So my surgery is less than a week away (I can't believe it) and I plan on preparing this weekend for my overnight stay in the hospital. I've never had to stay in the hospital before so I'm wondering what things or items should I pack? I've started a list, any input would be greatly appreciated.

1.) Gas-X dissolving strips (I was told it helps relieve the gas pain)

2.) Pillow (For the ride home)

3.) Loose fitting clothes (I don't own any of that but I do have dresses that I can wear)

4.) Hygiene Products (Showering is a must for me. No exceptions can be made to that rule. Now to figure out how with out hurting my incisions)

Can anybody think of anything else? OMG I just got really nervous that next week Wednesday is S-Day.

The only thing my surgeon said to pack (other than clothes to wear home) was comfortable shoes to walk in...since they have you up and walking every 4 hours after surgery. I get sleeved next Wednesday too.

I'm packing my own pjs, change of clothes for going home, tennis shoes and socks, and toiletries...that is it.

Showering was a must for me too, but while I was in the hospital they wouldn't let me. Luckily I brought some body cleansing wipes so I was able to kind of "sponge bathe" around my belly.

slip on shoes, ear buds, tunes, laptop was really nice to have

I wore the same clothes home that I wore there. I only had them on about an hour anyway. I did bring fresh underwear.

Bring chapstick. You can;t shower in the first 24 hours. How long do you plan on being there?

I took a whores bath and it was fine. You wash with anitbacterial soap before you get there and they keep you freezing cold. Unless you work up a sweat walking like I did, You will be fine. I did keep my face routine up.

Edited August 13, 201510 yr by OutsideMatchInside

The only thing my surgeon said to pack (other than clothes to wear home) was comfortable shoes to walk in...since they have you up and walking every 4 hours after surgery. I get sleeved next Wednesday too.

I'm packing my own pjs, change of clothes for going home, tennis shoes and socks, and toiletries...that is it.

I still can't believe it's so close!!!!

I wore the same clothes home that I wore there. I only had them on about an hour anyway. I did bring fresh underwear.

Bring chapstick. You can;t shower in the first 24 hours. How long do you plan on being there?

I took a whores bath and it was fine. You wash with anitbacterial soap before you get there and they keep you freezing cold. Unless you work up a sweat walking like I did, You will be fine. I did keep my face routine up.

I am scheduled to stay one night hopefully to be released the next day if all goes well.

Yeah I figured I would have to take a whore bath. I just love taking a shower!!!

I brought a brush, lip balm, my phone, and an extra long charger. That's it.

I wore loose comfy clothes in and wore the same ones home. I showered right before I left for the hospital, there was no need to shower there and I had no desire to. They gave me a little pillow to hold against my belly and I was told to bring it with me for the car ride home.

Sounds like your list is pretty comprehensive!! One of the things that helped me was I took a bottle of Biotene mouthwash to swish my dry mouth out with. It is a moisturizing mouthwash.

I packed everything but the kitchen sink LOL I even took nail polish and makeup which for the record I used.

Good luck on your surgery.

Oh my heavens. Nail polish and makeup? Y'all are some dedicated women!

I wore a loose dress, panties, bra and sandals, which I then wore home two days later.

I packed my cpap, a pair of loose sweatpants and fresh panties, my phone, charger, ID and a check for my copay. That's it. If I didn't have the cpap, I could have fit everything into a bag smaller than my purse.

The hospital provided non-slip socks, cleansing cloths, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, etc. Since I ended up staying an extra night I got to take a real shower on day 2 before I went home. Before that I just cleaned up with their supplies.

I didn't need anything for dry mouth because I was drinking all the time.

Lip balm, mouth spray (for dry mouth), and a pillow for the drive home.

The only thing I used was my phone charger. I wore the same clothes I wore to the hospital, home. I didn't need anything but my phone and charger.

I forgot to take my heating pad do wound up sending my sister out to get one. It helped with the gas pain in my shoulder. Plus, I was freezing so it provided some extra warmth.

They gave me swabs for dry mouth, so I didn't need anything for it.

If you are going to a good bariatric hospital, you really need almost nothing. When I was in recovery and didn't have my lip balm, I asked the nurse for something for my lips because they were dry and she put Vaseline on them for me.

I don't know how long your pre-op diet is, but after 10 days on liquids, and the last day just Clear Liquids then a whole 36 hours of nothing. I didn't have the strength to stand for a shower.

I walked because it was the best pain relief, and I can't sleep on my back, let alone in a hospital.

Edited August 14, 201510 yr by OutsideMatchInside

@@Sharon1964 I am not nearly as tough as my post made me sound. I am the nursing administer at the hospital where I had my surgery done so I had tons of visitors. Had to make sure I looked good. LOL. While I was in the hospital I stayed well groomed and acted like I felt great. As soon as I was home I didn't wear makeup for days or pants for that matter (the waistband rubbed one of my incisions). I wore my nightgowns and loose dresses for at least two weeks. I really am a wimp; I just couldn't act like it while I was in the hospital.

Boy was I ever glad to get home and relax!!! It was a little stressful to have so many visitors, but at least everyone was supportive????

Glitter eyes, I love your confession post. I always like to say fake it until you make it. Sounds corny but to some degree it helps at times.