18 replies to this topic

[thelinesaredown]

Hi - I'm scheduled for my VSG on 2/27. I have never been in the hospital and not sure what to prepare for. I guess I'm not really talking about the actual surgery, but more of the hospital stay.
I'm sure it varies by every hospital, but in general, what did you guys bring? I guess I'm gonna be there for 2 night. I don't know if I should bring extra clothes, shoes, toiletries, make up, computer, what? Should I pack a back when I leave for the hospital or do I have someone bring it to me. Do hospitals have places to store these things? Sorry if I seem so ignorant!
Thanks for any input.
Jennifer

[CaydensMa]

From my experience... you probably won't need much. But then again, I was there 6 days. I had a catheter, so I couldn't wear my own pj's. Couldn't take a shower until my 5th day, and they supplied shampoo, soap, etc. They also supplied toothbrush and toothpaste. Sorry, I'm probably not much help, hopefully someone will be able to help you more.

[here we go]

Bring your cell phone, charger, Chaptstick. They will give you everything else that you need. Some people bring a pillow, I just brought the blanket that I watch tv with. I wore home the same outfit that I wore in since I didn't wear it long

Lots of luck

[2Bme]

I brought a book on the Ipod. I love audio books for when I cannot read. The headphones were also nice to mute some of the background hospital noise. Comfy slippers for walking around in. And wear comfy lose clothes to the hospital to wear home again.

That is all i used of what I brought.

[mistymee]

I was in 5 days- didn't touch a thing I brought (laptop, magazines, jammies, etc) All I wanted to do was sleep. The *only* things needed that weren't provided were ear plugs (hospitals are NOISY places), eye mask (cuz as soon as you do fall alseep they're snapping the lights on to do vitals checks) and lip balm (I love love love Burts Bee's best of any).

My incisions "leaked" <understatement> all over my johnnies all week, so I'd highly suggest you let them worry about laundry and they didn't allow me to wear anything but the provided slippers on my feet. If you are concerned about the johnnie being open in the back as for a second one to wear as a robe when you're walking the halls.

Good luck.

[lyssa719]

I took a robe with me, and my kindle fire (reading plus laptop abilities), my phone, hairbrush, dry shampoo and deodorant... The hospital supplied chapstick, sock slipper things, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo (but I didn't shower there). They gave me a list of what would be supplied, and what was recommended to take before I went. Maybe your folks have a list like this?

[Maxx3]

Hi Jennifer, Just came home from my surgery on Wed. I packed a lot and used almost nothing, I used my toothbrush and paste, mouthwash, deodorant- I bought the clinical strength one and it worked great!! BABYWIPES!!!!!! They were great for freshening up and in the bathroom. I put vaseline lip therapy on my lips before surgery and my lips were fine but bring some lip balm, lotion- very very dry in the hospital. I also brought my own pillow and my favorite throw blanket. Hair ties, brush.
Good luck!!!
Maxine

[New.:Nina:.]

I was in the hospital 2 nights. All I took with me was my cell phone, charger and chapstick. The hospital gave me the rest : toothpaste, tooothbrush, and some other stuff I don't remember. Since all I did was sleep and walked a total of only 2 times. Some or most hospitals provide stuff you may need.

Good Luck.

[BugdocMom]

Hi Jennifer, congrats on your upcoming surgery!!! I had never had surgery before my RNY and I remember really being comforted by reading others' blogs before surgery so I decided to blog my experience in detail so others could get a peek into what it was like. I've been blogging since then! Anyway, the link below will get you to the page that has a couple of relevant blog entries. One where I ask the same thing, what to bring. And the other "The details as I remember them" where I wrote about my actual hospital stay. It's been a while since I have looked back on them, but you may find something of use or even something comforting in them. Good luck!!

http://www.thinnerti...og/page__st__90

[jules74]

Slippers that slide on so you don't have to bend over with incisions and a drain hanging out of you. I also brought chapstick, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste and YES baby wipes are great. Also some lotion for dry skin. The hospital provides you with a lot of things you may need like toothpaste and toothbrush and soap to wash with etc. I also brought make-up and NEVER used it (I always wear make-up). Wear comfy, loose clothes on the morning of your surgery and you will also wear those home. Bring underwear for the day you leave. Also many people bring a pillow to hold against your tummy on your drive home...less wiggle and jiggle. You will spend most of your time walking, walking, walking and resting and drinking sips of water. Not much time for lots of other stuff.

[thelinesaredown]

Thanks so much for all the info!!! You guys are fantastic. I guess I'm overthinking this. Doesn't seem like I'll need much, but I just want to make sure I'm as comfortable as possible.
What goodies did you guys stalk up on at home? I have lots of protein powders & shakes, crystal light... I've been hearing chicken broth is a life saver. Any other tricks/tips?
Thanks!
<3 Jennifer

[mistymee]

Sugar free popsicles- a MUST. They help with tiny bits of fluid, and also the need to chew.

[Maxx3]

My favorites are- Diluted no sugar added apple juice and Beef broth, tried the chicken and did nothing for me but the beef is delish!!!

[Flooter]

Some of the protein drinks I stocked up on, I could no longer tolerate - in fact, just the sight of them made me nauseous! I ended up giving them away at a support group. (Lesson: don't buy a lot of one thing!) I wish I had brought my iPod as the second night I was there, a very noisy, hollering man was about 2 doors down. The nurse finally brought me some earplugs, and apologized for the noise. Chapstick - definitely! I couldn't focus my eyes to read anything (dang, that Roxicet is good stuff!) I walked a lot, so slippers that you won't trip in - I brought my CPAP and only used it one night as I don't think I even slept the first night (too noisy!)

[berna79]

For my personal experience I packed everything and used nothing. The hospital provided me with pjs, slippers, toiletries, even magazines. I would bring a phone charger and if you have a certain preference in items you use then you should bring it.

[Suzi-Q]

I took my phone, charger, ipod, laptop, chapstick, lotion, toothbrush and toothpaste, eyeglasses, contact lenses and contact lens cleaner, slippers. Wear loose clothes when you go to the hospital, so you can wear them home. I used all of this. The hospital had wifi. Whenever one of the doctors came in they said "are you sure you had surgery". I did take a shower the day I came home, and they gave me shampoo, soap, etc.

Edited by Suzi-Q, 20 February 2012 - 04:11 PM.

[Hopeful2011]

I was in for 5-6 days but mine was open and so my stay was longer. The top items I would tell you to bring would be slippers, robe, chapstick, phone charger and comfy,easy clothes to put on for your trip home.

[Disneydarling]

You might want to check with the hospital or your surgeon first and find out what your hospital will provide. I've read that some people had gift bags and even on this post read that their hospital provided tolietries. Mine did not. I had to use my own toothbrush/ tooth paste and they did provide soap for the shower but it was like foam soap you would use for your hands. It was also suppose to double as shampoo which I was not keen on. I wore very comfy PJ's to the hospital and home so I did not have any extra clothing. I was lucky enough to wear them a few days in the hospital but that was only because my IV came out and I asked them if I could change before they stuck it back in. The hospital provided me with socks that had non skid soles and that is what I used. I brought chapstick and gas x strips. I also brought my cell phone and cell phone charger which I did use quite a bit. For some reason the phone in my room wasn't working so it was my only means of keeping everyone up to date on how I was doing. I did bring my computer as well. Quite honestly I slept most of the time I was there but I did use all the items I brought at one time or another. When I had to sit up, I would turn my computer on and read and post on here. I was lucky enough to have a private room so I didn't need the headphones. Still, good to have along in case you have a really annoying roommate that will not shut up and you need to drown them out by listening to some music on your phone or ipod. The hospital kept my belongings in a bag attached to my bed until we got to my room and then they put them in a closet for me. There is no need to bring any money, jewelry, or valuables. I wish you the best of luck and hope this was helpful!

[Paula's Overhauled]

I brought my own pillow, toothbrush and robe. I didn't touch anything else. On day 6 I finally opened my laptop. I rested and walked. I did bring snacks for my family. They teased me when they saw them packed, but sure did chow down the munchies while I was in surgery and during visits. Mine was a longer operation and stay.