What to bring to the hospital???

Hi- I am new to this board, but not to WLS. I have been planning and researching the surgery for a few years, but, for one reason or another, it kept getting put on hold. I have finally decided on Dr Lopez-Viego in Boynton Beach. However, it looks like Dr Wizman may be doing my surgery. I haven't gotten an answer as to why that is yet. Not that I have a problem with that. I actually like Dr Wizman better. Long story short, it looks like I will be having my surgery on either 8/21 or 8/28. Which is scary and exciting , all at the sametime. I was wondering what I would need to bring for my hospital stay. Any suggestions? Also, I have been told that I need to start trying protein shakes. Any suggestions there would also be helpful! Thanks!

DON'T Take anything! Ok you might wear something loose to the Hospital which you'll wear when you go home too. And a pillow to hold against your stomach just for the ride home. Otherwise the hospital will/can supplies anything you might need. I took a small case but didn't use anything. And once I got to a regular room I have a friend bring some Crystal Light, the water & ice had a metal taste. Mike

Bare neccesaties--chapstick, toothbrush/paste, comb and maybe a robe and slippers for walking the hallway post-op. Protein shakes----there will be a hundred different suggestions. Here is mine: go to www.unjury.com and order some samples of their powder. I like the chocolate mixed with milk. Tastes and smelled(to me) just like Nestle's Quick You can also get samples from other places--many listed on this website. Congratulations on your upcoming surgery and good luck.

Congratulations on getting a surgery date. It is very exciting. I am 4 weeks post-op now and down almost 30 lbs. I feel great!!! I got my G-tube out today. Now to answer your question...you do not want to bring too much stuff because you really will not use it. Like the previous response, bring only the necessities (& maybe some chapstick & very loose clothes to go home in). My husband stayed with me in the hospital and he was the one who needed to bring stuff like little snacks (cheese crackers), magazines or a book to read, comfy clothes, & his "necessities." You are the one who will be well taken care of while you are in the hospital. Good luck and keep us posted on your recovery.

I brought a variety of protein shakes & crystal lite and couldnt stomach any of them. Had to go to GNC and try a bit of everything while waiting for my gtubes to come out. I was from out of town and stayed in a hotel after I got out of the hospital. My suggestion would be - all of what everyone else said. A pillow and a tank w/the shelf bra for strictly comfort - I think I rolled my tank up a lot at the belly for comfort and I could safety pin my gtubes to the bottom/inside of the shelf bra too. When I had to walk - I just put a button down shirt on and rolled down my tank and I was PORTABLE. I had problems with smells after surgery. Perfume made me nauseated and vomitted for 30 min. after someone came into my room. I couldnt get the hospital or cleaning staff to stay out if they had perfume. This was the worst feeling for me - because it hurt so darn bad. But as long as no smells - I was healing good and no pain. Up and cruising around and powering my walks by gas! Good luck and stay healthy!

Congrats on your surgery date. I too am new to the board for Florida however I have been a member of this site where I used to live in Alabama. I had my surgery Nov. 21st and have lost 107 pounds and I feel terrific. I took chapstick and some breath drops because I was on ice chips and stuff and from the medication and all I had a nasty taste in my mouth. I took some lip balm and a pair of slippers/socks. I took a robe but didn't need it because they put a gown on backwards so I was covered and the robe wasn't ever used. I took some magazines because I got tired of TV sometimes. I took a ton of stuff that I didn't need at all so just pack light. My hospital had a volunteer that is a member of the support group at that hsp. she visits every single person after surgery and brings you a goody bag full of things you can have right after surgery it was very nice. I also got a card stating that I had surgery to use in restaurants to get children menu. Good Luck!

Hi there. i am so glad that you asked this question, because i was thinking the same thing.(surg.08/08/06

Thanks to everyone for all of the great tips! Chapstick seems to be the hot item! Which I never would have thought of. I'm glad that I asked.....

Congrats on your surgery date...I will be 8 weeks post op on Monday and Dr. Wizman did my surgery. He is awesome!!!!!!!!!! You don't need to bring alot to the hospital, a robe, slippers, something to read, your cell phone.....probably all you need! I didn't start protien shakes until I got home. Dr. Wizman didn't require anything special. If he does your surgery, you will have to attend a 4 hour class before to update you on everything as well. GOOD LUCK!!!!! :)