Question:
Can anyone tell me what I should bring to the hospital for a Lap RNY?

My Doc's office doesn't supply a list and I'd like to know what I should bring, beside nighties and slippers. Can anyone share what they brought with them? Thanks.    — Angie B. (posted on October 1, 2002)


October 1, 2002
I took a book, slippers, a nightie that I didn't wear, underwear (you may get your period because sometimes the surgery brings it on and I was more comfy wearing a pad if I had my own underwear), my clothes I wore to the hospital, my toothbrush/toothpaste, minimal make-up, a brush/comb, and a package of listerine breath strips.
   — Cathy S.

October 1, 2002
I found a pair of NIKE clogs at Lady Footlocker that were great, you can just slip into them when you go for your walks. They are much easier than the slippers given to you. Take some lip gloss with you too. Also reading material is good, one can only watch TV for so long. I didn't even bother with the nighties, it was easier just to use the gowns and robes the hospital supplies...good luck
   — barbara A.

October 1, 2002
The hospital will give you pretty much anything you need. I did bring some crosswork puzzles to pass the time but I only did those minimally (would rather sleep!) I higly suggest Chapstick. Without water for the first day or so you can get pretty dry. I'm also picky about my toothpaste so I brought my own. A pillow to hold agains your belly for the ride home(and use becuase theirs can be a little too flat.)
   — Lucky Gal U.

October 1, 2002
Oh I forgot, I would not even bother with nightgowns or pajamas. Theirs are easier because you don't have to slip them over your head and with an IV that will be impossible. I had a drain (with Lap) and everynight it leaked on my gown. Wouldn't want to get yours all messy!
   — Lucky Gal U.

October 1, 2002
ditto to all the previous answers, you dont need much at the hospital. i do want to add one more thing that i, as a nurse and a wls patient, found very helpful. you need your nurses to help you. you are one of many patients they take care of. you will be grateful for their help. you need to make yourself stand out and become a person to them. they are overworked and there is a terrible nursing shortage. to this end, take your nurses some treats. at first i wondered if food would be inappropriate or embarrassing because i was having wls. well, it was the cheapest and easiest to bring since i had my surgery out of town. so i brought hershey's brand "hugs and kisses" and my sister brought chocolate drenched popcorn for them too. let me tell you, i had the best attention anyone could ever ask for. they answered my call light within seconds. they were in my room constantly for their "snacks". they never get time for breaks, they are hungry, they get little recognition for what they do. i know, i am a nurse! i have given this advice to several of my preop wls friends. the ones that took my advice felt they got alot of attention in the hospital. the ones that did not, just complained about the poor nursing care. my friends had surgery at the same and different hospitals than me and trust me, the premise is the same.... pack those little goodies in your suitcase...you wont regret it. by the way, i also gave my surgeon a relaxing cd to play while he did my surgery and my anesthesiologist a joke book to read to me as he put me to sleep. they loved it, too! good luck on your journey patsy in las vegas
   — PATSY N.

October 1, 2002
I brought a suitcase. the only thing I used was the chapstick,and toiletries. I brought a pair of PJ's- they were a pants set I don't reccomend flannel, too warm. I wore the same pants the entire time I just changed my undies and t-shirt everyday. Trust me your mind will be too mushy to read or do anything else. I found it hard to concentrate on things and I was always falling asleep
   — nicole79

October 1, 2002
One word: Chapstick
   — Amber L.

October 1, 2002
I always find hospitals to be too hot for me. I brought a small, personal fan (little 10 dollar desk version)and had it blow on my face all night. It was absolutely the best thing I could have brought with me. Hospital supplies the gown, toothbrush and paste etc. Bring a pillow for the ride home and loose clothing, slip on shoes to wear home.
   — Cindy R.

October 1, 2002
I really wish I would have brought a pre-paid phone card. I had to call people collect. Was almost impossible to call work because they have an auto answer system. Most Hospitals won't let you use a cell phone, make sure you ask them first.
   — Scott L.

October 1, 2002
Hello. I brought with me some night mens white tshirts, some pajama pants, slippers, comb, brush, toothbrush/paste. I had my calling card and a book and didnt use either. Everyone called me and I wasnt up to reading. Good Luck!
   — Shavonne P.

October 3, 2002
I personally didn't bring any nighties. I was afraid I'd ruin them with leakage and/or blood so I just wore the hospital gowns. I also took magazines (there is just only so much TV you can watch! lol) Chapstick, lotion, tongs and wipes, and even tho the hospital didn't advise it - I took a personal CD player and some of my most up-beat music. I liked listening to it while I walked the halls or if I was awake at night and couldn't sleep. Don't worry, if you forget anything, mostly the hospital can accomodate you. Good luck to you!
   — Leah H.




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