What do I take to my date

I am sooo close 9-7-04 I just dont know what to pack. What did you feel like after- OR ? Will I want to put on my makeup, do my hair this is the way I am hate being seen with out. Do I pack a book? how about gum? can we chew gum. What kind of nite close did you take? SEE I NEED SOME HELP

Michelle, Good morning. First things first, you MUST give up chewing gum. It is really dangerous to chew. Since my surgery was open, I was more sore than others that have it done lap. I personally didn't even take make-up with me. As for my hair, I had it done before going into the hospital so all I had to do was pick it out. I didn't take any gowns because I knew I would just wear theirs. Hope this helps sweetie. Love, Sandy Pierce imnotfatanymore.com PS. So the 7th is your date in surgery? You joined my website, but didn't tell me you had a date. Email me okay?

Hi M......Congratulations on your upcoming surgery. I am from Celina. I had my surgery on 7/27/04 in Dayton. Dr. Fallang is my surgeon. I took all the things you are talking about and did not need any of it. I too always wear makeup but only used a little lipstick. They furnished a robe so did not need that. Seems I was so busy either walking drinking or resting that did not have time for all the other things. All I can say is if you have room pack it and if you don't use it...Oh well. I wish you all the luck in the world in your new life. It really is wonderful. I am 5 weeks out and have lost 34 lbs. I am happy. Anna L Archer [email protected]

I am only 2 weeks out..hte most important stuff to take is chap stick!!! The day after surgery it will be your best friend until you have your swallow study and finally are able to have ice chips!! My other suggestons..your own pillow from home, and a fan if you tend to get warm....i wuld'nt worry about makeup or your hair...you won't care, I kept my hair n a pony tail and makeup was the least of my concerns even on discharge day. I just wore hospital gowns they were very roomy...howyou feel post op is very different everyone's pain tolerance is different...and depends on type..lap or open..i had lap and pain was minimal...more pain in back and neck than stomach from the position on table..just remember you morphne pump is your best friend..use i!!!! hope this helps! Barb

Take minimal items with you. I wear make-up every day, and with my lap RNY, I did feel like putting on a little makeup and cleaning myself up a bit the next day. I only took a Reader's Digest. I don't think I could have concentrated on a book. Shorter stories worked better, and I didn't even read the whole thing. DO NOT take valuable items. Some people take CD players and the like, but there is always the risk they can be damaged accidently, lost or even stolen. Lip balm is fine. NO gum or hard candies of any type. I got my hair trimmed (short anyway)before surgery so it was easy enough to take care of. You probably won't be feeling like doing anything with a blow dryer or curling iron, so skip that. I wore hospital gowns. Much easier to manipulate with the IV that I had. Don't take a purse, money or valuables to the hospital. Take toiletry items you like, but hospitals generally provide the necessities. I wanted to brush my teeth as soon as I got settled in my room. Your job is to recover; you aren't going on vacation. Remember to pack some comfortable, stretchy clothes to wear home, and some slip on, non slip house slippers for walking after surgery. Good luck! Sue

I took my own pillows,2 of them, a fan for sure,and I did take my nightgown for the second day and a robe for the halls. You need to walk the halls and you certainly dont want your fanny hanging out lol. All you really need is that pump in your hands and dont let anyone take it away .I didnt turn on the t.v. and didnt read, I was in lala land, Cindy

The best thing I took with me was my own pillows -- they were wonderful! The second best thing was Carmex for my lips right after I came out of surgery. I took a whole bag of stuff to do -- a book, magazines, word searches, cd player and never took anything but the cd player out of the bag. It was difficult to concentrate and my attention span was not very good; I was tired and sore and didn't really feel up to much -- certainly never got bored! My daughter brought me a People magazine, which I did enjoy -- short articles not requiring any mental energy; I could pick it up and put it down whenever I wanted. Good luck to you!

Hi M, I think the most improtant thing you can take is a positive attitude. Just keep thinking in a few more days you will be on the journey to an all new you. It is very exciting. Good luck and keep us posted. Oh, where are you having your surgery? Every place is different. I took all of the things you mentioned and did not use any of it. Slippers are improtant and a plan for when you come home. At the hospital the gowns and robes there are just right. To come home a big lose sweat suit is good. I would also have a large robe that opens easily for when you come home. You are almost there.