I finally got my exact operation date yesterday, the 9th oct, in the afternoon, and am so excited, it has taken me 19 months to get to this point and it still feels unreal.

I have started to think about what to take into hosital with me, and have found some new slippers, got some new pink towels, and toothpaste, lol, i am concentrating on this because i havn't yet received my liver shrinking diet, i am allergic to cows milk, so have to follow the alternaive diet, i start it on the 25th sept, and am impatient to find out what it consists of. The dietician was suppose to send it out to me last week, but as usual, what he is supposed to do for me isn't happening, but at least the specialist nurse said she would get straight onto him and i should have it soon.

I have been doing the dukan protein only since saturday, but went off it yesterday after the phone call with the op date, i had jacket tattie with cheese and curry for lunch, and raspberries and light elmlea, and for supper shared a lamb rogan with rice and popadoms with hubby, really enjoyed them, but back on protein only till tomorrow, can't wait to add veg to the diet.

Hope everyone is doing ok, take care, Janet. x

started to think about what to take into hosital

Janet

your excitement and happiness is contagious

getting a date for surgery makes everything more real

i know there is a whole thread here on "what to bring to the hospital"

i wore hospital gown, and their slippers., toothpaste was there - didn't bring any ipod or computer stuff , or a book to read

basically, i just brought me, myself and i to the hospital

i just rested, slept and walked - didn't do anything else

you could bring chapstick, lips get dry

good luck

best wishes for a speedy recovery

I had grand plans to take my laptop, as my hospital has free wi-fi. I last minute left it behind, and figured I had my iphone for netflix, games, and texting. I also brough a book, had my sis-in-law bring me some magazines. I brough a full gaggle of tolitries and a change of clothes. I didn't use any of these things. I used the hospitals soap, toothpaste, and toothbrush when that time came. I slept a lot and talked a little with my boyfriend who spent a lot of time with me. When I wasn't sleeping, I was trying to walk. I didn't even turn on the TV in the room but once. I had an extended stay, and I think the only thing I wish I had, was my last night there I wish I had my own nightgown and robe to have changed into. After 4.5 days of hospital gowns, I was ready to feel comfy cotton fabric.

I'd suggest traveling light though. Its nice when you get discharged, to not have a bunch of stuff to carry back out with you.

I took three sets of clothing, five undies and socks. I needed only the clothese on my back from presurgery, and a pair of sneakers that I loosened the ties on so that i could slip them on and off and walk. Chapstick is good to bring, and that's about it. Lighten your load. You won't be wearing clothing in there, just a gown, and you won't want anything else either...just rest...which you won't get much of because you'll be getting pain meds, i.v's and walking, trying to bear the pain and go to the bathroom. The clothes you wear in pre-surgery go right into a bag and stay there until you leave, and you can put them right back on. I would suggest shower shoes so that if you felt up to it, you could keep your feet clean from the floor...but I was unable to shower, and could barely wash my face.

thankyou for all of your replies, all very helpful and encouraging, xx