Things to take to the hospital for surgery

I have been asked about bringing certain things to the hospital for surgery and I'llt ell you my experience.... I had open surgery. I was in a lot of pain and on pain meds, so I wasn't with it enough to read or do cross words or even listen to music on headphones! I didn't even watch the tv in the room. I just walked, peed and slept. Things I broght to the hospital that I used: yummy flavored chapstick WIPES! ear plugs Things I brought that got in the way: headphones magazines books crossword puzzles blanket pillow slippers change of clothes shoes socks toothbrush toothpaste soap lotion etc... The hospital will supply you with toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, socks with the grippy stuff on the bottom, etc.. I didn't need or use any of the stuff on my second list. I did change into some pajama like clothes, stretchy pants and sweatshirt, to go home in. I wore my slippers too. But I didn't need to drag all that stuff to the hospital. If you are going and aren't going to have someone available to bring you stuff, then by all means PACK away! But I had a husband who could have brought me any of that stuff if I'd needed it. It all just stayed in the bag. The last thing you wanna do when you get home is unpack! Now I have friends who were up watching tv, reading, on the phone, etc the day after surgery! But not me! One other thing that I didn't need, but if you wear glasses, bring a HARD case for your glasses. Well, hope that helped some of you. I'm sure there are others who had it totally different than I did and can share things they had to have at the hospital. Take care, Kristen

Hi Kristen May I ask why you had the open surgery done? this was really nice to post.I sure hope my date comes soon so I can get this done over with. Take Care Melodie

My surgeon wasn't doing lap at the time. I would have done it ANYWAY they wanted...if they had to go through my face, I woulda took it! My surgeon now does laparoscopic gastric bypass and is starting to do the Lap Band. Some surgeons start out doing it lap, but end up having to open the patient to get more 'leverage'. The incision pain was horrible and the recuperating time was longer than for a lap. patient, but all in all, I would do it again in a heartbeat! ~~Kristen