Got a date and some questions

Hey guys,
I know this question has probably been asked  before but I am gonna ask it again.

I just found out that my surgery date is Feb 9th!!! I am so excited/nervous. I don't have a lot of time to prepare. I planned my vacation perfectly. I go on vacation from work on the 29th (super fun cruise), get back on the 6th, have my preop on the 8th, and surgery on the 9th. I won't be back to wor****il March. My doc is giving me 5 or so weeks off since I do heavy lifting at work and I don't want to hurt myself.

I wanted to know what everyone took to the hospital, things that you wished you had and things you had and couldn't live without. Also what things were nice to have when you got home.

Nathalie

this is a good question, i am also scheduled for the 9th. and while i feel mentally prepared i dont feel prepared for the hospital stay.

 congrats!! 5 weeks off woow ur lucky girl!

one of my bigest concerns was to survive the hospital!! lol. so i took  bocks, magazines,  ipod.  i had a Tv in my room. n i didnt use any of them!!!! (well maybe the ipod lol) i was sleeping the whole time! i was feeling sooo tired n they had my pain undercontrol all the time so i was super sleepy!!!!!!. n not feeling very good to be hones. but after i went out of the hospital i start feeling MUCH better n i spended all the time watching TV. i couldnt believe how many food adverticing its on tv!! CRAZY!
what it helped a lot! n no body tells u its to bring a small pillow. so u can push agains ur tummy when u move or cough or anything it may hurt lol.
good luck!
hugs

Thanks so much... I am sure it is going to be a ride and I hope not too much pain :)

Congratulations

I took to much to the hospital:

Notebook- Could not use due to the fact by BlackBerry went home

Book - Did some reading.

Pajama Pants - so you don't leave everything hanging out while you walk the halls

Toothbrush and past

My nutrition information from doctor - to get ready to go home

Hospital supplied - FOX News.

I came out of surgery last Wednesday and have had no aches or pain. My energy level is getting better than it was prior to surgery. Yesterday I walked through the commissary shopping for the first time with out a scooter.One week out and the weight is leaving. No longer on insulin or nine of my regular drugs. Still have more to go.

Good Luck and God Bless

Go in at peace and will be an easy time.

Thanks for the suggestions and congrats on your success so far. I can't wait to be on that losers bench with ya!!

I  brought a small set of toiletries, a robe and slippers (which I just wore over my hospital gown when I was walking), my cell phone (because who doesn't love getting texts from people on IV pain medication!), and a book.  I never picked up the book after surgery, but the surgery was delayed for about an hour, so I was grateful to have the book as a distraction.

That's about it...I wore the same clothes home that I wore to the hospital.   In fact, I hardly used the toiletries since I was only there one night and waited until I got home to shower.

Although I'm usually an over-packer, I resolved not to be one in the hospital and ended up with just the right amount of stuff.

Have a great vacation and good luck with the surgery!

-Gillian 

coongrats on your upcoming surgery.. since you are only in the hospital over night i didnt bring too much besides the usual toothbrush, change of clothes, personal toiletries etc and of course GOSSIP magazines.. i have to tell you though i didnt get to read much.. i MOSTLY SLEPT.. I WAS SO TIRED.. I wasent in barely any pain and rarely used my PCA pump but all i did was sleep. LOTS OF REST IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS, when i wasent sleepi ng or talking with my fabuolous post wls roommate we were walking around in the hallways (which was highly encouraged by the nurses) .. best of luck onyour journey im 3 months out and i am so thankful. The first week is rough... pretty much hell since you cant eat and your hungry..

Thank you so much for the suggestions. And congrats on your surgery too :)

I'd say all you would need is maybe a very loose pair of pajama pants, your toothbrush & toothpaste, a brush for your hair (if you care lol), something to throw your hair up with and maybe a robe.

I was there 2 nights and to be quite honest...if I wasn't up walking around I was passed the eff out! lol 

Don't be afraid to get the night nurses and ask to walk around late at night. I had troubles sleeping and was super restless and uncomfortable in bed so I walked a LOT. I think it helped me get through the pain.

Books...I don't think you can even comprehend what you're reading lol I wouldn't bother with it! 

Cell phone was a MUST for me! And then I didn't even want people to call me/text me lol

Good luck sweetie!