What to pack for surgery?

[megan Almeida 0]

Any advice on what to pack?

[SandyM 1,956]

All I took with me was my gas strips and my bottle of liquid pain med. All I ended up needing was gas strips. Really, it depends if you have to spend the night, most don't. I wore home what I wore in. Just make sure its loose fitting clothes, not binding.

[megan Almeida 0]

Thanks so much Sandy. Hadn't thought of the gasx. It's now added to my list!

[Sharpie 3,306]

I spent the night so I packed my toothbrush, etc. wore loose clothes and that was about it.. I didn't care about anything but staying comfortable and not have nausea... best of luck.. you will do fine

[n2win 123]

PILLOW for the ride home (to splint your abdomen, esp w/ bumps in the road).

If you live a few hours away I would suggest bringing a cooler with a couple of drinks (Gatorade was nice & cold b/c my husband had frozen some the night before and they slightly thawed in the cooler..yum); also Protein shakes if ok with surgeon.

Make sure your PAIN MEDS are filled PRIOR to leaving the hospital (I did not do this and suffered until the next night before we could get it filled) (also some pharmacies do not carry the liquid pain meds in regular stock).

Also CVS sells ADULT liquid Tylenol; which is very hard to find.

Dress for comfort and make sure you wear something that is easy to maneuver for potty breaks (nothing tight on abdomen).

Stock up your pantry prior to surgery and make sure you have enough post-op food to make it at least a week. (Protein shakes, chicken/beef/vegetable broth, warm cup tea... were my staples wk 1).

Gas-ex for gas pain... some claim it works... some not... but if your having lots of gas pain it just may make you feel better to take it (comes in ready melt strips).

Ginger helps with nausea & soothes the tummy; try tea or suck on hard candy).

Remember: No heavy lifting!

Be prepared to walk walk walk (to reduces gas pain) have a path mapped out in the back yard or house that is free if objects because you will not want to trip, fall or pick things up out of your path.

--good luck!

[Sojourner 2,446]

Any advice on what to pack?

Bring a lip moisturizer like Chapstick.

Best wishes as your journey begins...