hospital stay and what to take? - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

sweetchristiangal · 03-03-2006, 02:53 PM

My day is starting to get close and I was wondering how long the actual stay usually is for RNY? Provided everything comes through well. I am hoping to have surgery in April/May time frame. Also to pass the time I wanted to make sure I was prepared with what to bring w/ me. I would like to buy new jammies to make me feel better during recovery and some nice Bath and Body works, my own pillows and blankets and journal.

What do you post-opers reccommend? Also was the hospital chilly? Should I bring a fluffy robe and slippers or t-shirts and flip flops?

Thanks
Christina

janh · 03-03-2006, 03:04 PM

Well, I took my robe and slippers-but I had mine in December.

I was in the hospital from Thursday to Saturday-and I think that's about average for a LapRNY-but it will depend upon you and if you have any complications.
They will make you walk-so I would take something to cover up the pretty hospital gown

I would take-something to read-your Bible maybe, and some chapstick, nothing like those dry after surgery lips. Take something that fits extra big for the ride home-I gained 9 pounds from the gas they use and it was all in the belly

VanessaSFL · 03-03-2006, 03:56 PM

Chapstick is the only thing I DIDN'T bring & the ONLY thing I needed.

Bring Chapstick!

Van

Gladitsme · 03-03-2006, 04:12 PM

A pillow for the ride home to hold to your tummy for the potholes.

new me · 03-03-2006, 04:22 PM

I took a thick robe for cover up and slip on slippers (a must. who wants to try to bend over to put on shoe slippers. as it is the nurses help with that). I only used the slippers. I couldn't use my robe with the IV in my left hand. I used another hospital gown as a robe. It works extremely well. At the shoulder of each arm they have snaps. Unsnap, put IV arm in, snap together. I am extremely shy and I felt comfortable, completely covered. Most people walking around with IV poles were dressed the same...Oh yeah, I also used my CARMAX and my own personal items. I took a book but didn't feel like reading. Best Wishes...

forsythia · 03-03-2006, 04:28 PM

It really depends on the lenght of your stay. I had surgery on Wednesday at 10 am and went home Thursday at 1:00 pm. The only things I used (of my own) while in the hospital were:

a long sweater duster (I hate robes)
slipper socks
chapstick
toothbrush
toothpaste

I didn't have time to get bored so I didn't read, watch much TV or use any of the "time-killers" (mostly Soduko) I brought with me. The nurses asked me if I wanted to shower on Thursday. However, I preferred to just wait a couple of hours and showered in the comfort of home - so I didn't need any other toiletries.

I went to my grandparent's house afterwards and they live an hour from the hospital - the entire car ride I felt like my guts where swishing around inside of me like a washing machine. I was a little worried my surgeon didn't quit earn his boy scout badge in sewing, if you know what I mean. I was buzzed out of my gourd on Lortab so I didn't really care...*LOL* but it was a *very* strange feeling! I definitely recommend that pillow for the ride home - specially if it's a long one!

eyesthatkissu · 03-03-2006, 06:15 PM

Chapstick.... pillow..... phone numbers....

trickychick68 · 03-03-2006, 06:21 PM

Chapstick, slippers, robe, toothbrush and toothpaste. Best of luck!

forsythia · 03-03-2006, 06:25 PM

That reminds me - you might want to bring a calling card with you if you will need to call long distance. I needed to call my mother the next day so one worked perfect for me.

You obviously can't use your cell phone in the hospital room and I didn't feel comfortable having my credit cards with me. The hospital charges an arm and a leg for long distance calls (just like they do for everything else). Either call collect or get an inexpensive calling card from a retail store.

MiladyB · 03-03-2006, 09:02 PM

I had a Lap RNY and was in the hospital for 24 hours, like Katee. She and I have surgeons from the same office. I took several things with me but only used a few. I used a second hospital gown instead of a robe and the hospital slippers. I had a book but never looked at it. The pain meds had me a little too 'buzzed' to keep my eyes focused. *l* The only things I really used from home were chapstick, phone numbers and my toiletrie items (toothpaste, toothbrush, brush, deoderant, shampoo, etc...)