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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