What to pack for the hospital?

So, it's only 3 more days until surgery.  I'm sitting here trying to think of what all I should pack to take to the hospital.  Any suggestions?  Ideas?  Things you didn't take, but wish that you had?  Things you did take, but never used?

All comments welcome!!!

Vickie

Depends on how long you will be there. My experence, chapstick, a pillow for the ride home & comfy slippers with nonskid bottoms. They will have you up walking. Also loose fitting clothes for the ride home. Maybe a toothbrush if you have a favorite kind. They should give you anything else you need. I hate hospital slippers!!
Nan

Hi Vickie, Welcome to the WLS family.

I have a few questions . Has your Doc. advised you about the Meds you take each day, will you need to bring your own Meds from home , or will the Hospital provide.

Can you have someone stay with you while your fresh from surgery. The reason I ask is because you'll need care and may not be awake enough to call the desk.

Things to take: Your body soap, all creams you use ,sugar free  breath mints, shampoo,brush and comb, Tooth brush and paste.

You might be put in two hospital gowns, one opening in the back and one to the front. This being winter time , you may need to bring a warmer robe. 

I found the book I took to the hospital to read  stayed in the suitcase, couldn't stay awake long enough to read a page.

You have started on the journey of a life time. Some of your days may bring buyers remorse, other days will be worth all that you've gone through. The changes that might happen to your body and mind will have a lot to do with hormone's being released . As the fat breaks down , the hormone's that were stored may flood you with a roller coaster of highs and lows. Please be aware and know that even that rough ride is temporary .

Do you have all your food powders at home. One of the small things that helped a lot of us was to buy baby spoons and small bowls. You'll be surprised at how little you can eat when the time comes to start on table food. Having the tiny spoon was wonderful.

You will need to sip water almost constantly, a lot of us were told Not to use straws, to much air causes gas. 

Walking is going to be your best friend.  Go for walks as often as you can. Take someone along , make memory's.

Looking forward to having you sit on ( The bench).We all move over a bit to give  the next family member a place to rest .

Peg In Red, Your Cali. Sister. WLS, 2006 

 

Hey Vicki! Bet you are getting excited! 
I don't even remember what I took...mostly just me and my cpap and a small list they gave me at the seminar. I was hosed up with cpap or 02 most of the time because of apnea.

Great suggestions though

I took magazines and books, but did not read them. . .  your cell phone/charger, maybe your ipod device, pretty much everything else has been covered.

Take care Vickie, wishing you the best possible transition to the Loser's Bench.

Laureen

I took my own toiletries, and flip flops for slippers, because it was summer.  I also took my own robe, because I was not sure about the A/C.  Laureen's suggestion about the iPod was good, because my hospital's TV channels sucked.  Be prepared to walk, as that is key to recovery. 

Good luck. 

Hugs,
Trish

Did take my Bible - but it was hard to read while in bed, and I didn't spend a ton of time sitting up in the chair. The "tea" choices weren't my favorites, so I would probably take a couple bags of what I liked. Good pair of slippers and a nice robe are ESSENTIAL - I spent most of the day walking (slowly!) and doing the exercises my surgeon told me to do to help move the gas around. A nice hair brush and headband or pony tail bands if your hair is long.

Thanks so much for all the good suggestions!  I am packing this evening.  It's almost here!

Vickie

Best wishes!