Question:
What to wear home from hospital?

I am scheduled to have surgery this Thursday (11-19-01) and have no idea what to bring to wear home from the hospital. I am having the procedure done lap, and am concerned about the waist of pants rubbing on an incision. Can someone give me a suggestion? Oh, by the way, I'm in Michigan, so it will probably be pretty cool out. Thanks for any, and all help!    — Chloe S. (posted on November 24, 2001)

November 23, 2001
I'm 2 weeks post-op. I wore home sweat pants (elastic waist can be worn under the belly button.) And a baggy sweat shirt. Slip on shoes (you won't be able to bend down and tie them) and a small pillow to position over my belly under the seat belt.
   — Denise T.

November 23, 2001
I wore a big (BIG) loose housedress. No need to pull up slacks on have any banding rub on the incision. Just slip it over your head and you're dressed!
   — Kristy J.

November 23, 2001
I think you got your dates for surgery messed up??? Thursday 11-19? Oh well. First off, don't worry if what your wear looks good. Who cares! Wear something loose, comfortable and warm. You don't want anything tight anywhere on your body. Also, just in case the car ride home makes you sick (it did'nt me but I was'nt comfortable ether) wear something that if you throw up on it, it won't matter. Have a bottle of water with you to drink in the car. AND IF POSSIBLE get your pain medicines BEFORE surgery (I did'nt- dang me). On the way home I had to wait in the car while my Mom went into Wal-Mart to get my pain meds. I felt weak, lousy, in pain and just wanted to go home and I had to wait in the car for what seemed like forever to get my meds. Hope you learn from my mistake. ;) Good luck to you!
   — Danmark

November 24, 2001
Like the others below, I wore a loose jumper type dress home from the hospital. I wore it to the hospital before my surgery, so I only had the one outfit with me. Your lap incisions are primarily above the waist, so rubbing them with a waist band is not a real problem. BUT, what I couldn't stand was the pressure on my abdomen. You'll have a lot of gas in you from the lap procedure and wearing pants is uncomfortable.
   — Denise C.

November 24, 2001
Be ready to have someone help you get dressed. Your socks, underwear, etc. are going to be a challenge because of the bending required. You might want to look for a soft cotton bra that zips or hooks closed in the front. I think you'll be fine in loose sweats and socks with slippers. Believe me, the day you get out of the hospital, you won't be too worried about what you look like. You'll just be thrilled to be going home!
   — Claire P.

November 24, 2001
I would suggest a loose pair of sweats or a nice warm housecoat. There's no law that you have to wear regular clothes. Wear what's comfortable and warm. Good luck!
   — georgiacarol

November 24, 2001
I am planning to wear my big pink flannel nightgown, white socks with white deck shoes (no ties), and my winter coat. Glamorous? No. Comfy? Yes, and that is what is important.
   — [Anonymous]

November 24, 2001
my surgery is in two weeks & i went to walmart & bought a long caftan. i am going to wear my slip on house slippers too. on our trip this weekend i picked up a 36" truckers cab pillow at one of the truck stops we always stop at. its nice & plump & soft enuf to hold against my incision in the hospital & on the 5 hour trip home.
   — sheryl titone