Hospital Packing List

[Band_Groupie 3]

I’m about 6 weeks away from my pre-op class so I’m trying to put together some lists so I’ll know what to buy now, or what I need to ask/gain approval about from my surgeon. Is there anything I’ve forgotten?

Here’s the list I’ve compiled from everyone’s suggestions for taking to the Hospital (this does not include my post-op at home list). I’m a Mary Poppins (I’d rather have it and not use it, then to be wanting it and not have it) so taking a lot doesn’t bother me a bit (and we’re only 30 min. from the hospital)…so add away!

I should note that I’m allergic to most soaps, thus the reason to take my own nighty and sheets for the bed- just take 2 top sheets to sandwich as a buffer between their sheets (had a bad reaction last time).

HOSPITAL

• Toiletries/Medicines
  
  • Mouthwash
    
  • Toothbrush
    
  • Toothpaste
    
  • Soap
    
  • Shampoo
    
  • Conditioner
    
  • Brush/Comb
    
  • Hair holders (ponytail, clips, headbands)
    
  • Facial Moisturizer
    
  • Pads
    
  • Baby/Butt Wipes (flushable)
    
  • Chapstick (several)
    
  • Kleenex
    
  • Regular Prescriptions and Asthma Inhaler/spacer (ask Surgeon)
    
  • Cough remedies (ask Surgeon)
    
  • Migraine remedies (ask Surgeon)
    
  • Chewable Vitamins (ask Surgeon)
    
  • Gas X (ask Surgeon)
    
  • Heating Pad/ext. cord for back/gas pains (probably not allowed, ask), or possibly the chemical heating pads (adhesive, ask)?
    

  [*]Clothing

  • Robe
    
  • Slippers (slip on kind)
    
  • Nightgown that buttons off-don’t have to lift arms (allergies to hospital ones)
    
  • Extra undies (not the silky kind-slide on sheets)
    
  • Extra Socks
    
  • Change of LOOSE clothing for ride home, w/slip on shoes (underwear, bra, drawstring pants, button front top, socks, shoes, jacket).
    

  [*]Sleeping

  • Pillow (my own)
    
  • Eye Mask
    
  • Ear plugs
    
  • Sound machine if own room (ask?)
    
  • Small Throw/Blanket (get cold in hospital)
    
  • Sheets (allergies to hosp. ones)
    

  [*]Personal Items

  • Insurance Card/other info. needed
    
  • Small firm pillow to hold against stomach for ride home, and for sneezes/gas pains/coughing in hospital
    
  • SF Mints, Tic Tacs (ask surgeon if you can suck on these)
    
  • Packets of Crystal Lite & SF Koolaid (why? Need this? Ask surgeon)
    
  • Camera (for photos)
    
  • Water bottle, no straw-sippy kind (need this? ask), others suggest small shot glass to measure Fluid intake
    
  • Notepad/pen; to write down info., notes from nurses/doctor, etc.
    

  [*]For Boredom

  • Ipod & Earbuds
    
  • Cell phone & charger
    
  • Books or magazines
    
  • Reading Glasses & case
    

  [*]DH Items

  • *Have him keep a bag with my valuables, ie. Cell phone, iPod, camera, insurance card/info. etc., while in surgery
    
  • Laptop/cords
    
  • Book/magazines
    
  • Snacks/Drinks
    
  • Cell Phone/Charger
    
  • Phone numbers list
    

[texasweb 0]

I’m about 6 weeks away from my pre-op class so I’m trying to put together some lists so I’ll know what to buy now, or what I need to ask/gain approval about from my surgeon. Is there anything I’ve forgotten?

Here’s the list I’ve compiled from everyone’s suggestions for taking to the Hospital (this does not include my post-op at home list). I’m a Mary Poppins (I’d rather have it and not use it, then to be wanting it and not have it) so taking a lot doesn’t bother me a bit (and we’re only 30 min. from the hospital)…so add away!

I should note that I’m allergic to most soaps, thus the reason to take my own nighty and sheets for the bed- just take 2 top sheets to sandwich as a buffer between their sheets (had a bad reaction last time).

HOSPITAL

• Toiletries/Medicines
  
  • Mouthwash
    
  • Toothbrush
    
  • Toothpaste
    
  • Soap
    
  • Shampoo
    
  • Conditioner
    
  • Brush/Comb
    
  • Hair holders (ponytail, clips, headbands)
    
  • Facial Moisturizer
    
  • Pads
    
  • Baby/Butt Wipes (flushable)
    
  • Chapstick (several)
    
  • Kleenex
    
  • Regular Prescriptions and Asthma Inhaler/spacer (ask Surgeon)
    
  • Cough remedies (ask Surgeon)
    
  • Migraine remedies (ask Surgeon)
    
  • Chewable Vitamins (ask Surgeon)
    
  • Gas X (ask Surgeon)
    
  • Heating Pad/ext. cord for back/gas pains (probably not allowed, ask), or possibly the chemical heating pads (adhesive, ask)?
    

  [*]Clothing

  • Robe
    
  • Slippers (slip on kind)
    
  • Nightgown that buttons off-don’t have to lift arms (allergies to hospital ones)
    
  • Extra undies (not the silky kind-slide on sheets)
    
  • Extra Socks
    
  • Change of LOOSE clothing for ride home, w/slip on shoes (underwear, bra, drawstring pants, button front top, socks, shoes, jacket).
    

  [*]Sleeping

  • Pillow (my own)
    
  • Eye Mask
    
  • Ear plugs
    
  • Sound machine if own room (ask?)
    
  • Small Throw/Blanket (get cold in hospital)
    
  • Sheets (allergies to hosp. ones)
    

  [*]Personal Items

  • Insurance Card/other info. needed
    
  • Small firm pillow to hold against stomach for ride home, and for sneezes/gas pains/coughing in hospital
    
  • SF Mints, Tic Tacs (ask surgeon if you can suck on these)
    
  • Packets of Crystal Lite & SF Koolaid (why? Need this? Ask surgeon)
    
  • Camera (for photos)
    
  • Water bottle, no straw-sippy kind (need this? ask), others suggest small shot glass to measure Fluid intake
    
  • Notepad/pen; to write down info., notes from nurses/doctor, etc.
    

  [*]For Boredom

  • Ipod & Earbuds
    
  • Cell phone & charger
    
  • Books or magazines
    
  • Reading Glasses & case
    

  [*]DH Items

  • *Have him keep a bag with my valuables, ie. Cell phone, iPod, camera, insurance card/info. etc., while in surgery
    
  • Laptop/cords
    
  • Book/magazines
    
  • Snacks/Drinks
    
  • Cell Phone/Charger
    
  • Phone numbers list
    

I hate to see what this list will look like in 6 weeks.

[jubjub 1]

damn that is alot. I did not stay overnight. I went in 1st thing in the morning and was home by 2pm that same day.

[Rdy4ANewLife 3]

Yeah Im staying overnight and I'm not even taking a quarter of that list. LOL. And besides, alot of that stuff you can get from the hospital(shampoo, toothbrush, etc.....) to get by for that ONE night. I'm not lugging all that around when I'm just going for one night and will be sleeping and sore. BUT, just my .02. Good luck with your Journey and God Bless!!

[ashleyb 0]

Wow thats a big list. I was told I would be same day surgery pretty much unless something go's wrong. So Im only taking slippers, i pod, cell, and clothes.

[GuyMontag 1,264]

I was in at 9:30am and on the road by 1pm. I think i took an empty bag to hold my clothes and shoes while I was in surgery. That was it.

[Band_Groupie 3]

Alright! LOL! Seriously...besides my own pillow, the rest of this won't fill my small suitcase. I am for sure staying over night and I like my own toiletries for the shower (travel size).

I compiled the list from others here (just been adding to it since last fall), so I know someone else has a list like this?! There have to be other anal OCD list makers like me out there...fess up!! Stop pushing the print button and fess up!!!

But thanks for the laugh...I know you're laughing WITH me....uh, right?:smile:

[Babe 0]

hon, i was banded last week and let me tell ya, you won't need half that stuff. you'll want to keep things as simple as possible (you'll still be too groggy after anaesthesia to care)

just stick to the basics: meds, new undies, toothbrush/paste, i pod, lip balm, cleaning wipes for your face (cleanser takes to much effort), socks, pjs (if you hospital allows it) and a book or magazine.

make sure to wear lose fitting clothes the hospital and a sports bra (no underwire - trust me you'll be thankful post op), and some easy to wear or slip on shoes. you'll end up wearing the same clothes back home the next day.

i know its easy to freak out pre-op and imagine you need a whole bunch of things, but after the surgery you won't really care how you look. you'll be out of it or at the very least drained of energy.

good luck

[spud.mama 7]

LOL! :cursing: At first I thought of making fun of you like the others, BUT, it makes sense to bring a bunch of that stuff if you are going to stay for...let's say...a WEEK. :smile: LOL Just kidding. You may get bored but I'm sure you could lessen the list if you really think that for one--it's 6 weeks away, and two--you will be so excited and exhausted that you really wont want to do much but walk, sleep and watch TV. I'd be writing in my journal or on here.

The only thing the I HIGHLY advise NOT to bring is a SPORTS BRA!!! LOLOLOL!!!! :thumbup::cool2:

[spud.mama 7]

make sure to wear lose fitting clothes the hospital and a sports bra (no underwire - trust me you'll be thankful post op),

good luck

Hey Babe, you might re-think the sports bra recommendation if you read her blog about her incident (and injury lol) with trying one on. LOL :smile:

[justmel1957 1]

Yes, that is a large list. I took very little. I wore the same loose clothes in and out. I was an overnight stay and used their toothbrushes and paste. I did throw in an I-pod and was glad I had it to drown out the crazy lady who shared my room and yelled out all night. A comb and my cell phone were about it. Shampoo? I doubt you're gonna feel like bending over the sink to wash ur hair. Most docs wont let you shower for at least a couple of days.

Taking your own pillow might be a good idea if you think you will rest better with it.

I always follow the rule when packing for anything of: "pack what you think you will need, then remove half of it"

[Band_Groupie 3]

OK :thumbup:*she hangs her head in shame* unpacking things now...I guess I can live without...the second chapstick. :cursing:

That's what happens when you compile a list over 6 months...a suggestion here and there (like the suggestions made here) of something someone "couldn't live without" or was "upset they forgot to bring" and you end up with a long list. I'll pare it down...I promise (or DH may kill me since he'll be hauling it out).:cool2:

...and Spud, thanks...NO SPORTS BRA (they're still talking about it at PT). Whew!:smile:

[ALABAMA 0]

Bless you! I so had the same list 6 weeks ago. I am supposed to be at the Hospital in the morning at 5:15 for my surgery and am still at work and haven't packed a thing! LOL! I can tell you now I am only taking the minimum!

[skeeterbait8 0]

I'm a chronic over packer, but when it's my time next month I'm only taking what I have to.

I'll wear up regular clothes, jeans and a clean tee, clean undies, socks and my tennis shoes. For the ride home I will ditch the jeans for a HUGE pair of sweat pants, a clean tee shirt and undies and will have my house shoes or some others that I can just slip on and not have to tie.

I'll have my personal stuff in the case that it stays in so no problem there. Normally I do all the packing and carry in stuff. Seeing as how it will not be me I'll go light on hubby. We will have to stay the night before in a motel because of the time/distance from here to hospital. That's OK with me. I need a night out from home every now and then.

[wstorms 2]

Well I will tell you I am a HUGE list maker/planner! Though you do have a pretty big list :thumbup:! I had my surgery in Mexico so I had to fly before surgery, so I took a lot myself....though I stayed at my destination for a week :tt2:!

My number one, so glad I had item, was a child's sippy cup! Pre Lapband I drank liquid in big gulps and a lot at one time. I took too big of a drink in the hospital ONCE, that caused me some pain. So from that moment on I switched to the sippy cup. I used that for about a week, it really trained me to take small sips instead of the big drinks I was used to taking. I actually got my sippy cup at Wal-Mart. Playtex has one that looks like a small travel coffee mug....not SOOO babyish :tongue:.

Good luck with your packing :wink2:!!!