Hello all,

just wondering what should I pack in my overnight bag? Obviously change of clothes, but I doubt I'll need a book. What did you bring?

I always over packed for all the surgeries I had so I have now learned how to pack better.

First of all since you get to the hospital and change, just wear the clothes you will wear when you leave. No need to pack a new pair of clothes if you only wear the first ones for an hour or two. This makes less carrying once you leave ( it will be uncomfortable to hold things).

Wear comfy shoes ( flipflops or slip ons are the best) that you will wear home.

Pack a package of wet wipes, eye cover ( I dont know what its called but if you want to sleep in darkness it is good to cover your eyes if there will be lights on in your room), deoderant, toothbrush, tooth paste, hairbrush, and a book or something to entertain you if you stay over night.

I can now just go to the hospital with my purse and a few things.

I went to the hospital with a few things. I wore the clothes I came in home - minus the bra - I just couldnt wear anything that was constricting. Packed - toothbrush, toothpaste & hairbrush. Wore flip flops to walk the halls in - I had to wear ted hose during my stay so the wearing the flipflops worked best with them. Couldnt stand having the TED hose on with socks on top of them - way to hot for me.

Thanks AlienBandit. You have shared very useful experience for us. I see what you share is wonderful.

Hello all,

just wondering what should I pack in my overnight bag? Obviously change of clothes, but I doubt I'll need a book. What did you bring?

I have a tendency to pack too much for anything. I took a change of clothes, nightgown and robe, slippers, toiletries. In a tote bag I took a book, magazine, ipod for just in case I felt like using any of them. I used them all! Good luck on your surgery.

The only things I used from my bag were the lip balm and moisturizer. Oh, and of course my change of clothes (for going home).

I did buy a nice soft stretchy bra--that was comfy both in bed and on the way home.

Otherwise, I didn't even use the robe and slippers---I did tons of hall-walking, but it was the middle of the night, and no one was around. The gown they gave me wrapped around well, so nothing was visible. And because of the telemetry leads, IV tubing, etc., it was just easier not to wrestle into a robe.

Thanks, all! I ended up bringing too much. I only needed my slippers and my phone. Played some games for a few minutes here and there, never changed out of gown - made it so much easier to use restroom, had much difficulty bending. Never used magazines I brought, clothes, etc.

I was supposed to go home the next morning after surgery but ended up having issues and I had to stay for 3 days and I was so glad I had these things with me.

I brought severall things but these are what I really used:

Chapstick -really dry lips after surgery

ipod with audiobook on it. I found out after my hysterectomy I was not able to concentrate to read but I could enjoy someone reading to me. Remember the charger

Nice slippers -you will be walking quite a bit after surgery and a nice padded slipper was good

Extra pair of undies in case of problems with diarrhea, ( I hope you do not need them.) I wore the same clothes home as I wore to the hospital.

Cell phone for texting or calls if your up for it. Remember the charger

My own: toothpaste and toothbrush, heavy duty face moisturizer, deodorant, and if you have longer hair either clips or a skrunchi. They give you small sized of basics but I am more comfortable with my own.

PILLOW is an absolute must for the ride home. The seat belt rubs against your incisions. I did not have this but really wished I did as we live far from the hospital.

Hope this helps.

Jen