Question:
What will I need at the Hospital? What will I need after I get home?

I will be having surgery on 12/5/01! I am so excited and nervous. I was hoping someone could tell me what I will need to take with me to the hospital. Also what preparation should I make at home for a confortable recovery?    — whimzy C. (posted on October 27, 2001)

October 27, 2001
If there is any way possible, rent a hospital bed for your use after you get home. Luckly I used my Mom's hospital bed for the first week to 10 days. It was a god send. I don't know how I would have gotten through those days without it.
   — Danmark

October 27, 2001
I have a whole list of things you should have at home for after your surgery. Also a ton of other helpful hints for WLS folks, the benefit of my experience and those of my 2 friends who had the surgery a year ago and have lost over 150 lbs each. There's a bit of humor mixed in, too. You can access all of that at http://www.lkdobson.homestead.com and if you find it to be helpful, save it to favorites, as I update it about one a week with new stuff. Hope this is useful to you !!! Good luck -
   — Lisa D.

October 27, 2001
I used one of those lift recliner chairs. I sat in it all day unless I was walking, and I slept in it at night. For me, it was much easier than a hospital bed because it actually did all the work of getting up for me. I didn't have to use my sore tummy muscles. Good, early Christmas present for you. Good luck and let us know how things go.
   — K T.

October 27, 2001
Hi, I took hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, clothes to go home in, slippers, a few magazines, (hospitals don't have cable, lol) I took my make-up, but didn't actually wear any until my trip home. I would also take a robe. They make you walk after surgery to avoid blood clots, and those hospital don't cover a lot , if you know what I mean. Chapstick also a good thing for dry lips, and if at all possible, take your own pillow. Hospital pillows are the worst, they are like laying on a jumbo maxi pad, not very comfy lol. For home, a body pillow worked well for me, made me more comfortable in bed, lots of rest, comfy clothes, nothing tight, and a recliner always is a plus. I made sure all my heavy lifting chores were done before I went into the hospital, you don't want to be lifting anything. Congratulations on your upcoming surgery, I wish you the best!
   — Carey N.