What to take to the hospital? - ThinnerTimes

'thann · 04-25-2008, 09:23 AM

I know there was a thread on this a while back, but I couldn't find it.

Anyway, surgery is next Tuesday (April 29), and I am starting to pack for the hospital. Here's what I have so far:

Spirometer (given to me at Pre-Admission Testing)
Betimol (my eyedrops for glaucoma -- I don't take any other meds)
Pillow
Lip balm
iPod and headphones (is this a good idea?)
Comfy clothes to go home in
Slippers
Socks
Pajama bottoms (2 pair, just in case) so the whole world doesn't see my hinie when I take walks!
Magazines, crossword puzzles, pencils
My Barix-provided book
Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies
Notebook
Reading glasses
Cell phone (is this allowed?)
Breath spray (allowed?)
Toothbrush and toothpaste (will I be allowed to brush my teeth?)
Antiperspirant
Makeup and mirror (don't want to scare the staff!)
Face cream
Body lotion
Hairbrush

What else should be on my list?

Thanks!
'thann

KarenInKali · 04-25-2008, 09:35 AM

Here's a link to the other thread. I bumped it back to the top. We should make it a sticky.

What were you happy to have with you at Hospital

Chia · 04-25-2008, 09:38 AM

Seriously, you won't use half of that stuff. Haaha. You will probably only be there overnight to two days, make-up will be very low on your list. If you are cathed you might not be able to wear pants (or underpants), but they will give you a robe so you don't moon everyone. I brought books & homework, but I didn't touch the stuff really. I was in the hospital for 4 days! Toothbrush & hygiene stuff is a good plan, cell phone, a pillow or whatever makes you feel happy, but "looking good" is not going to be an early post-op concern. I was most concerned with making sure that I'd pee after they took out the catheter because they said they'd re-insert it if I didn't and this time it would be without the anesthesia.

All jokes aside, you'll be fine and home sooner than you realize and carting a whole bunch of stuff to the hospital will just make more stuff to put away when you get home. Good luck and we'll be waiting for you on the loser's bench!

Toony · 04-25-2008, 09:43 AM

I didn't want to have to worry about my IPOD walking off - so I left it home... And Chia is right, you won't need half of that... but doesn't hurt to be over-prepared! I'd make sure you have plenty of protein and liquid options for your return home. You won't feel like shopping! I esp. needed liq. benedryl and liq. tylenol...

Won't be long now! Wheee!

PS: Take a digital camera if you have one!

AmityA · 04-25-2008, 09:47 AM

Yes-- please refer to the post that kali provided. Dont take all that stuff. I only took a couple pairs of loose shorts, 2 tshirts, 2 undies and 2 prs of socks. I also took basic toiletries but they wouldnt let me take a shower while I was there. I wasnt allowed to shower until 3 days out. so shampoo and conditioner and body wash didnt see the light of day. I also took a pr of slippers but the hospital provided these toasty socks with rubber stuff on the soles for non slip effect. I loved em, wore em home and am waiting for them to get out of the dryer so i can put them back on! lol I took lip balm but as long as I got in my required water, Ididnt need it. I probably could have used it after surgery but i was so out of it and in pain I didnt even think about it honestly. I did take my cell phone and my nintendo ds lite but only used my cell phone a couple of times. I also took some wet wipes too and used those. Good luck!

'thann · 04-25-2008, 10:47 AM

Thanks for the advice! And HOW could I forget to put my camera in the bag? I'll take half my stuff out, and toss the camera in.

I just returned from shopping -- got various things for the liquid phase, and stopped at Barix to get some Any Whey and samples of other stuff.

Thanks, too, for posting the other thread. It definitely should be a sticky!

'thann

AToM · 04-25-2008, 08:13 PM

I took a robe to wear while walking in the hall. The hospital provided non slip socks that I wore my whole time there - I took slippers but didn't wear them. I wore the gown the entire time. I did put on clean underwear to go home in but wore the same clothes that I came in since I arrived at the hospital at 5:30am and was in my gown at 6:15am.

I left my wallet, watch and wedding band at home. I had my wife get me a newspaper each day but really didn't have anything else. My room had free WiFi but I didn't even want to mess with having my laptop there.

VanessaSFL · 04-25-2008, 08:18 PM

Thann,

All you need is to show up with your BIRTHDAY suit and Lip Balm.

Girl, if you bring all of that ..you will need a suit case.

Did anyone else just wanna sleep...That was me 100%. I only moved when I had to go for "The Walks"...then back to bed.

Excited for you Thann

SDeRossett · 04-26-2008, 03:12 AM

Go 'Thann, Go 'Thann, Go 'Thann.....

When I had my GBS I bought some night gowns that I could put velcro on at the shoulders. With the IV and tubes you can't wear slip over nighties so that was my solution to the hospital gowns that are a little breezy. I am a prolific chap stick user so that was on my most wanted list. A set of comfortable clothes to wear home. Usually the hospital will provide you with all other toiletries and such. It's nice to have your own stuff, but like previously stated, they won't let you shower for a couple of days (usually) everyone's experience is different. They did offer sponge baths, but you know it's not the same. Be prepared (mentally) to walk and try to walk as soon as they want you to and as much as they want you to. You will feel better the more you move. It will also help the "other" processes like passing gas and going to the bathroom. I'm so happy for you! It's been a long road for you and finally you are crossing the line, then you will put that journey behind you and start a new one. Oh, by the way Tuesday is my wedding anniversary, so I will always remember what day you had your surgery! Congratulations and keep us posted.

Sharon