what's in your hospital bag?

Kathy S.
on 10/19/15 10:03 am - InTheBurbs, XX

Way To Go! Here are some suggestions...

Weight Loss Surgery Hospital Stay: What To Pack

One of the most common questions pre-op weight loss surgery patients ask OH post-ops is: "What should I pack for my hospital stay?"

Here is a list of some of the most recommended suggestions:

Loose fitting clothes for the ride home (You may be a little swollen!)

A pillow (To put over your stomach so that you can put your seat belt on after surgery, to place over your stomach when you need to cough)

ChapStick

Front zip sports bra

A list of your medicines

Open back Slippers (non-slip)

iPod with headphones (or something to listen to during your recovery)

A loose house robe to go around your hospital gown

A good book

Lotion

Water bottle for the ride home

Personal toiletries-toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, body wash, lotion, hairbrush, make-up and deodorant

Earplugs (In case your roomie snores!)

Insurance card

Biotene mouth spray (For dry mouth)

Cell phone and charger

Gas-X

Baby wipes

Hair band

A camera to take before pictures

Extra underwear

CPAP machine if you use one

Reading glasses or prescription glasses

Favorite photos that will comfort you

Laptop or E-reader device

Of all the items in the list above, ChapStick is a must according to many WLS post-ops. You should leave your jewelery and other expensive items at home. Bringing a Laptop, iPod, and other electronics is usually not encouraged and many post-ops have commented that they were too sleepy and too busy walking to want to read, check email, and do other activities that don't involve personal care.

WLS post-ops...Is there anything you would add to this list?

HW:330 - GW:150 - MW:118-125

RW:190 - CW:130

AppleSpice251
on 10/20/15 6:43 pm

VSG on 03/04/09

Very good list, Kathy S. I did not bring anything that I packed. I was told that I would go home the same day. (I did not go home the same day.) It was OK though, I was extremely tired. Did not feel like reading the book that I did bring.

Thankfully, toiletries were provided by the hospital. What I regret most not having were my pad and pen. Communication suffered some because I could not speak due to my throat being sore.

My sugar-free popsickle was delivered after I left to go to the lab for the leak test. Would have loved to be able to write a note about it because I was so looking forward to having it.

I missed not having my slip-on slippers from home. The hospital provided slipper-socks but I had to keep requesting extras as I could not see myself returning to bed in the same slipper- socks that I walked the germy halls in. (To their credit, the extra slipper-socks were provided with a smile but as I said...sore throat hindered communication.)

I was very tired upon returning home but not helpless. My hubby had a job to do, contracted before my surgery date, and we were caring for his very ill Dad at the time. I was able to prepare food for Dad and dispense his meds. I would walk down the hall to check on Dad then walk back to my room and get back in bed. Did this all day. Walking consisted of me puttering around in the kitchen. I could not eat any of the things that I was preparing nor did I wish to. I miss those 'not feeling hungry' days. (grin)

My hubby brought a a nice comfy bed pillow from home and also the bag that I packed but did not bring. It was all good. I healed nicely and I have no regrets.

It may sound like a cliche' but I wish that I could have done it sooner. I love my sleeve.

Congratulations for making this decision to put yourself first. You are awesome and you deserve to be taken care of - (I had the VSG in 2009)