Question:
Need help packing for hospital and buying post-op foods?

I need suggestions for what to take to the hospital and what to have at home for afterwards? I have to be on clear liquids for 2 weeks. Can anyone give me the name of the person whose profile has all of this listed and was very helpful (I just can't find it again). Thanks!    — [Anonymous] (posted on March 2, 2002)

March 2, 2002
I think her name was Brenda or Barbara Singer from Ohio. I know it helped me, my surgery is 3/8. Good luck to you.
   — [Anonymous]

March 2, 2002
i found chicken broth to be very easy ,,ramen noodles cooked and then drained for the broth was the best tasting.. i would suggest the chicken flavor first and the oriental flavor...but only in the top ramen noodles brand. also Popscicles brand has the best flavor of sugar free popscicles,,don't get lifesaver brand,,they are so nasty. and get sugar free jello,,already made.. that is about all you can have for the first 2 weeks,,,and it is amazing how good those things taste after surgery,,,,you won't believe...good luck
   — GARLYN P.

March 2, 2002
Hi! My problem was that I packed and bought too much. The things I packed and USED in the hospital were: chapstick, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, my own soap & shampoo for when they let you shower, slippers, pads (just in case), body lotion, and my journal. My husband kept my clothes in the car, then brought them in on my release date. I wore the hospital's gown and robe. I packed underpants, but didn't wear them because of my incisions (one was in the belly button). I packed lots of reading material, but honestly most of the time I wasn't that interested. As far as shopping for the first week at home I was totally lost. I bought a few boxes of sugar-free jello and a couple of cans of Swanson's Chicken Broth. But suprisingly I only went through one can of broth and two boxes of jello (my kids shared). I have a bunch left. I severely overestimated the amounts I would be eating! My DH bought 2 boxes of popsicles (the real fruit juice kind to avoid added sugars) and I have 1 1/2 boxes left. DH also bought 2 gallons of apple juice (one is still unopened and my daughter and I are both drinking it). I lived for a week on sugar free jello, broth, popsicles (for the chewing mostly) and apple juice. Good Luck to you!
   — Laura B.

March 2, 2002
If you don't want to go natural under your gowns it is possible to cut the elastic in your underwear. DO NOT let thm convince you to wear the once size fits all undies. Who ever designed those should be shot. Also if you have an IV and like your own PJs I cut mine along the shoulder seam and them safety pinned them closed. I just resewed them after I got home. Good Luck.
   — Rebecca K.

March 2, 2002
In the hospital I had: slippers, toiletries (toothbrush, lotion etc.)an extra pillow, phone card (for my long distance), cottonelle pre-moistened wipes, baggy going home clothes. For my clear liquid diet: Sugar free popsicles, crystal light, sugar free kool-aid, Swansons Chicken Broth, sugar free jello cups, protein powder with skim milk or water (my doctor has us start this right away even though it is not clear.)Good Luck (don't forget to have your chewable vitamins ready also). I am 2 1/2 weeks post op and I just graduated to a full liquid diet!
   — M. S.

March 2, 2002
if u email me i will send u my newbie post op list.
   — sheryl titone

March 3, 2002
I packed really light (for the first time in my life). I brought a loose dress to come home in, a silky robe, slippers, a CD player and some relaxing tunes, my toothbrush and CHAPSTICK!! I only ended up using the CD player once- too much of a hassle to get to it. But the Chapstick was invaluable!! My lips were like sand for the first few days. I didn't need anything else, they pretty much provided everything I needed.
   — Angela B.

March 4, 2002
I packed everything and used nothing! It didn't even leave the car. The hospital will supply you with everything. If you will be there more then a couple days then you may want to bring some of your own things or if you will be having visitors you want to impress :-) Not recommended :-) What I had at home was broth (which I did not touch) sugar free juice pops, a protein drink mix (Carb Solutions Vanilla), cream soups, sugar free jello in pre-made cups, cream of wheat, cottage chesse, baby foods (I ate some of those) and that's about it for me. Oh, I bought a bunch of bottled water with sport tops too. My advice would be to keep it as simple as possible. Keep to your routine, keep emotionally comfortable as well as physically of course. Expect to feel different but always keep in mind that you will get back to feeling very close to your old self in a few weeks. I hated not feeling normal or right but at 2 months out things are wonderful most of the time. Your tummy will probably be making some unGodly noises in the begining, mine still does sometimes :-) It's a learning thing day by day and an incredible journey :-) God Bless!
   — crishsapig