Question:
hospital

I don't want to over pack....I go in Monday and home by Wednesday I pray. I was told to bring plenty of under wear. Which will be a first for me. Having four hip replacements you don't bring under wear ha hah ha.....so what should I really bring.    — pettykash (posted on December 11, 2005)

December 11, 2005
I didn't need any more underwear than normal. I just brought a robe and slippers and sweats to go home in. You'll have a drain tube, so robes/nightgowns are most comfortable - plus, I was up and walking around right away. Good luck!
   — Marcee Cameron

December 11, 2005
I would add chapstick and sanitary napkins in case your cycle starts
   — sherita

December 11, 2005
I would also bring something to read or so while you're not up and walking. Don't forget your own pillow as well. I don't think my hospital had a pillow for me, I had to bring my own!
   — *Malena* M.

December 11, 2005
Well... I brought magazines... which didn't get touched... I was in pain, and drugged, and sure didn't feel like looking at magazines! Bring chap stick! I remember being so thirsty... which dried my lips out, fiercely..... and my Dr. has a policy of putting blue food coloring in all drinks... so you can check for leaks? So... I had blue, all around my mouth and tongue... a hand mirror and a little make up came in handy, when I felt a little better. One thing that is kewl... is a letter that I wrote to my brother.... its like a time capsule, to what was going on.... complete with blue dye/water spilled on it. I guess journal would have the same effect, as that letter! Bring a camera.... maybe a deposable camera that wouldn't be something expensive, so you don't worry about having something too valuable.... the things that I regret, are not having enough pre-op pictures... and not getting on the scales just before surgery. I just assumed that they would weigh me... which didn't happen! Your life is going to change, from that day, on! I am wishing you all the luck in the world!
   — Kat C.

December 11, 2005
I just had surgery on Dec 1st....lap RYGB......never touched a thing in my overnight bag until getting ready to go home on the 3rd. I wore the hospital gowns, no underwear (had a drain tube, so it would have just gotten soiled) and hospital socks. Even used the toothbrush and toothpaste provided, simply because I didn't feel like bothering with opening my own. I packed too much and didn't need any of it. Laura
   — LauraA

December 11, 2005
I'm with Laura, I didn't touch half of what I brought. You aren't going to feel like doing anything. You will have IV's...it will be difficult to wear a nightgown and/or robe, stick with their lovely gowns.
   — RebeccaP

December 11, 2005
Chapstick, a hair brush, and something to put your hair up with (if it's long) are the only three "musts" I can think of.
   — Jeanie

December 11, 2005
Hey there Bev, The first thing you need to take is this big hug that I am sending you ***HUG*** I would suggest taking magazines, a comfortable rob and gown; I stopped wearing the hospital stuff the first day. I would also take my own protein drinks because what they gave me in the hospital was horrible. Did you experiement with anything pre-op? Other than that just the normal stuff is good. They provided me with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and soap. I did however take my own body wash because I have sensitive skin and I took sanitary napkins because like many others my cycle started the day of my surgery. Chapstick and lipgloss is also a good suggestion. Lots of Love Bev, Tiff
   — Tiff's On a Mission

December 11, 2005
Good luck, Beverly! Yes, I too packed tons of stuff I didn't need. Most hospitals have small bottles of soap, shampoo, lotion, just ask your nurses. I wore my comfy clothes to the hospital, and went home in the same ones, with clean undies. What didn't I bring that I wish I had? I could have used the grabber I use to reach things at home, it would have made getting dressed or getting my socks back on much easier. Mine folds in the middle, and would fit in a large purse. WalMart usually has one for about $10, and it's handy after surgery to get what winds up on the floor. Ditto I should have brought something mindless like word search puzzles, instead of a book, concentrating in a hospital isn't easy! And I really, really needed a pillow on the way home, to hug so my insides didn't slosh around when the car hit a bump. But I did remember my Rosary beads -- a/k/a Catholic tranquilizers! :-) Most important! Hang in there, lady! Eyes on the prize! You may have a few rough weeks ahead, but you're not going to believe how fast your life gets better! I'm only three months out, I've only lost about 70 of the 250 I have to get rid of, but my life is totally different! You have wonderful things to look forward to, less aches and pains, easier walking, reaching things you thought you couldn't, moving the car seat up -- and it will all happen sooner than you think! You're about to do something wonderful for yourself, so be happy! I'll keep you in my prayers.
   — mwilson523

December 11, 2005
Hello and enjoy the ride. Like everyone I over packed. I wore the same clothes in as home. I brought Johnson and Johnson all in one wash, much easier to take one thing into the shower with me. It also is gentle and non-irritating and rinses clean. The hospital supplied toothbrush/toothpaste/mouthwash/chapstick. I brought my own and never used it so check with the hospital. A very comfy robe and slippers with non skid feet. Once up and walking around you really won't care what people think of how you look. I was too exhausted and slept the majority of the time when not walking. I slept during the day after my bath and walked at night when I couldn't sleep. You'll be surprised by how tired you will be. Good Luck!!!!!!!!
   — 1968 Loser

December 12, 2005
Not for the hospital but a must for home....Gopher Grippers. Its this really cool tong grip device that you can pick anything up with. You can even get stuff out of the fridge and turn the tub handles on with it. They sell these at Walmart and Walgreens for less than $10 and they are a lifesaver when you can't bend so well (which lasted 2 weeks for me).-Heather
   — tazthewiz23

December 12, 2005
I brought a couple of pairs of underwear with me.. However, I didn't use all of them.. I had a drain in and it was almost impossible to wear underwear while in the hospital. Surgery: Lap RNY - June 17, 2005... Down 115 lbs
   — mzb2u

December 12, 2005
Prayers for you! Bring something to read or do, if you do needlework or anything, because hospitals are the most boring places in the world!
   — Novashannon

Click Here to Return