Question:
I know I've seen this before but now I don't remember
I have surgery scheduled for Jan. 27th and I don't know what I need to take to the hospital with me. I remember people saying lip balm but what other personal items should I take to be prepared? — Carlene B. (posted on November 25, 2003)
November 25, 2003
Hi Carlene-I definitely over packed when I had my surgery. All I used was
my robe and slippers (for walking the halls), toothbrush and toothpaste,
and clean underwear. (lip balm is not a bad idea, but I did not need it)
Good Luck!
— Lisa D.
November 25, 2003
I would DEFINATELY bring the lip balm. I was glad to have it when my mouth
felt dry. Also, if you have long hair bring a brush and a scrunchie or
something to keep it out of your face since you won't be able to wash it,
maybe a head band if you have short hair. I had long hair when I had
surgery and it was a disaster when I left the hospital, but at least it was
a disaster up away from my face. If your skin gets oily, or acne prone,
you might consider bringing some of those pre-medicated face wipes to clean
your skin with. You may not even need the robe and nightgown. You'll
have your hospital gown and all you need to do is wrap a secone one around
you like a robe. Save yourself the trouble of bringing too much. Slippers
are a good idea, although I just walked barefoot up and down the halls, or
in socks. Travel light!! =) Good luck.
— KelBurt
November 25, 2003
I also loved having my bathrobe, A FAN!!! That was huge for me, I was so
freaking hot,,,,and underwear, because day 2, yup you guessed it I got my
period, and as soon as I was able to wear my own underwear I did, better
than the pads & contraptions the hospital gives you (that didn't even
fit me)
GOOD LUCK!
— Saxbyd
November 25, 2003
I'm getting ready for my upcoming surgery as well and have kept a list of
things people have suggested. <br><br>
lip balm (chapstick), Hairbrush, hair ties, toothbrush, tooth paste,
deodorant, magazines (reading materials), slippers or slip on shoes (they
are going to make you walk), robe, clean underwear, pads as periods can
often start even if it's not that time, list of phone #'s, a calling card
if you have long distance people to call, lever 2000 wipes.
<br><br>
— Patricia T.
November 25, 2003
Bring your OWN pillow! Those plastic hospital pillows are the worst!~
— ~~Stacie~~
November 25, 2003
I agree with Lisa D. I wouldn't take much! I used my bathrobe and slippers
for walking the halls also, clean undies is always good, and a tooth brush
and tooth paste will help (they do give it to you if you forget). I was in
the hospital for only about 30 hours though! GOod luck!
— sunkissed kid
November 25, 2003
I'd add one thing to the list already here, mouthwash or some of those
Listerine strips that dissolve in your mouth to use after the leak test.
The stuff you have to swallow is truly vile, and I needed to get rid of
that taste more than anything after the test. My doc said the strips are
fine to use, they have no sugar despite their sweet taste, and they
disappear in your mouth, so don't get swallowed. I'd chime in on the side
of having your own robe and good, non-slip slippers you don't have to bend
over to put on. You'll be walking, and you don't want to slip on those
polished hospital floors in just socks. The hospital provided a gown, but
it helped my state of mind so much to get out of it and into my own gown
and robe for my walks as soon as possible. Also, when you can't drink after
surgery and before the leak test, ask for swabs to wipe your mouth out. My
hospital had little sponge swabs I dipped into a cup of water and shook off
to moisten my mouth. They really helped, and even tasted kind of fresh.
Just don't swallow until you pass the test! Good luck! Chyrl LAP RNY
11/13/03 -21 pounds
— Chyrl W.
November 26, 2003
A small desk fan or clip on fan is a MUST! Also lip balm and Listerine
PocketPak Strips. I took slippers but didn't use them because the hospital
gave me no-slip socks that I wore when walking the halls. I took a bottle
of lightly, freshly scented body spray to make myself feel refreshed and
sweet smelling. The hospitals usually supply toothbrush, toothpaste,
lotion, and warm wet wipe type things for bathing. Reading material was
useless to me... I was so groggy that I couldn't even think of reading
anything. So the things that I most appreciated during my hospital stay
after surgery were the small fan, lip balm, and body spray.
— Kimberly B.
November 26, 2003
Hi Carlene, Just read your post, I had my surgery Open RNY one wk ago
today, The things I took that was most appreciated were my own toothbrush,
paste, clean underware, robe and gowns, and a long handled pair of TONGS
those tongs were the MOST important thing I took, the hospital could have
supplied everything else, but no one ever ask me if I needed a pair of
Tongs! I woke up with a Binder tightly around me, and 10" of staples,
those tongs helped me so much in the Personal care services while in the
bathroom, Even though I was not allowed to take a shower I did get to do
Spounge bathes and I just felt good having on my on gowns. Best of luck in
your surgery.
Sue
— LS F.
December 1, 2003
I completely overpacked for the hospital and ended up using only a few
things that I brought. Here's what I used: toothbrush and toothpaste, hair
scrunchie, lip balm, and my own pillows. I brought some comfortable
clothes but didn't touch them, not even the underwear, until I got dressed
to go home. I brought CD's and reading material, but I just slept the
whole time. Most of what I brought just sat there on the floor. Go easy
on yourself and leave everything at home. The first day you will mostly be
sleeping. If you need things after that, just have your family bring them
to you when they come to visit. It's much easier than lugging everything
in and out of the hospital.
— Janet S.
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