Items To Take To Hospital

Well, I'm sitting here looking at my desktop counter and it says that I have 13 days left until surgery.....WOW, that's not far away. I am more prepared for it spiritually than physically. For all of you WLS veterans out there, especially the women. What did you pack for your stay?! I know it's an abdominal surgery so I'm kinda wondering about panties. I was going to buy some of the cotton panties that I found at Wal-Mart a couple of years ago, they look almost like nothing, they have great stretch ability and don't compress the body in any way, yeah may as well be naked, in fact that's what it feels like.........lol. I change my toothbrush often so I have a new one, I can't use bar soap so I bought a new bottle of body wash and I have lotion, I need to buy myself some more lip balm because my lips chap easily. If I'm missing anything besides something comfortable to wear home let me know. Oh and I may as well ride this whole thing out in comfort to the tee so I'll get me some new houseshoes too. Any suggestions about anything else to carry with me?! I may be missing something, if I am remind me.

Ya'll think I need to take my tennis shoes?! LOL, I had to say it.


Thanks,
Diane

Two words : BODY PILLOW :) I hugged my body pillow to get up and down it was also great for the ride home. Also if you still get a period it wouldn't be a bad idea to pack pads. I had stopped my period four days before my surgery and low and behold it showed back up the day after surgery. I took my good ol cotton granny panties with me to wear.

Oh Yes, body pillow, I knew there was something I was forgetting, Oh thank you so much. I hate the fact that there is a STRONG possibility that I will see Aunt Flo again before her time but hey, it's all worth it, and thank you very much for that little reminder as well.


Diane

I was going to say the same thing. The surgery (I guess the stress??) causes a lot of women to start their periods abnormally. So just be prepared for that in case. Your own pillow was also a great suggestion. Also, don't forget a housecoat or robe and your slippers for when they have you up and walking the halls. Chapstick is a great idea! I tend to overpack but usually the hospital will have everything you really need. No tennis shoes. It will be too hard to put on afterwards (same with socks). Don't forget something to do while you are there like a book or magazine. I never had time to read one but you may.  I know there is probably more. Hopefully some people *****cently had surgery will chime in. It is over pretty quickly and you are going home before you know it. Not long at all!

Hello Angel M! I've heard it twice so I will take pads by all means. You know I was just kidding about the tennis shoes........I just had to say it. Oh a robe I forgot that one too. i'm just glad it will be done and over with quickly...........I have to be strong and able to get back up and get to moving so I can recover fast. I will pack a good magazine to look at just in case. Hope you had a good 4th!

Diane

Diane, If you have sleep apnea, be sure to take your own C-pap mask and write down the setting on your machine for someone to give to the nurses.  The masks they provide at the hospital are very uncomfortable.  Also, if you have a small fleece blanket, I would take that as well.  For me, I couldn't get warm enough after surgery and they had run out of blankets (go figure).  May daughter wound up going to Target and buying me a fleece blanket because I was so cold.  Even though socks might be a bit difficult surgery, I would bring a pair of footie type socks and see if you can get the nurse or your mom to put them on you after surgery.  My feet tend to be my body's thermostat, so if I'm cold on go the socks, if I'm hot, off they come. You will do just fine and everything will go smoothly.  Just know you are in my prayers and I can't wait to see you on the loser's bench with the rest of us.  Keep us posted and feel free to continue asking any questions you have. Take care, Wendy

Hello Wendy! Thank you so very much for the reminder of the blanket and I was just kidding about the socks but my body also uses my feet as its thermostat. But seriously, I do prefer socks because I know being in the operating room can be on the cool side so I am considering the socks. If I have any more questions I will definately ask them. Thank you! I'll see you on the bench soon!


Diane

Diane,       You will be at Vanderbilt where I was.  Chap stick is a great idea, my lips were so dry and chapped after surgery.  Vandy actually provided some non skid socks, I wore themt o walk around in.  As far as cleaning up they also came in with some heated wash cloth type things.  they were great and Felt so good and warm.  SOmething very loose and comfortable to wear home is a great thing.  If I can think of anything else I will let you know....

Aah, I was wondering if any recent postops that has had their surgery at Vandy would answer this thread. I do know about the non skid socks. Oh thank God for the warm cloths, I will welcome them for sure. If you can think of anything else by all means let me know, please. Thank you so very much!

Diane