What to pack for out of town ps? (cross post)

I will be leaving Sunday to drive to the Ft. Lauderdale/Miami area for my facial plastic surgery. I will be in the hospital 1 night, and in a hotel for another 5 or 6 days. What should I take with me for my comfort, medical recovery needs and food. Thanks in advance for your help & suggestions! Vickie J.

I wish I could help. I had everything done(ps) except my face. I slept alot the few days after. and I ate alot of Cereal and milk. Hospital food is no good and it was easy for me to fix on my own. best wishes/ heather

Heather, The hotel room will have a dorm size fridge and a small microwave so I (or should I say, my hubby) will be able to prepare simple soft foods for me. Did you need to take your own medical supplies (i.e. gauze, tape, etc.)?? Vickie J.

you should not need anything like tape and dressing supplies. The doctor will and should be the only one to do your dressing for a few days. that way it says steril and in tack. best wishes.

Hey Vickie, If you don't mind me asking - who is your surgeon in Fort Lauderdale? And have you had any other work done? Thanks, Monica OH Support Group Leader

Monica, Dr. Bernard Shuster of Hollywood, FL is my plastic surgeon. I had consults with 3 local and 5 out of town plastic surgeons before I decided on Dr. Shuster (some out of town consults were done online, via e-mail or telephone interviews with office staff). Because of a previous facial surgery (tumor removal), I was looking for a ps with specific experience. I met Dr. Shuster at the OH conference in Orlando last June and was very impressed with him. During my consult he spent 1.5 hours with my hubby & me. Although I really didn't want to go out of town for my ps due to the increased cost & logistical headaches, Dr. Shuster's experience with my previous surgery & bariatric reconstruction ps (1/3 of his practice are bariatric patients) were the deciding factors for me. This will be the first of 3 surgeries I have planned with him. If all goes well with the facial ps, I will have a lower body lift in June and in Nov. or Jan. I will have a breast lift with augmentation & arm lift. I hope that answers your questions. Vickie J.

Vickie, I was going to ask the same thing Monica asked....who the surgeon was. I'm going to make note of his name for future reference and I hope you will be posting your progress with each procedure. What hospital will you be going to?....or is it a private hospital? I had a breast reduction in (Tennessee) 1996 and my hospital stay was in a private hospital....it was VERY nice I guess you would take some of the same things you chose to take for your WLS. First on my list would be my own feather pillows....chapstick...a good antibacterial agent (hotel soaps are all about fragrance, not necessarily germs), etc. If you like, Email me and I can give you my phone number in case you need anything. Miami is a wee bit different from Tallahassee Ruthanna ~~ luvitsunnyv

The surgery will be at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Miami. I have not idea if it is private or public. I planned to take lots of pillows. Thanks for the reminder about chapstick - that was my favorite thing post wls!! I'll send you an e-mail, too. Vickie J.