What is important to bring to Hospital and have at Home after surgery?

Hey everybody! My tentative surgery date is next week - 6/28. Just wondering.... What should be on the shopping list for home and hospital? Any information you could provide would be ideal. Thanks!! Laura

Laura--I brought all sorts of stuff--the only two things I used were Blistex--extra moisture formula (in a blue container I believe) and my fluffy 'blankie'. Some people like to bring their pillow and others swear by a fan. They give you a bathrobe and you'll be too drugged up to read. 6-28--that is my birthday. Good Luck!

I agree with Lynda. You really won't need anything at the hospital. I took a pillow to hold against my stomach on the way home because of any potholes my husband might hit. And if you try to put on the seatbelt, you'll need that pillow. I did take some Vaseline Lipgloss. Your mouth does get pretty dry, as do your lips. I stayed in the hospital one night and they brought me whatever I needed, if my doctor approved. I had an option for sugar free popsicles, sugar free jello, crystal light and plenty of water as well as some chicken broth. I didn't ask for any of that. In the 24 hours I was there, I FINALLY finished one of those tiny little cups of sugar free jello. Good luck to you. You'll do fine. La Wanda

Hi Laura, I wore a very loose comfortable lounge dress to and from the hosptial instead of worrying about pants that might have hit the incesion line. However, Dr. O's incesion is about 4 inches just below the breast and pants wouldn't have hit it. I also took lip stuff...very important since Dr. O doesn't allow any liquids until after the swallow test on the 3 day. You will be dry but not hungry at all. I took my hairbrush and toothbrush and used them both. Hospital provides gowns and they are plenty big enough so don't worry about needing a robe to cover up with. I also took slippers for walking in the halls as the hospital ones always seem to cut me. I took a pillow (like a lap pillow) to hold over my stomach for coughing, laughing or anything that might cause extra pain. Don't be afraid to pull it hard to you, it really helps. I also used it in the car on the trip home with it held by the seat belt across me. One thing I loved about Monroe Regional was that the nut. provided enough food for 3 to 4 days at home. So don't worry about stocking up too much before hand. Other than what I listed, leave everything else at home. Lori 293/199.5/135/130

Laura, The hospital will give you a pillow for the ride home.I brought a bathrobe and slippers a minty lip balm. I had a lapband done so no water or ice till next morning when i had the barium exray done. I did bring tooth brush and cinn. toothpaste, hair brush. I just didnt swallow any water. If you use a Cpap yu need to bring it. I also brought a hand held game and magazine. I had a shower in my room .They give you everything you need for it. I was also allowed a cell phone to call long distance.Bring loose fitted clothes for the ride home. At home you should have sf icepops,sf jello,sf pudding,chix broth low sodium, beef broth los sodium, crystal light,sf orangeaide,sf fruit punch, lots of water between all your fliuds including broth you need 64 ouncesa day. I had gas x and a stool softener also. Due to the gas they pump into you and the meds for pain they give you. I bought those chewable vitimins and calcium VIACTIVE. You might want a heating pad on hand too. Good Luck Pj

Bring your makeup, and as soon as you can - do yourself up pretty! It will make you feel terrifc!

Everything the ladies mentioned. I had a shelf-bra tank top and that was the best thing in the world. My gut did not want to have anything constricting anywhere near it! I found that it laid nicely over my drains, and I could pull it out of the way when needed. Very comfy.