I took a bunch of stuff I never used (including the lip balm... I was allowed ice chips as soon as I got out of recovery) the entire 4 days I was in the hospital (open surgery).  What I *did* take and actually use was my toiletries (tooth brush, toothpaste, brush, deodorant), my cell phone (be sure to take a charger, which I forgot!)  and my iPod.  My mom also brought me my own pillow because the hospital ones were hideous.

The one thing I did not take but wish I *had* was some slip-on COMFY slippers.  I had to make due with eitehr the non-slip socks the hospital provides or the moccasins I wore into the hospital... they worked, of course, but I wish I had something with some cushioning on my feet for all of the walking around the hospital floor.

Lora

I just wish I could have had my surgery before this all happened, but I agree that safety should be first and foremost .  I will be seeing the dietician at Dr. Whites office next week, I got an email from Amy stating that Dr. Lane may be going to Toledo Hospital,  if so, I guess I will see him there. I started my process in May of 2009 and I have everything completed besides my last visit to the dietician. wish me luch and pray that God's will be done,  Que

I had VSG with Dr. Lane on October 14, 2009 and found him to be the most caring, talented physician I had ever met. I searched for 10 years to find a doctor who I felt comfortable enough with to trust my life to.  My original surgery date was October 7th. I came to the hospital ready to go but suffering from a sinus infection. Dr. Lane told me that as much as he wanted to do my surgery he was more concerned about my health and that he would not take unneccessary risks. I had no complications. He and his staff were awesome. In my follow-ups I saw numerous members of the team. I always saw a dietician and often saw a medical resident in addition to Dr. Lane or Amy. I believe Dr. Lane is a great doctor who puts the safety of his patients first. It was for this reason that he left UTMC. He is not unreasonable, but when an institution refuses to do what a physician believes is neccessary for the safety of his patients, he has every right (and indeed a responsibility) to take a stand and resign. I understand and empathize with those waiting on surgery, but I felt it was important for another view to be represented. I hope Dr. Lane lands at Toledo Hospital, but I will follow him wherever he goes because he gave me my life back, no, scratch that, he gave me a life I never knew I could have.

I had the RNY by Dr. Curry on 2/9.  He is a great guy, easy to talk too.  He has had the lap band & most of his staff have had one surgery or another.

While I can't answer about the VSG I can tell you the whole experience has been wonderful.  Jewish hospital in Cincy was outstanding! 

I know I'm gushing but honestly I can't say enough good about  my journey thus far..

Lorraine

The employer's changing the plan was not an option and I didn't have any time to make changes before my surgery.  It is all paid for because I felt terrible for more than five years and had to make the decision to have the surgery to save my life.  I am the only one in my support group that paid out of pocket and feel that it was a necessary step that I took.  My appeals process is in the works, but because we work for a small company, we could not change the plan and it is a huge financial burden to have paid for the surgery because my health insurance is more than $1000 each month, out of pocket, too..If anyone has any suggestions, I am here.