I am on board for surgery on July 18th. Woo Hoo! Even though I have been a nurse since 1986, I have never been an actual patient! I realize I should only be staying overnight, but I like to be prepared. What did you take along that you found helpful or something you wish you took with you?

TIA

55 minutes ago, RobbieBG said:

I am on board for surgery on July 18th. Woo Hoo! Even though I have been a nurse since 1986, I have never been an actual patient! I realize I should only be staying overnight, but I like to be prepared. What did you take along that you found helpful or something you wish you took with you?

TIA

I took me, myself and I. You are a nurse you should know that the hospital will provide the necessities.

All I used was my phone, my iPad, my charger w a long cord and chapstick. I took other stuff that I just had to unpack when I got home.

That is what I was thinking too. Thanks for your help

33 minutes ago, apositivelife4me said:

I took me, myself and I. You are a nurse you should know that the hospital will provide the necessities.

Thank you?

11 minutes ago, sillykitty said:

All I used was my phone, my iPad, my charger w a long cord and chapstick. I took other stuff that I just had to unpack when I got home.

Thank you

I always bring something to wear on my feet other than socks. After abdominal surgery, it sucks to put on socks. I have a pair of hiking sandals made by Keen that I bring. The foot support when walking in the halls makes me feel much more comfortable. A sturdy pair of flip-flop sandals work too.

24 minutes ago, macadamia said:

I always bring something to wear on my feet other than socks. After abdominal surgery, it sucks to put on socks. I have a pair of hiking sandals made by Keen that I bring. The foot support when walking in the halls makes me feel much more comfortable. A sturdy pair of flip-flop sandals work too.

That is a great suggestion. Thanks!

Fuzzy socks or slippers. The socks the hospital gave me were huge! I was so glad I brought my own!

Only a comfort measure but i prefer my own pillow.

2 hours ago, RobbieBG said:

I am on board for surgery on July 18th. Woo Hoo! Even though I have been a nurse since 1986, I have never been an actual patient! I realize I should only be staying overnight, but I like to be prepared. What did you take along that you found helpful or something you wish you took with you?

TIA

I packed a bit more than I used... seems to be the "going rate".

Things I was very thankful that I packed:
Dry Mouth spray and Lip Balm - made the first stretch of recovery where they don't let you drink SO much easier.

Things that I packed that were very useful:
Sweatpants (or PJ bottoms)
Slippers
Pillow from home (for added support and for the ride home)
Cell phone and charger with extra long cord
Deoderant

Things I brought that I didn't use:
A book
Extra/change of clothes

I bought chapstick, underwear, toothbrush and toothpaste and a extended charger and that's all you will need unless your doctor tells you something different. I made sure when i went i wore something that was easy to put on and that was not tight on the waist because of the incisions.

iPod, phone, charger with long cord, toothbrush, slippers, Chapstick, deodorant and makeup for the next day. Wish I had brought a robe. I just threw a blanket over myself when I walked the halls.

My surgery is on Weds, so I’ll update afterward, but the only thing I’m bringing that hasn’t been mentioned is an abdominal binder. I got it on Amazon for $20-30. I’ve read that it helps when traveling (and I’m flying to Mexico for my sleeve).

The only things I needed:

Sleep shorts to walk the halls.

Gas x gel caps ( I chewed them and then spit the capsule part out)

Extra undies

Toiletries bag

Computer and charger

Phone and charger

Went home in the clothes I arrived in. I did not shower at the hospital as I got out at noon and went home and did that before going to bed.