Question:
Suggestions on what to take to the hospital for WLS

   — Lisa E. (posted on July 15, 2004)

July 15, 2004
I have a bunch of stuff on my site:<br><br> http://www.rnylacrosse.com/preop-central_shopping-pack.html <br><br> Good Luck!<br> Shelli K
   — kultgirl

July 15, 2004
Even though I anticipated being in the hospital for only two days for my lap RNY and having a wonderfully uncomplicated experience, I still "overpacked". I took a book, some magazines, and too many gowns and personal products. Even though I was up walking in the hall the same afternoon as the surgery, that was really the only thing that I did that first day, other than sleep. I took a shower the next morning and again, walked alot, but dozed along through the day. The second day after surgery, I packed up all my "excess baggage" and went home. I never read a word and was happy to stay in a hospital gown until I had that first shower. I didn't use the curling iron that I was sure would be an absolute necessity, and I never thought once about applying the make-up that I took. Perhaps if I had needed to stay a day or two longer, those things would have seemed more important...probably more for those who had to look at me, than for myself! My advice is to "think light"...my hospital provided everything from hair dryer, personal products, and slippers to luxurious, bariatric-sized, spa-quality terry cloth robes (unfortunately, they made me leave it there at discharge).....and I can't think of anything that can't be obtained at today's "full-service" hospital gift shops. Chap-stick and my portable CD player with headphones were the two items that I brought that I really used....the CDs were relaxing and having the headphones helped me tune-out the overhead paging and other noises in the room. Take very loose-fitting clothing to wear home, or just wear your gown and robe....I had a four-hour drive home and was instructed to stop and walk briefly every thirty minutes (a precautionary measure to discourage blood clots in the legs)...I figured that those folks at the rest areas and service stations were never going to see me again, so I was completely comfortable strolling in my nighty-nights. I would also encourage taking a pillow from home, leaving it in the car, and using it to "hug" against your tummy on the drive home....it was a life-saver when my husband hit those inevitable pot-holes and bumps in the road.....and ask for a final dose of your pain medication just as you are getting ready to roll out the door. Best wishes as you begin this wonderful journey!
   — Diana T.

July 16, 2004
My personal items of choice that I have found useful are: a phone card with 60 minutes or more--everyone is out of the area, I have found; a chapstick--flavored; flushable wipes for your hands and/or rear end; wash and dry packets for face and hands when you perspire or feel sticky; hairbrush; toothbrush and toothpaste. All other toiletries, slippers, etc they can provide. Paper and pencil to write down notes, e-mails, addresses, etc. I never used my gowns or robe so I don't even bother to bring them. The hospital has shampoo and soap--use theirs. Extras: Maybe a book on tape or CD if you are having open and anticipate a longer stay, maybe the Reader's Digest because the articles are short and easy to read, maybe a crossword puzzle magazine.
   — Margaret S.

July 16, 2004
I purchased a long handled wooden spoon to help with wiping in the bathroom. Best investment I ever made. I could not bend because of the incisions and I didn't want to keep calling the nurse. I just wrapped tons of toilet paper around the spoon end. After I came home from the hospital I still needed it for about 5 days and then I threw it out.
   — ckreh

July 16, 2004
Lisa, I am just 6 months out so my memory is fresh. I was only in the hospital for 48 hours, so I didn't use as many reading materials as I brought. I found myself using a word search book and the television mostly. I'm usually so busy at home (kids, pets, errands) I never get to veg and watch mindless television shows, so I enjoyed that. The day after surgery, the nurse helped me wash up and put lotion on my feet and back etc. On the second day, I showered and was glad to have my shampoo, lotion & make-up. It made me feel human again before the ride home. I didn't use my gowns in the hospital, but I did use my underpants, robe and slippers. I also made sure to wear sweats and a t-shirt to the hospital, so I wore the same outfit home. As Diana mentioned below, remember to get a dose of pain medication before you leave. I didn't get a pain shot and had a 2 hour ride home. It was bumpy, and uncomfortable and didn't have to be. That was my only regret. When I finally did get home, I didn't have anything to take so my husband had to go and get my pain prescription filled right away. I was 90 miles from home, so I had no visitors and quite honestly I enjoyed the quiet time to myself! Good Luck!
   — Angela T.

July 16, 2004
I took a lot to the hospital, that I never even used. I took advice to take books, magazines, and word search puzzles. Truth is, I had visitors all the time. I never used any of that stuff. The times I did not have visitors, I was sitting in a chair and walking. I was more involved with getting out of that place, than I was in doing a word search. I was also so tired from the surgery and walking, getting up, and the respiratory therapist bugging me all the time; I did not feel like doing anything else. I did take slippers, robe (because of the hospital gown in the back), toothbrush, toothpaste, and other toiletries. I did use these things, except I did not take shampoo or anything of that nature. I was only in the hospital 2 days, so I did not have time for "fun" activities. I also took a button up shirt and sweatpants. I did not want to pull anything on over my head. That is up to you. Holly H down 250 lbs 8-18-03
   — Holly H.

July 16, 2004
I agree with everyone who said they overpacked. I wore their gowns. They were very roomy and you will get blood on your own night gowns. They did provide shampoo, but no conditioner. It took 20 minutes to get the tangles out of my hair. No make-up wnated or needed. All you really do is sleep and walk. Also, I never had a problem with personal hygene prior to surgery, but post-op, I could not bend enough to reach back to wipe. Horrible reality! I found that metal salad tongs work better than a spoon. You can grip the toilet paper better. Also, I brought those cottonelle personal wipes. Life savers! Definitely take a pillow for the ride home. I also brought my own slippers. I never read, listened to cds, played cards, etc. Only slept and walked and did my breathing exercises. You are too exhausted to do much else. Hope this helps.
   — cloudy

July 17, 2004
When my husband had surgery, I made sure he had some lightweight, elastic waist shorts, and non-slip slippers he could just slide his feet into. He was MUCH more comfortable knowing he was not being exposed when walking or sitting! Lip balm was the other biggie. He was only in for about 24 hours, so he didn't need much at all. Don't forget to take your picture ID and insurance card and send them home with someone once you have been admitted to the hospital!
   — koogy