Question:
what do I need to take to the hospital???

I have asked this question on the message board and in the chat room and no one has answered me yet. I just would like a few friendly words of advice on what to take with me to the hospital. I am having the lap RNY. I will be alone after the surgery since I will be 1 1/2 hours from home and my husband will not be able to get to the hospital every day. PLEASE, some one help me.....    — Tere F. (posted on March 14, 2001)

March 13, 2001
Hi - I am currently pre-op but have seen this question asked many times...so I hope this will help...Post-ops have suggested: 1. Your own pillow 2. BBQ Tongs & Wet Wipes (for going to the bathroom) 3. chapstick 4. Your own bathrobe & slippers (with non-skid soles) 5. toothbrush & toothpaste. I am not sure what you will feel like but I would suggest (just in case) a book or some magazines. Most post-ops recommend that you wear the hospital gowns so you don't ruin your own....but if your own would make you feel more comfy..then I would take it also!! Like I said, I hope this helps some!! Good Luck, karan
   — chance2lv

March 13, 2001
Hi Tere I am post op and this is what I took(and actually used)pictures of my children, chapstick, toothbrush/toothpaste, slip-on slippers, bathrobe, tongs(this helped so much in the personal hygiene area),my own shampoo, comb, my own pillow (which I also used to pad the seat belt for the trip home) and large loose fitting underwear and dress for the trip home. I didn't wear a bra home but I did want some underwear! While in the hospital, I wore the hospital gowns and had no desire to read or watch TV. When I was preop I studied the library of questions and really used the info. that I got there. If you click on Library and do a search you will come up with a lot of preop preparation suggestions. I found this to be invaluable.
   — Shelley.

March 14, 2001
Look up "Hospital" in the library. Also, a pre-paid phone card or calling card charge-back number is good.
   — Kristy J.

March 14, 2001
depends on which hospital. I went to the BTC center in Ypsilanti, MI. did not need to take anything other thana robe and pillow. they supplied everything I needed..
   — totoclark

March 14, 2001
Hello! first of all I would love tosay congrats! This surgery is going to change your whole life. I took way too much stuff with me to the hospital! I also live baout the same distance from the hospital as you do. I would take the following items: a robe, a blanket(it made me feel more at home) , a pillow, toothpaste/brush, hair brush/ ponie tail holders/headband, slippers, lotion, chapstick, a desk fan unless they have one you can use(I am a nurse and hospitals can get stuffy.), a few books, thats it. I know you will be walking or sleeping or going to the bathroom alot and there wont be any real extra time for anything else. a backpack should do. Good luck to you, if you would like, emial me, I also have a list for what youll need when you get home. [email protected]
   — LISA K.