St Luke's Anyone???

I was wondering what St Lukes Hospital provides, and what I should bring to the hospital. I am scheduled to have Lap RNY a week from today. Any suggestions? Lisa W RNY 7-12-04 Dr. Fang 245/goal is 120

They provide the basic things ... I brought a cd player, robe, slippers, something to read, toothbrush / toothpaste, and my hair brush. You probably won't feel like doing much but I found these things helpful. Tina

They were good but just the basic items. You wont care. The "slippers" they provided were gross. Bring your own. I preferred their back-opening nighty and didn't care about walking around in that - everyone else did. My big item: The wooden spoon. So much easier than drip-drying. Wiping will be an issue for the first week. Take the spoon, wrap a lot of tp on the top so you can just "blot" things - you will be glad you brought it! Also, they do not have conditioner so when you get to shower, you'll want that.

If there is one thing I can recommend it's to pay the extra money (if you can afford to) for a private room. The rooms are sooooo small and even smaller for big people like us. I personally did not have a good experience at St. Luke's. I am probably overly critical since I am an RN, but I can honestly say I wouldn't want a relative or myself back there on that med-surg floor. I had great pre and post op care, but the actual floor was horrendous. I brought things like books and magazines because I thought I might read them but that didn't happen. In fact I didn't do too much but sleep, walk, and count the minutes until I could leave. By the way if they give you any sort of toiletry supplies they will charge your insurance an arm and a leg for them. In fact, they sent me an itemized bill and I found a few descrepancies. There were several things they charged me for that I never saw much less used!! I could go on and on about that place!! Again, I feel like I had good care in the most important aspects (pre and post op and Dr. Juarez) so I don't want to freak you out. You must be an advocate for yourself and pay attention to your body and make sure you let the nurse know everything....( if you can get them to come to your room) AHHAH!! See there I go again...I better just stop! I do know that there are other people who felt they had a good experience. I hope I am the minority.

My PCP originally referred me to Dr. Juarez that operates at St. Lukes, but I read the member's reviews on this site about St. Lukes and asked my PCP to refer me to Dr. Blackstone or any other doctor that is covered in my plan that doesn't operate at St. Lukes. I would advise you to read the hospital review page for St. Lukes on here so you know what kind of care to receive there. People either love it or hate it. I would recommend having a family member stay with you - even overnight - to nag the staff to do things if they forget about you. Two of my friends had RNY's at Barix Clinics (Bariatric Treatment Centers) and their care was top notch. I wish my insurance covered that center. THey even provided tongs to help wipe after going to the bathroom. They even help you in the shower and don't make you feel uncomfortable about it. I hope you have a pleasant experience at St. Lukes and that the surgeon, the staff and everyone there is awesome. Be sure to post about your experience on the hospital review page when you feel better after you are home for a while. Congrats on your surgery!! It'll be here before you know it!

Lisa, I would say that the most important thing you should take with you is a "positive attitude"! Seriously! I am 17 months post-op and am totally in-love with my new life. My St. Luke's hospital stay was such a small piece of this giant pie! You will undoubtedly hear both sides from people; either a "love relationship or a hate" with their hospital stay. I had both experiences while I was there. I had incredible help and crummy help. Kind of the nature of life! Just remember that it's a short moment in the giant scheme of things and you are going in as a well person; not a sick whimp! If you happen to become the patient that truly needs extra care. You will get it. Otherwise, be prepared to take good care of yourself! Take those things that bring you comfort. I wish I would have had some of those really cozy slippers from Costco but I made do with their little non skid projects and was fine. My hubby forgot to bring in my hospital bag and I never even needed it until the 2nd day. The hospital had everything I needed; including the tooth brush, comb, etc. Good luck to you!!!! Your life is going to be truly amazing!!! *smiles* Joyce in Chandler who was really really glad my friend brought me a Pillow to hold tight over my "open" incicision!