Question:
Can anyone tell me what I will need to bring with me for my hospital stay?

Should I bring pajamas, toiletries, etc? How soon after the procedure will you be able to shower?    — Carolina B. (posted on July 12, 2001)

July 12, 2001
I took my own shampoo, toothbrush and other personal items etc. I was able to take a shower the third day in the hospital. Best shower I ever had. LOL You can also go to the library at this site and look up hospital stay and it will give all the lists that some people have taken with them. I also took a book and some magazines. Never read any of them. Slept mostly and watched a lot of TV. Hope this helps.
   — Tere F.

July 12, 2001
I brought PJ's, toothbrush, shampoo, slippers etc. And I never used any of it. Number 1, I was in such major discomfort I didn't feel like moving. Number 2 the shower was broke in the hospital and even if it wasn't, I was NOT up to taking a shower. I was in the hosp. for 3 days and even after I went home it took me another 2 days to get myself into the shower. I may be the extreme case though. All I felt like doing was wathcing TV and pushing the morphine pump!
   — [Anonymous]

July 12, 2001
I'm 2 1/2 weeks post. I packed a robe, lotion, my own toothpaste/brush, walkman, pjs, slippers, chapstick, magazines. My mom forgot the bag. I didn't need anything but the chapstick. I couldn't shower at all while there but I was allowed to wash up. They provided toothbrush/paste and soap which was fine for me. Amazing how you think you need stuff but really don't. I probably could've used a comb/brush and chapstick. But none of the other stuff mattered. The robe wouldn't fit over my IV, they gave me slippers, I could care less about the walkman and the pajamas were no biggie either.
   — Kimberly L.

July 12, 2001
I took so much stuff with me but I hardly used any of it at all. These are the things I took and was very glad I had them: 1. Shampoo and Conditioner (I am picky about my hair) 2. Toothbrush and toothpaste 3. Ponytail holder ( I have long hair) 4. A small fan (it got really hot and this helped alot) 5. A body pillow (it helped me to sleep on my side and to sit up well etc. bundlesome but well worth it) 6. Chapstick / Carmex 7. Clothes to go home in. Hope this helps you good luck. Open rny on 5-15-01 lost 35 pounds to date
   — Robin C.

July 12, 2001
I brought a book I didn't read, knitting I didn't do. My CPAP, toiletries, chap stick, robe, slippers, journal and pen, personal phone book and loose dress for the ride home all got used. I wish I had brought a pillow from home to hold over my tummy for the bumpy ride home. Good Luck, Sharyle
   — Sharyle L.