What's in the bag?

Hi Everyone! My surgery is Monday at WW (still waiting on a call about the time). I'm a planner and list maker so I'm thinking about what to pack. Would appreciate any input regarding what you packed that you absolutely couldn't have done without; what you didn't need, what you wish you had, etc. Any suggestions about the type of clothing, toiletries or items to "entertain" yourself (books, ipod, etc.) Anything special you needed when you got home? Wow.....that's a lot! Maybe I'm over thinking this. LOL Thanks for indulging me. Cindy

Well I took at change of clothes, but I didn't need them because I wasn't in the ones I wore to surgery long enough to get them dirty. I took my deodorant, tooth brush and toothpaste, and my Gas-Ex strips. I also took my favorite blanket with me, and I was covered with it the whole time. I took my laptop, and that was probably the biggest life saver I could have done. The hospital has free wifi internet, so that helped. I would recommend bringing your own pillow, If you don't have a laptop you can take, I would strongly recommend getting some good audio books and listening to them. When I was sent home, I stopped by Walmart and got a whole bunch of SF jello and koolaid, and a whole bunch of Crystal Light too.

Thanks Michelle!!! What about your feet? Did you walk the halls in your house shoes, socks, or just the shoes you came in with. I know I'm not going to be running laps, just curious. I tend to overpack for everything. Don't wanna go strolling in thee with a huge suitcase. Just kidding.....I wouldn't do that. Sounds like you're doing excellent!! Especially feeling good enough to go to Wal-Mart. Impressive. I'm checking your blog all the time. Thanks for doing it. Take care, Cindy

They give you your very own pair of socks when you get into pre op, but I must warn you, they don't like to stay up, my mom kept having to pull them up so that when I walked with my IV unit, I wouldn't run over the end of my sock and pull it off. That's about it though. And you're welcome for the blog.

Not sure how they do it over there but at Bailey in Owasso they gave us these tan socks with the plastic non-slip stuff on the bottom.  They were warm and great to walk in since the floors are carpeted up there.  As for stuff I took, I had my camera (but forgot to take any pics of me laying in bed lol, and CHAPSTICK IS A GODSEND!!!  I was content with jus****ching tv (since I dont have cable at home), resting, and walking.  I kinda freaked them out when I was getting up and walking at 3 am (I was bored).

I was only in overnight, but I forgot shampoo, etc. so it was provided for me. I took 1 change of clothes and a book that I never read because of the free in-room movies..saw Marie Antoinette while there. If you have a C-pap, you have to have it with you.  I wasn't in my room much. I spent my time walking the halls, and even going outside the front doors for a little bit to get fresh air. I knew that with my other surgeries, walking meant going home...plus, walking helps take the pain away faster and get the gas moving (for me at least). I wore my own slip on sandals to walk the halls in and outdoors. Socks are too slippery and slide ons made sure I didn't have to tie anything. I'd say hair stuff, facial cleansers, etc, toothbrush, change of undies and clothes.

I took stuff to entertain my self with.  Books, magizines, the chapstick, and a change of clothes to wear home.  Also make sure you take any medications that you are currently on.  Hope everything goes well Karen

Cindy, Don't overpack. You wont really need all that much. I took my blanket and pillow because I take that with me anytime I stay away from home. Just makes me feel better. Just bring or wear comfy clothes to wear home. You can change out of that lovely gown as soon as you feel up to it. I have seen some people change as soon as 2-3 hours post -op. We have free movies on demand, so that will provide you with plenty of entertainment. Trust me, you wont be there long enough to get bored. I will not be working Monday, but my great friend and boss, Tammy will be there. I always have her take extra great care of my peeps. Please let me know if you need anything, I will check on you and update the board if that is okay with you. ((((((((HUGS)))))))) Rita

I didn't take any houseshoes.  I just wore my Clark's slip-on sandals which have good traction and you don't have to worry about stepping in any wet spots.  You can wear your socks with them.  Who cares if it looks funny? 

Robe, houseshoes, jammies, couple pair of panties, chapstick, hairbrush and if long hair, ponytail holder, everything else I took was a waste and they provided my toothpaste and toothbrush.  I wore home what I wore in, a pillow to hold against your tummy on the ride home.   Best wishes AmyBeth