I was wondering,

What are the essentials I will need for the hospital stay and after I get home? I want to make sure I have everything but not go overboard with things I don't need or won't use.

I am on a budget:(

Thanks so much!

Honestly, there wasn’t one essiantial I needed that the hospital didn’t have. Besides my cell phone/charger. I picked a weekend bag of stuff and didn’t touch my bag once until It was discharge time and I got my clothes. But in all honesty, I could have worn the clothes i came in with.

For home, I got a tray table, a small notebook to log my water/protein ( I am anal but you could use your phone). I also got more bandages for my incisions as some were oozy 3 days post surgery. And if your incisions become itchy/red, coconut oil. I already had some on hand.

I also prefer 8 oz ware bottle versus the 16 because it doesn’t seem as intimidating drinking and it’s easier to keep track. Crystal light packets if you like them.

I already had these but I used 2.5 wrist/ankle weights to do seated arm/leg exercises (got the ok from my surgeon). It was rainy where I live for a solid week after post op and I walked around my house as much as I could but it seemed like it wasn’t enough.

38 minutes ago, Bryn910 said:

Honestly, there wasn’t one essiantial I needed that the hospital didn’t have. Besides my cell phone/charger. I picked a weekend bag of stuff and didn’t touch my bag once until It was discharge time and I got my clothes. But in all honesty, I could have worn the clothes i came in with.

For home, I got a tray table, a small notebook to log my water/protein ( I am anal but you could use your phone). I also got more bandages for my incisions as some were oozy 3 days post surgery. And if your incisions become itchy/red, coconut oil. I already had some on hand.

I also prefer 8 oz ware bottle versus the 16 because it doesn’t seem as intimidating drinking and it’s easier to keep track. Crystal light packets if you like them.

I already had these but I used 2.5 wrist/ankle weights to do seated arm/leg exercises (got the ok from my surgeon). It was rainy where I live for a solid week after post op and I walked around my house as much as I could but it seemed like it wasn’t enough.

oh thanks so much!! The 8 oz verses the 16 makes such good sense. I don't like drinking water as it is!! lol I never heard of coconut oil for itching but i have some so that's great also! Thanks so much for this!!

I can't stress dry mouth spray and lip balm for when you come out of surgery and they don't let you drink anything for several hours. Honestly made my first day SO much more tolerable. Bring some comfy sweats with you, they typically let you put them on while you are still in recovery, just having some pants on can make the world of difference! Don't forget a pillow for the ride home so you can put it between you and the seat belt. And any other entertainment things you might want for your stay. You will more than likely be up and walking before you even leave the recovery room and they'll have you walking every hour or so.

For home, don't stock up on foods too much, the amount you'll actually need is comically smaller at first. My wife over bought a few things, and they ended up not getting used.

Try to find some Protein water or Isopure Zero Carb RTD drinks (the taste is a little odd so it might be worth trying some before you need them) they are high in protein clear drinks and also count for water intake. 2 birds 1 stone. Sleeping can be tough for some the first few nights home, see if you'd be better off in a recliner or if you need extra pillows to prop you up while sleeping.

The budget part, the foods are you going to need to eat after surgery (and for the rest of your life) generally are a bit more expensive. But it's important to understand that you eat less, so it balances out.

@sammi123
Air freshener is a must, for when the gas starts coming.

@sammi123 great thread topic, thank you for posting. All who commented thank you as well. It's great to have such a supportive group who share their knowledge.

Thank u as well:) This has really help. I have taken this advise and got most of it done. Surgery in 3 weeks!!