I need help packing...

Okay guys and gals.... I cleaned my house this weekend. It is all ready to welcome me home from surgery... Hubby goaned and moaned, but lent a hand and is starting to feel my excitement (or is it nerves?)... What do you all suggest I take with me to the hospital on the 19th to make my stay comfortable? I realize I am not going to the Hilton for a week... but I'd rather have what I need with me than wish I had brought it. My mom asked me if I was taking my blow dryer (long standing family joke... I never leave home without it). Seriously... what do you all suggest I take?

Cool. The hospital will have everything you will need but I took stuff that would get me in my happy place - slippers, big boxers and Ts, my Porsche mags and the last time a DV player. Chapstick is a good idea. But they have everything. You will do great. You ROCK!!! kp

I was debating on taking the portable DVD player, but I was concerned with treating this like a trip to the Bariatric Resort and Spa. Glad to know I wasn't the only one!! My sister is letting me borrow her Ipod and I think I'll download a movie or two "just in case" I am not entertained enough by the hospital staff.

I brought to the hospital was my bathrobe and slippers to walk in and tolietries to use in the morning plus comfortable loose fitting clothes to wear home plus my pillows some people bring like a book or magazines but I slept most of the time. Good luck with your surgery. Tricia

Brandee I am so glad you asked this question! I was pondering the same thing even though I have 36 days to go. It will be here before I know it and I will be just like DUH what to bring. I know that a calming effect for me is my Mercy Me and Jars of Clay CD's. (they are christian bands) So I know I am bringing those with a walkman. Plus I can never sleep away from my husband so I bring his pillows with me instead of my own so I can at least smell him when we are apart. LOL I'm crazy that way. Not to mention my own robe because I don't want (and believe me no body else does either,) my bottom hanging out walking down the hall. LOL Bring what you think you will need. If you like to read bring a book. But big clothes is a great idea so you are comfortable. Home all goes wellf or you. I have you on my date list for the 26th is that the right date? Let me know for sure ok. Good Luck, hugs, Di

Hi Di... actually, my date is the 19th now. Originally my WLS was scheduled for the 26th. The 19th is actually a pretty good date for me. I was born March 19th... so this is offcially my 3 month belated birthday gift! I don't have a robe... well, I take that back, the one I have I hate because it is too thick and makes me hot. But I do have something that would work. I am not a slipper girl, but have found a pair of cute flip-flop style slippers. My sister gave me a few good books to read for the summer, so I'll probably take one of them with me. Too funny about you and your husband's pillows. Gordon sweats a lot in his sleep and I always get freaked out when he gets out of bed before me and I roll over and land on one of his warm, sweaty pillows. Your pillow story sounds much more romantic than mine

Extra pillows is good. I like my own pillows and I needed about 6 to be comfortable after surgery. Not for my head! I used them everywhere to support sore areas. Also, I did not want tv and music. I was more busy trying to walk and get my water in LOL! But some people need a distraction so this is not a bad idea. I hate to bring this one up, but every time someone asks I mention it because I found it to help tremendously. I bought extra long tongs. I used them to reach places I couldn't after surgery. I was too sore to reach when I would go potty and I am too skittish to let other people do it for me. It also helps in the shower. Just a thought. Good luck and you will do great! Wendy

Wendy... just where do you find these tongs? Hmmm.... I was hoping the drugs would allow me to "do it all"....

I got mine at the dollar store, and some people can reach with the pain and most can't. Usually people ask the nurse or hubby to help, but I HATE other people doing my personal business! LOL! I was able to be much more independent, although I did need some help in the shower. My hubby said he liked that part! Wendy

Brandee: Thanks for the email earlier. Oh my, I didn't realize that you too would be going in soon. Good luck to you to. I leave at 4:00am tomorrow morning and surgery is at 8:45 am. My house too got a MAJOR cleaning this week complete with groaning husband and children! I think it must be nesting instinct minus the kid! Ha! I have to think about what to take.....I didn't do that yet... yikes, your email made me realize I forgot to deal with that. Okay, musn't panic! Anyways, sorry I couldn't help you with that one....I gotta go pack! God be with you on your journey and we'll meet on the other side of gaining--the losing! Mari