QUESTION:

"I'm having surgery soon, what will I need for my hospital stay or for shortly after???"

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Okay, ladies and gentlemen, this question comes up here so much - I felt it would be a great idea to start up an official thread. My plan is once I think the list is great enough, I'm going to create a checklist for all the folks out there that will be sleeved shortly and have the above question. Then if you are around long enough and as much as I am, and someone has that question you can just lead them to this thread. Fair enough?

Sometimes it's just nice to have everything all in the same place, kinda following the WalMart rule of thumb. They are very successful, aren't they?

Anyway, please start with your suggestions and I'll get my MSWord fired up. I'll also start with the first suggestion:

Comfy Pajamas, underclothes, and slippers or warm cozy socks...

Hospital Stay Checklist.doc

I am so happy to find this list. I always over pack!

I took my Kindle, a little stuffed animal to hug on my tummy when I got up and stuff mostly I just used him to cry on..lol. My robe, supposed to have had my pillow but it got left at home, silly husband! I think I turned my Kindle on one time.

As others said, chapstick was my best friend, also my robe. I just used the hospital gown because it was easier to deal with (yep sorry to all those that came to visit and saw my butt, you were warned) I just used the little socks they put on me before surgery and that was it really. Came home in the same clothes I wore to the hospital.

Ended up only using lip balm, phone, and charger, and a small overstuffed pillow I made. Went in loose stretchy clothing and flip flops (YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO BEND TO TIE SHOES!), wore em home. They give you toiletries and didn't even want the hassle of changing from their socks n robes. They have amazing yummy citrus flavor mouth swabs for dry mouth (although warning, too many causes diarrhea). Brought an iPad to read. Did lots of reading, but thanks to awesome pain killers, didnt remember any of what I read lol. I had my own room so no need for earplugs/mask. Just wished I brought a close pin or something for my nose, smell (is still) in wayyyyyy over drive and makes me nauseas. Fiancé thought I was nuts walking around pointing out closed doors with things as small as ketchup. Can no longer tolerate the smell of soups and "fresh" chicken (eg, Perdue cutlets. Chicken nuggets are fine though. It's weird).

Keeping it short and sweet. Tho I'm pretty good about over-packing!

Lip Balm

Nightshirt w/long sleeves [i'm always cold afer surgery]

Vit C drops to suck on

Small pillow for my tummy

Regular pillow [arthritic neck so not any pillow will work]

A stuffy of my daughter's that I've asked her to pick out for me. She's 6 and kinda freaked out that I'm having surgery AND spending the night in the hospital so I've asked her to send something special of her to send with me.

Book

Glasses

Wish I had a tablet b/c I don't want to haul my laptop w/me.

I think that's it.

I'll wear the clothes home that I'm going in.

this is super awesome, I am waiting for my surgery date, but am a little over organized, or as my sis would say OCD, and want to be prepared and these lists are awesome!!

Thank you to everyone who posted on this topic. I have surgery in 18 days and already have my bag packed with everything I should need. Really appreciate the input.

Thanks this will be very helpful; I appreciate it. I dont have a date yet, but I printed this out and will use when I do...thanks for all your ideas and for making a list, by the way your tranformation is amaZing....

Wanted to share my list, so far...

Non-food Items:

• Demitasse Spoon and Cocktail Fork ($1.99 each at Bed Bath & Beyond)
  
• liquid Baby Tylenol
  
• Small, decorative plates (still looking for these)
  
• Funnel (Set of 3 nesting, $1 at Dollar Tree)
  
• Gas-X
  
• Tervis Tumbler and Travel Lid (The cocktail shaker version, $18.99, has measurements on the cup. It comes with a removeable jigger, strainer, and pourer that is easily replaced with the travel lid, purchased separately for $3.99)
  
• Baby Spatula (Silicone Frosting Spreader $1 at Dollar Tree)
  
• Spill-proof Sippy Cup that looks like a travel mug
  
• Travel Baby Formula Dispenser ($6.99 at Overstock.com)
  
• Water Bottle with measurements and narrow mouth ($8.95 at llbean.com)
  
• Bariatric fusion Multi-Vitamin
  

Pantry:

• Cottage cheese
  
• Cheese Sticks
  
• broth
  
• Cream Soups
  
• sugar-free Tang
  
• Refried Beans
  
• Fat-free Greek Yogurt
  
• Hummus
  
• Sugar-free Apple Cider
  
• Miso Soup
  
• Natural Applesauce
  
• V-8 Low Sodium
  
• Decaf Instant coffee Packets (like Nescafe Hazelnut)
  
• 100% juice (grape, apple, cranberry)
  
• Unflavored Protein powder
  
• Isopure Bottles from GNC
  
• Individual packets of many, many Protein Powder brands and flavors
  

Only a month until surgery! Any suggestions that for items that you found useful?

Thank You SO MUCH about posting the where you found the Spoons & Forks because I have had HORRIBLE luck finding any! I refuse to use BABY & TODDLER plastic forks and spoons!!!!! DO YOU HEAR ME? REFUSE!!! LOL

After I go see my Dr. today I am going to Bed Bath & Beyond to get some!

Johnathan

Thank you so much for all the suggestions made on this post!! I've been making my hospital bag list and my shopping list as Ive been reading everyones lists. My surgery is on Aug 6th and I haven't gotten anything yet. Thank you all for your insights and experiences! They are so helpful to know what to look foreward to.

What is Demitasse Spoon and Cocktail Fork for?

What is Demitasse Spoon and Cocktail Fork for?

To Use for your new utensils. Most people don't recommend eating with normal size bc they are just too large

For those traveling abroad don't forget your passports.

I had the surgery with Dr. Francisco Gonzalez through MexMedTours.com and they send me a list before hand of what items I would need. I will try to find it on my email and post it here, it was very helpful for me.

For those traveling abroad don't forget your passports.

I had the surgery with Dr. Francisco Gonzalez through MexMedTours.com and they send me a list before hand of what items I would need. I will try to find it on my email and post it here, it was very helpful for me.

Omar with Dr. Kelly's office told me I do not need a passport. Just my drivers license and birth certificate. I don't know if this is just because we're driving across the border instead of flying.

Omar with Dr. Kelly's office told me I do not need a passport. Just my drivers license and birth certificate. I don't know if this is just because we're driving across the border instead of flying.

I was told that it basically depends on the border customs agent, obviously if you have your passport that is your best bet. If you don't have it they the customs agent may not say anything or he might send you to a secondary inspection and they make you wait even more until they check their system and verify that you are a US citizen.

I was told that it basically depends on the border customs agent, obviously if you have your passport that is your best bet. If you don't have it they the customs agent may not say anything or he might send you to a secondary inspection and they make you wait even more until they check their system and verify that you are a US citizen.

My surgery is in less than 2 weeks. I'm gonna have to go off of Omars statement at this time and hope for the best.