What to pack for the hospital

[thinkingthin15 12]

So my surgery is less than a week away (I can't believe it) and I plan on preparing this weekend for my overnight stay in the hospital. I've never had to stay in the hospital before so I'm wondering what things or items should I pack? I've started a list, any input would be greatly appreciated.

1.) Gas-X dissolving strips (I was told it helps relieve the gas pain)

2.) Pillow (For the ride home)

3.) Loose fitting clothes (I don't own any of that but I do have dresses that I can wear)

4.) Hygiene Products (Showering is a must for me. No exceptions can be made to that rule. Now to figure out how with out hurting my incisions)

Can anybody think of anything else? OMG I just got really nervous that next week Wednesday is S-Day.

[Pillar2butterfly 391]

The only thing my surgeon said to pack (other than clothes to wear home) was comfortable shoes to walk in...since they have you up and walking every 4 hours after surgery. I get sleeved next Wednesday too.

I'm packing my own pjs, change of clothes for going home, tennis shoes and socks, and toiletries...that is it.

[avRose 20]

Showering was a must for me too, but while I was in the hospital they wouldn't let me. Luckily I brought some body cleansing wipes so I was able to kind of "sponge bathe" around my belly.

[OKCPirate 5,323]

slip on shoes, ear buds, tunes, laptop was really nice to have

[OutsideMatchInside 10,166]

I wore the same clothes home that I wore there. I only had them on about an hour anyway. I did bring fresh underwear.

Bring chapstick. You can;t shower in the first 24 hours. How long do you plan on being there?

I took a whores bath and it was fine. You wash with anitbacterial soap before you get there and they keep you freezing cold. Unless you work up a sweat walking like I did, You will be fine. I did keep my face routine up.

Edited August 13, 2015 by OutsideMatchInside

[thinkingthin15 12]

The only thing my surgeon said to pack (other than clothes to wear home) was comfortable shoes to walk in...since they have you up and walking every 4 hours after surgery. I get sleeved next Wednesday too.

I'm packing my own pjs, change of clothes for going home, tennis shoes and socks, and toiletries...that is it.

I still can't believe it's so close!!!!

[thinkingthin15 12]

I wore the same clothes home that I wore there. I only had them on about an hour anyway. I did bring fresh underwear.

Bring chapstick. You can;t shower in the first 24 hours. How long do you plan on being there?

I took a whores bath and it was fine. You wash with anitbacterial soap before you get there and they keep you freezing cold. Unless you work up a sweat walking like I did, You will be fine. I did keep my face routine up.

I am scheduled to stay one night hopefully to be released the next day if all goes well.

Yeah I figured I would have to take a whore bath. I just love taking a shower!!!

[MrsRoboto 370]

I brought a brush, lip balm, my phone, and an extra long charger. That's it.

I wore loose comfy clothes in and wore the same ones home. I showered right before I left for the hospital, there was no need to shower there and I had no desire to. They gave me a little pillow to hold against my belly and I was told to bring it with me for the car ride home.

[glitter eyes 1,398]

Sounds like your list is pretty comprehensive!! One of the things that helped me was I took a bottle of Biotene mouthwash to swish my dry mouth out with. It is a moisturizing mouthwash.

I packed everything but the kitchen sink LOL I even took nail polish and makeup which for the record I used.

Good luck on your surgery.

[Sharon1964 2,530]

Oh my heavens. Nail polish and makeup? Y'all are some dedicated women!

I wore a loose dress, panties, bra and sandals, which I then wore home two days later.

I packed my cpap, a pair of loose sweatpants and fresh panties, my phone, charger, ID and a check for my copay. That's it. If I didn't have the cpap, I could have fit everything into a bag smaller than my purse.

The hospital provided non-slip socks, cleansing cloths, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, etc. Since I ended up staying an extra night I got to take a real shower on day 2 before I went home. Before that I just cleaned up with their supplies.

I didn't need anything for dry mouth because I was drinking all the time.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

Lip balm, mouth spray (for dry mouth), and a pillow for the drive home.

[majorsmama 91]

The only thing I used was my phone charger. I wore the same clothes I wore to the hospital, home. I didn't need anything but my phone and charger.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

I forgot to take my heating pad do wound up sending my sister out to get one. It helped with the gas pain in my shoulder. Plus, I was freezing so it provided some extra warmth.

[OutsideMatchInside 10,166]

They gave me swabs for dry mouth, so I didn't need anything for it.

If you are going to a good bariatric hospital, you really need almost nothing. When I was in recovery and didn't have my lip balm, I asked the nurse for something for my lips because they were dry and she put Vaseline on them for me.

I don't know how long your pre-op diet is, but after 10 days on liquids, and the last day just Clear Liquids then a whole 36 hours of nothing. I didn't have the strength to stand for a shower.

I walked because it was the best pain relief, and I can't sleep on my back, let alone in a hospital.

Edited August 14, 2015 by OutsideMatchInside

[glitter eyes 1,398]

@@Sharon1964 I am not nearly as tough as my post made me sound. I am the nursing administer at the hospital where I had my surgery done so I had tons of visitors. Had to make sure I looked good. LOL. While I was in the hospital I stayed well groomed and acted like I felt great. As soon as I was home I didn't wear makeup for days or pants for that matter (the waistband rubbed one of my incisions). I wore my nightgowns and loose dresses for at least two weeks. I really am a wimp; I just couldn't act like it while I was in the hospital.

Boy was I ever glad to get home and relax!!! It was a little stressful to have so many visitors, but at least everyone was supportive????