Question:
What do i bring to the hospital with me?

I'm having the vertical banded gastroplasty on November 3 and i'm not sure what to bring. Any advice would be great. Thanks    — Mary C. (posted on October 22, 1999)

October 22, 1999
I packed everything under the sun to go to the hospital. I had clothes for every day I would be there and pajamas too. I took my own toiletries and shaving cream, etc. Ya know what? If you don't bring anything at all they will give you your very own new tooth brush and comb, and everything else you might need. Have someone bring your reading materials the next day and wear baggy clothes that you can wear home. Lots of things disappear in hospitals I am told.
   — Bridget M.

October 22, 1999
Well don't forget this is major surgery, you will be in one of those beautiful hospital gowns at first,actually I stayed in them the whole time,a lot easier.I took a robe,slippers,underwear and clothes to go home in.I wasn't lucky enough to get a private room and wished I had,I did get the roomate from outerspace!Two other women had same surgery same day,they where put in the same room together that was nice because their families understood each others needs.The hospital will probably give you a list.Well take care and good luck.I'm very happy for you,I'm 8m.post-op,85lbs. less and feeling wonderful.
   — Denise B.

October 22, 1999
The two things that were recommended to me that I was so happy I had brought were my pillow from home and a small, battery operated fan. My hospital room must have been 90 degrees. And it was so nice to have my own pillow.
   — dboat

October 22, 1999
My standard reply...LOL! Chapstick! I developed an irritation on the inside of my nostril from the NG tube, and the Chapstick seals the area and promotes healing without drying out the skin. Also, your lips will be dry so you'll need it for that, too. It was my most valued possession while I was there! The fan is important, too. I got a battery operated fan at Target for $5. It was great! Good luck with your surgery. Jaye Carl, open proximal RNY 7-29-99, 68 incredible pounds lost forever! That's almost a whole person!
   — Jaye C.

May 19, 2004
I have my surgery soon. One thing that I enjoyed having during past surgerys was a clock. I felt so dioriented without it because you sleep so much. The other thing that was a blessing was my own pillow. Hope this helps!
   — jtcaron