What to pack for your hospital stay

[Holls06 98]

Hi All! My surgery date is 12/29/17! I am soo excited. My nervousness hasn't set in yet.. but I'm sure it will next week. I am trying to get a head start on packing since i work 2 jobs and basically gone all week, and with the holiday weekend I am going to be very busy as well. What did ya'll pack for your hospital stay? Your must haves, or wish you would have brought and didn't, or vice versa.

I'm also staying a night in a hotel the day that I'm released. What clothes were comfortable?

[Creekimp13 5,840]

Clothes....lounge pants, loose long teeshirts, and a long cardigan, cause you'll feel cold.

To the hospital....bring lounge pants or PJ bottoms. You'll still have to wear the hospital gown on top, but putting some bottoms on makes it a lot nicer to get up and start walking the halls.

Bring chapstick! Was never so glad someone mentioned this. You'll need it.

[1234567890 328]

kicks (no leashes on), favorite tunes, headphones, coconut Water to hydrate, gas-x strips to relase gas post surgery, tooth brush/paste (believe me.. you will need it), chapstick, baby wipes (You can’t shower till next day, thick socks (you will be freezing).

Time yourself and set alerts every 2-3 hrs to go for a walk...best of luck 😜

[GassyGurl 428]

The only thing I used was my own socks, chapstick and my phone. They brought me toiletries, wipes and a 2nd gown. I was having a reaction to something and was cooking in two gowns! I walked like there was no tomorrow so I didn't have much idle time. I was either walking, or trying to get down all the fluids they were bringing me (it felt like a ton, lol). I walked at least 20 minutes every hour from about 4pm till I left the next day around 2pm, with the exception of the 3 hour benadryl induced nap.

Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

[Toolman82 4]

I agree with most people.
I’d say chapstick and toothbrush/toothpaste.
I tried for weeks to find Gas-X strips but they do not make them anymore. But the hospital gave me plenty of meds to curb the gas.
My procedure was 11/28.

[kmwhatley 2]

Gas-X strips are available on Amazon!


Kristin
HW: 259
CW: 257
GW: 160

[Toolman82 4]

Keep on eye on expiration dates. They’re no longer listed on Gas-X’s site so I assume production might have stopped a while back.

[settingqt31 18]

All I used was my phone and charger, pillow, and toothbrush. I changed into a pair of workout pants and tshirt before going home but literally nothing else (laptop, slippers, PJs, toiletries, makeup, etc) I packed got out of suitcare as I was so tired post op I didn't even want to watch TV

[Losebig 508]

I had 4 nights and 6 days due to a rehospitalization, but used the same bag both times. I only ended up using a few key items:

- Earplugs (bring several in case you lose them), was huge as my roommate was pretty loud snoring / TV and one room was right by the nurses station

- Eye mask - Same reasons as above, a few times due to the mask and earplugs they didn't need to wake me to do IV meds and the 6am blood draw could be done with me barely waking

- Phone / IPad / charger with a long cord. Mostly read on the phone

- pair of comfortable shorts and/or sweatpants

I brought a bunch of other stuff, but other than a change of clothes didn't use it. I spent probably 70% of the non sleeping time walking or sitting outside the room somewhere

[Holls06 98]

Thanks everyone! Great suggestions!

[EagerPenguin 159]

I brought a 6 foot extension cord to reach from the wall to my bedside table to plug in my phone charger because I figured it wouldn't reach. It was pretty handy. Bring your own toiletries if you're picky (I am). Good hand lotion because it's dry in the hospital. Either chapstick or Vaseline/petroleum jelly because again, its dry. Earplugs, face mask in case of roommate or other distractions. Soft shell bra to sleep in and walk around in (though I wore my underwire home). Pants with a soft waistband, not too tight; I wore my leggings and was fine. Slippers/slip on shoes to walk around in; I brought my crocs. I brought a fuzzy blanket for extra warmth and comfort; the hospital has blankets but they're typically scratchy and thin. Hand sanitizer. Firm pillow (like an accent pillow from a couch) to splint your belly on the ride home (maybe just leave it in the car).