What to take to the Hosiptal
Take a back scratcher. You know the kind you get in the dollar store that is like a stick with a monkey paw on the end. I do not know what I would have done without mine. In fact, when I was in the hospital every time the infectious disease doc came in to see -- she would pick it up and scratch my back while we talked.
Red
Edited to add: If you use a CPAP machine ask your surgeon about taking your machine to the hospital with you.
Congrats on your date - that's great! I would definitely advice Vaseline instead of the Chapstick, especially if you have an NG tube put in (depends on type of surgery and your surgeon). My mouth and nose got so dry it was worse than my open RNY. And if you have open, you may want a nightgown and robe for your ride home as opposed to comfy pants and a t-shirt so they don't irritate any staples that you may have. And don't forget to bring a pillow to hold against your tummy for when you need to cough or go over bumps in the road. And finally, go with confidence that you are going to come out on the other side ready to win your battle against obesity and you will do great!
~ Monica