hey sleevers..... I am only 10 days away from surgery!! Can I get your expert advice on what to bring.. What to think and how to live lol just kidding about the last two!.. :lol0: but in all seriousness.. I would love to get some pointers on getting ready for the big day!

Pack lightly. Depending on how long your stay is for me my essentials were:

Slippers (those nonskid socks just suck in my opinion)

My shampoo and body wash (i like to bathe)

Lotion

Lip Balm (I prefer blistex or lip gloss over chapstick)

comfortable loose clothing to wear home

A FRONT CLOSURE SNAP OR HOOK SPORTS BRA. . . I don't mind bebopping around my house, but in those thin hospital gowns, I didn't want to be nipping out through the gown in those cold hospital halls on all my walks. The front closure bra was a godsend. I stayed in the hospital gown because I didn't want to dirty up my clothes.

IPhone, and charger

Some take laptop, magazines, books, and I had to have my make up. As soon as I could, I was slapping on eyeliner and lipstick. It helps me feel better and mentally, it helps me recover to know I look better.

All Tiffy said plus: loose, comfy underwear, make up (tinted moisturizer and lipbalm/gloss)and toiletries, a nice refreshing perfume or cologne, make up wipes to refresh your face the first couple of hours. Good luck!

I got this binder of information from my bariatric center and in it is a hospital checklist. Here's what's on it:

1. clothes to go home in, that don't bind at the waist
   
2. chapstick
   
3. toothbrush and toothpaste
   
4. brush
   
5. socks
   
6. pillow
   
7. slippers and short robe
   
8. breath freshener drops
   
9. deodorant
   
10. glasses or contacts (and solution)
    
11. list of family/friends with contact numbers, just in case
    
12. copy of living will and/or power of attorney
    
13. Water bottle
    

Knowing me, I'll probably STILL forget to bring stuff, but I hope this helps.

Just to add to the list..

eye mask

ear plugs or ipod / mp3 player to knock out the machine noises.

Oooohhh...good call on the ear plugs and eye mask. I hadn't even thought of those! Hopefully I can remember to actually bring them.

question.. if i normally am able to fall asleep with the snap of two fingers.. do you still think i will need a mask??? i will definitely not be forgetting my ipod thats for sure!! thanks for all of the pointers! :001_tongue:

Maybe bring it just in case. Better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it :001_tongue:

iam so infamous for underpacking its unreal!! Lol... So I need all the help I can possibly get hehehe!.. I will make sure to compile all of this to ensure this time I will be prepared.. I mean surgery is pretty intense.. Not the time to under pack!

Ok. Makeup, lip gloss, and a front hook bra. Check! What else does a guy need? LOL! :001_tongue:

Seriously, is there a list for a guy? Other than underwear, slippers, and maybe something else to wear besides the drafty hospital gown, I'm kind of drawing a blank here. I haven't been a hospital patient since I was 13... :confused1:

Dave