What should I pack to bring to the hosptial?

To be honest, it didn't really taste like anything - maybe a little "chemically" but it's very thin - like water, and you don't drink very much of it - you can't after surgery - just sips - it seems like it was like 8 oz. or something, so I had to do it in 2 oz. increments.  It really wasn't bad at all.  

Take the minimum.   I was only overnight (Lapband) and took way too much stuff....wore the same outfit to & from the hospital.  Really only needed a comfy nightgown - got out of the very attractive  hospital gown as soon as I could - - a robe and slippers for walking the halls and toothbrush etc.  I did take a book but didn't get much read.   Good luck on your surgery.  

Hi Marianne ~ I packed my toothbrush and toothpaste, my hair brush, deodorant, (you probably won't even take a regular shower until you're home, and even then you'll probably have JP tubes and bandages/staples to keep dry - for that, I used that Glad wrap that is promoted to stick to anything - it worked nicely over my incisions - no moisture got in.) baby wipes, non-skid slippers or shoes you can slip on easily and walk because they will not let you go home unless you are actively walking the halls!  I brough hand cream because I can't fall asleep at night unless I've used hand cream, mouth wash - just the travel size of everything.  I also brought my own robe as hospital gowns do not allow for modesty, and again, you'll have to be up walkng around before you leave.  Oh...I mentioned this on another post earlier today.  I could not wear the jeans that I wore to the hospital home.  The IV fluids caused me to swell something terrible and I could not even get them zipped!  My daughter had to run home (not a quick jaunt to New Port Richey!) and get my sweat pants for me in order to leave!  So be sure you allow for a little expansion initially - sweats work great!.  Can't think of anything else right now.  I brought magazines and stuff to read but never really felt like it.  Remember what I told you about the A-line too!  I'm so excited for you!!!   ~ Terri

Thanks Terri AND thanks for the help finding the hospital today! I was really hoping you would be able to answer the phone!  You have been such a big help to me and always so upbeat. I love that about you. I can't wait to see you the day after surgery no matter how lousy I may feel. But again, I know you have a TON on your plate now so please don't stretch yourself to thin.  When I was at the hospital today I brought up my concern about the A-line and they told me to talk to the anestesiologist the day of surgery and tell them exactly what you told me. They said I have EVERY right to insist and they will abide by my request. The nurse told me that as a general rule to they do it after you are under but in some cases if they are backed up and in a hurry they may try to save time by getting it out of the way. I wouldn't be surprised if this is what happened with you. But because of your advise, this is NOT going to happen to me!!!   Hugs, Marianne C.

Good girl!  THAT'S what I like to hear...assertiveness!  That is exactly what happened with me. I was scheduled for 9 and there were two emergencies and to make a long story short, they did not take me down until 5!!  BUT that is still no excuse.  They can take the few extra minutes to do it the RIGHT way! LOL  Believe me, if I come up there on Wednesday and find out something I don't want to hear, HEADS WILL ROLL! LOL  I'm not the one in the bed this time around, and believe me, they do NOT want to cross me!!!!  That is a VERY sore subject for me (no pun intended!).  That was the worst part of it all - really the surgery after affects were minimal pain - more discomfort than pain I think.  I mean it's still surgery, and you are bound to be sore, but it's not intolerable at all.  In fact the nurse commented to me that the Morphine pump was there for me to use and to not be afraid to use it.  I wasn't afraid to use it - I didn't need it!   I love chatting with you too for the very reason you said about me!  YOU are always so up beat and cheery!  I have to smile every time I read one of your posts!  So glad we got to meet and form a friendship!

I agree with the other posts.  Wear something soft & very loose to & from the hospital - don't forget to wear slip on shoes (you don't want to be trying to bend over to put on or tie shoes!!).  Take a loose robe you can wear over the hosptial gown  & non-skid slippers for walking the halls.  The thing I used most was Chapstick!!  You probably won't shower at the hospital but if you have certain products you like it doesn't hurt to carry them.  Of course, I wanted to use my own toothbrush & toothpaste and brush & comb so I brought them with me. Good luck with your surgery! Vickie J.

Here's the SHORT LIST
Chapstick
Toothbrush and paste
Comb/brush so you can look your best for any "hot resident doctors."
Loose clothing to wear home---elastic waist cotton knit pants or shorts
A few changes of undies.
Slippers for walking the hallway---though my hospital provided those gripper slipper socks!!
Pillow for the car ride home
No sense in packing nightgown/pj's or a robe----wear their stuff and dirty it up

Now the add on's:
Bring an iPod or something like it---if you wish
Magazines to flip thru ---no book--you won't have the concentration level.
The less you take---the less you have to keep track of.
Use the KISS method--Keep It Simple Stupid--no offense meant.

Take a back scratcher! Red

OMG...CHAPSTICK!!!  I would have killed someone for that on my second day.  You wouldnt think it, but if I had it to do over, I would have 2 with me, just in case I happened to lose one.  I took my own pillow and a lap blanket.  I wish you so much luck before during and after your surgery.  As you did for me, I will be thinking about you and praying for a wonderful surgery.

Thank you SO much Kim... you are a doll!  A lap blanket huh? What did you use that for? Siting at the edge of your bed or in a chair?   -Marianne C.