Question:
What made your hospital stay most comfortable?

To the wise post-ops: What comforts of home did you take to the hospital? What did you take unnecessarily? So far I have new squishy, white slippers but other than that, what do I need? Also, are you permitted to shower during the hosptial stay (do you even want to?) And can we please talk about the back-door-is-open hospital gown. Many thanks, Julie (pre-op prox-open RNY on 3/13 with the so-far fabulous Dr. Greenbaum)    — julie W. (posted on March 2, 2000)

March 2, 2000
Good advice from Ava Lee as usual! I'm going in Monday for my Open RNY. I have put thought into what will make it easy at home. I have a backpack to carry my meds, the cordless phone, remote control, tongs (to reach things too far away), a bottle of water -- and anythign I find handy. I have my new slippers and zipper front robe and I'm ready! Say a prayer?
   — lisadiehl

March 2, 2000
Julie, I coulden't wait to get a shower, as soon as the tubes came out I was in the shower. So take your own bath items. I never worry about taking my own gowns, If I get up in the hall I slip another hospital gown on backwards. Most of these gowns have snaps at the top as not to interfer with your IV. Take some chap stick, I also took some body spray just to make myself feel better. I had a Lap RNY 1-21-00, I was in the hospital Fri-Sun. Good Luck!
   — Shelly T.

March 2, 2000
Julie, two things you might want to bring besides the good ideas already mentioned are: a phone card (depending on how far away family and friends are!) and a clock radio. I was pretty fuzzy for the 1st two days and couldn't really concentrate on TV, so the music was really nice and relaxing. Also, many hospitals don't have clocks in the rooms and I always liked knowing what time it was. Good Luck!
   — M B.

March 2, 2000
Hi Julie: We're neighbors! I'm a patients of Dr. G. too. The most valuable thing I brought with me was Chap Stick. If you develop an irritation in your nostril from the NG tube, Chap Stick will seal it off from the air and heal it up really quickly. (That happened to me). As for those wonderful designer gowns, simple! Ask for a second, and wear it as a robe. Email me if you want to talk, I'm having surgery (non-WLS, incisional hernia repair) by Dr. G. on the 9th. Maybe we'll end up as roommates! Jaye Carl, open proximal RNY 7-29-99, 94 pounds gone forever! Thank you, Dr. Greenbaum, you're wonderful!
   — Jaye C.

March 2, 2000
I used a small battery operated fan ($5 at Home Depot) It was a godsend. Also, a small aeorsol spritz can of Evian mist was very soothing on my face. I suggest bringing a small pad of paper to write down questions you and your family have for the doctor (we all forget the questions as soon as the doctors come around or are so groggy we can't think quickly) Also, bring a couple of pencils and a pen to write with and maybe even fill out a menu! (No one on staff at the hospital would even lend me a pen) Also, tongs have been mentioned but I wound up using a plastic (wooden) spoon which I never ever thought I would need. I had to use it to reach thoses areas to take care of personal hygiene and bathroom needs. I thought I'd die to use the spoon but I really needed to because I couldn't reach due to the pain, swelling, stiffness and general post op conditions! I wrapped the tp around the spoon and I could then take care of myself. Also, disposable baby wipes to help clean are very useful to (again) wrap around the spoon. Look for the flushable kind if available. Not a pretty subject but gotta know! (and if you think the hospital staff will be there to help you with all your bathroom needs all the time and in a speedy manner, well, think again.!!!
   — Fran B.

June 23, 2001
Good Question.. I have a list on my profile if anyone is interested. I've done a lot of research and have some valuable informations passed on from others who have had the surgery. No-one can ask enough questions about good health care. S. K. sch'ld for opne-RNY 10/26/01.
   — S. K.

June 23, 2001
MY SURGERY IS JULY 9TH, IAM TAKING, DIAPER WIPES, CHAPSTICK, ROBE, LAPTOP, LOTION,BRUSH, PEN AND PAPER, LIVING WILL AND WISHES, AND A SIGN SAYING, "MY NAME IS HEIDI, PLEASE BE KIND, AND WASH YOUR HANDS". HOPE THIS DOESNT UPSET DR OR NURSES BUT I DONT WANT INFECTIONS.
   — Heidi H.