i was sleeved on March 15th. The BEST thing I took with me was a simple safety pin. This allowed me to pin my drain to my gown. That way it wasn't free swinging while I walked. It also kept the drain from pulling on the stitch. I know it is simple but it was a big help. The day I was discharged I gave it to the woman across the hall and she swears by it.

This may sound really stupid, but you mean your hospital couldn't provide a simple safety pin? Mine certainly did, and suggestions on how to fasten the drain to the bandage to minimize the 'pulling' feeling.

For me, the best thing I took was a bottle of Biotene mouthwash. The nurse coordinator of the bariatric program recommended it and it was a lifesaver. I just swished and spat every time my mouth got dry those first few days and it provided amazing relief.

Actually, I was at the same hospital (at the same time)and asked for a safety pin because I got tired of carrying the drain everywhere I went along with the iv pole, and they could not provide me with one. I know it sounds weird and I suppose I could've asked around a little more,but it really would have saved me some aggravation!

I'm not putting down the hospital, it was very clean,nice and the nurses (and doctors) were more than on top of their game with my pain and nausea medicines! I would not hesitate to go back in an instant! ( I would just be sure to bring a darn safety pin! Lol)

Does everyone have a drain and for how long?

I am bringing a small, firm, rectangular pillow so I can hold against my belly to help with coughing and getting in and out of the bed. Now, I will just clip a safety pin to it, just in case!

The best thing I had with me was a little bedside clock - there wasn't one in my hospital room and not knowing what time it was would have driven me crazy

I did not have a drain (or a catheter for that matter). I have loved, loved, loved my GasX strips, Auquaphor Lip balm in a tube, Halls brand hard candy (called "Refresh" - SF and claims to be mouth watering....and IT IS), and obviously my iPad. Hospital gave me a pillow for a gift so I didn't even need mine. Ironically though right before I read this my nurse was looking for a safety pin for me and couldn't find one. She wanted to pin the pull rope, for the light above my bed, to my bed in case I needed to turn it on in the night so I wouldn't have to reach. I will say that I put on the lip balm right before going back to OR and told my husband to reapply first thing. He did and so far my lips are not chapped one bit. Feeling great overall so far!

I didn't have a drain either! The best thing I took with me was chapstick! Plus my phone charger!! The hospital I went to was excellent with finding anything I needed. They gave me a small bottle of mouthwash to help with the dry mouth.