Surgery in a week! What should I expect in the hospital?

My surgery is just under a week away.  I am so excited, but also starting to get a little nervous.  I'm not really nervous about the surgery itself, I'm more uncertain of staying in the hopsital.  I've never had to stay overnight, I've only had out-patient procedures. 

Can anyone give me a heads up on what to expect during my stay?

Also(and I know this question gets asked a lot)what should/shouldn't I pack for my stay?

Any words of wisdom for the first few days/weeks post-op?

Thanks for the help!

I can't believe it is almost here. Since I have stayed at Clovis Community I will try to help you. Take a bathrobe. You don't need a night gown or slippers. They will give you a gown and these socks that have stuff on the bottom to keep you from slipping. Take the Isopure Bottles that they gave you at the Nutrition Seminar. Dr. Swartz will want you to drink them in the hospital. They will give you a toothbrush and toothpaste. You might want to take a book in case you feel like reading. (I did not feel like it.) Don't worry about make up and stuff. You might want to take pad because after being on a liquid diet in the hospital, well you know why. I know you have a drive home. You may want to take shampoo and a hairbrush.

While you are in the hospital drink a lot of fluid and make sure they count your isopure when they record it. Dr. Swartz will  not let you go home until you have taken in enough fluids. Have plenty of protein water on hand at home. I hear that Trader Joe's has a very yummy chicken broth. You can also drink soup but you have to drain all the vege's, noddles, and any other thing besides liquid out of it. You will be on a liquid diet until at least you 1st visit a week after surgery. You need to sip all day. Do not let yourself get dehydrated. You can also have sugar free jello, and clear liquids.

Now if you have any questions you know you can always call me. If you need my phone number again just PM me.

I know I don't belong on the 20 somethings forum but thanks for letting me post any way! I am just a phone call or PM a way. I will be glad to help you! Good Luck!

Congrats! I'm not far behind you. I know everyone says be sure to bring chapstick. I can't live without mine anyway so that's a no brainer. How about an iPod to drown out some noise while you sleep? Someone also said your own pillow, and that way you have it for the ride home as well as in the hospital.

 You will also be very tired, so sleep as much as you can!  I know it's near impossible in a hospital with nurses coming in and out constantly but do try, it will help the healing process.  

Good luck, you'll do great! 

~Emily~ 

 Be prepared to do a lot of walking...  I tried to refuse during my stay... It didn't work. They still made me do it.  ;)  Good luck!  you will do great!  :)