I need your advice....please?!

Well, I have 1 week to go till my big day~ whooo hooo! But I have a question for those of you who have gone before..... what exactly should I take with me to the hospital? Do I have to take the protien stuff with me, or do they give that to you at the hospital? I am at a loss... not sure what I should do. Did you wear your own gown, etc?? I know these are goofy questions, but I am on countdown mode, and just trying to get a few things lined out. Thank you ahead of time for your post, and most of all thank you for your continued support!!! You guys are the best! Can't wait to join you as a BIG LOSER!!!!!! May God richly bless you today! sonya

Sonya, I had my surgery at Baptist, however I am sure they will provide your diet at the hospital just as they did for me. As far as gowns, the first day I wore the hospital gown and took a good rope that wrapped around me and was easy to get on. I would suggest good house shoes that are easy to walk in and easy to slip in to. However, I did want to change into my own gowns by day two, but I had taken gowns that were loose and short sleeved due to the IV's. As far as clothes to wear home, I would suggest nothing that is binding around the waist, because you will not be able to stand it. As a matter of fact, now that it is warmer, I would suggest wearing a casual spring dress, but what every you wear make sure it is loose and not binding. I gained 10 pounds in the hospital from the surgery and IV fluids. These are just a few suggestions. Can't wait to have you join us as a LOSER!! Keeping you in my Prayers, Shelia

Congrats on the date, I know you will need chap stick or your favorite lip balm, you may want to take your own pillow, no gown needed, you get to wear the "seemore Hynee" gown, except these are made for WLS patients and actually fit, take a robe and some no slip house shoes for the walks . I took some protein, but I actually went home before I needed them, so you may want to take a few. Take a book, or puzzle or something to entertain yourself if you felt like it. I can't think of anything else, but others will chime in and add stuff. I am so happy for you, keep us posted on your progress. Darlene

Take something to help wipe with when you go to the toilet. I had not had any trouble reaching pre-op so I didn't even think of it. After surgery you will be swollen and sore. I couldn't reach and wound up in tears, kinda scared my hubby. He had to wipe me and I'm sitting there blubbering telling him "no, front to back". It's funny now but it sure wasn't at the time. I used a long handled wooden spoon that I could wrap the tissue around and just slip it off when I was done. **I tossed the spoon when I didn't need it anymore!!!!!!!!!** Chapstick or lip balm socks in case your feet get cold hairbrush toothbrush/toothpaste comfortable robe & slip on slippers some body lotion for a loved one to rub in for you - my back hurt afterwards They will feed you according to your doctor's orders. Leave your proteins at home. I agree, wear something loose and comfortable to the hospital and plan to wear it home. Since my surgery was in January, I wore sweats and my slippers to the hospital. Leave your bag of personal items in the car until after surgery. You can have whoever is staying with you bring it in once you are settled in your room. That will mean less for them to have to keep up with while you are in surgery & recovery. Plan on having someone stay with you at least that first night. You will still be groggy and may not be thinking clearly enough to call for a nurse if you need something. They will check on you regularly but we all tend to do goofy things when we are medicated. Good luck!!!!!!!!!!! Susan

I took my favorite pillow and favorite blanket (yes, I have a "blankie" hahahaha), toiletries, robe, slippers, pajama bottoms, comfy clothes to wear home, undies, portable DVD player, DVDs. Whatever else you think you might use to pass the time. I don't know what protein is required now, but when you get your liquid meal trays, they will have protein drinks on them. The first day out of surgery will be miserable... nothing by mouth for that entire day. My mouth was sooo dry. The catheter gets in the way but will come out the next morning per doc's orders. If you still menstrate, be prepared for that to start up...but the hospital has things to help you in that area too! I hope everything goes well for ya Sonya! I'll be thinking about you. April

You can take some slippers, house coat, night gown, toothbrush/paste/mouthwash, brush, comb, some hairspray & makeup but I never used mine, underwear, bra (if you want to use one; I never did... but didn't need it though)... they will provide all your drinks, medicines. If your pain meds are as good as mine were, you won't care about anything! But to walk, you do need your housecoat & slippers... unles you like your butt flowing for everyone to see... haha