take care. Towanda

Congratulations on going to the other side! I'm 6 months out down 82 pounds and loving it. Something I found very valuable was a big T-shirt to wear under that elastic waist thing. It helped keep the itching down. I liked my own slippers and a robe. I also brought a nice new nighty for the hospital that I NEVER wore hahaha AND by the time i got home after surgey it was too big! I lived in that johnny for the whole time I was in the hospital. good luck and god bless pam