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Hey guys, I finally got my surgery date (September 4th) and I am wondering where I should start. Looking for ideas on what to bring to the hospital. Things that I should purchase before the surgery. What things I should have on hand before the surgery? Stuff like that. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

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Hey guys, I finally got my surgery date (September 4th) and I am wondering where I should start. Looking for ideas on what to bring to the hospital. Things that I should purchase before the surgery. What things I should have on hand before the surgery? Stuff like that. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
Here is my list of items

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using BariatricPal mobile app

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I brought too much, most people do. The *ONLY* Things I used were:

  • Cell phone and extra long charging cable/charger
  • Dry mouth spray (made things so much more tolerable the first day post op, highly recommend this!)
  • Lap balm of some nature (This and the dry mouth spray made a world of difference!)
  • Sweatpants/pajama bottoms
  • Slippers
  • Blindfold (hospitals are still pretty bright at night)
  • Ear Plugs (hospitals are still pretty noisy at night)
  • Pillow (extra pillow for the overnights and for the ride home)


That's it. I brought a bunch extra, clothing, book, etc etc... but I didn't even touch them.

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And it totally depends on how long you stay in the hospital too. Alot stay 1 day. I will stay 2 to 4 days but thats my surgeon and a military hospital. Hygiene products, undies and slippers to walk those halls. Pj bottoms are a must to walk around without your bum bum showing. hair ties for the ladies or for a man bun.

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Phone and charger, eye mask, and headphones were a lifesaver.
I also took my own toothbrush and toothpaste and
I have super thick hair so I took Shampoo and conditioner and went home sparkling clean.

Most hospitals will give you baby shampoo, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, and chapstick but anything you need/like special take.

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I only used my phone, ipad, extra long charger (in my room the outlets were all the way across the room), a hair tie, pj bottoms for under the gown and slippers. I wore the same clothes home that I wore in. My hospital has free wifi so I used my ipad to stream videos. I wasn't really watching them but they helped to drown out the noise and were a good distraction from the pain and stuff. My hospital gave me chapstick, toothpaste/toothbrush and had shower stuff if I wanted it (I ended up waiting until I got home to shower) - but if you are picky about any of that bring your own. Extra pillows are a great idea if you have a long car ride - mine was only 5 minutes so I was fine without.

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I had a small bag. I took my contacts/solution, chapstick, kindle (which didn't use), phone and charger. That's it.

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I'm a post op R.N, working in a hospital, and my surgery is in September (sleeve). I can attest that often people overpack, and simply dont use the stuff. This forum is great, though, because phone chargers are something we get asked about often[emoji4]

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-J727A using BariatricPal mobile app

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@ momrn247 . although you might never thought you'd hear this phrase" Thank You for Your service!" Every nurse I have ever met be it on Med-Surg or Ambulatory Surgery floors has been an angel in Scrubs, there are times I must confess I have not been a sterling patient but they have put up with my foibles and insecurities and been a perfect professional lady or gentleman through it. And yes I have had male nurses, and in a female-dominated profession they have been absolute jewels. So thank you again and if you happen to be my nurse in September I,promise I'll TRY to behave well!😛🙏😛

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So glad I found this forum. My surgery date is 9/4, so just around the corner. I have no idea what to expect so these ideas are really great. Thanks!!

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I never thought of my chapstick...a big thanks!!! I'm also taking my own pillow because I know I don't like the hospitals. Someone told me my own clothes to be comfy in but I'm comfy in the hospital gowns and I'm going to rock it walking down the halls lol.

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Is there a product called "dry mouth spray," or are you all just taking little spray bottles with Water in them, or what?

Aside from that, here is the list I've decided on, some unknown number of weeks(? months?) out from my own surgery:

  • Phone & charger (long cord)
  • Headphones
  • Dry mouth spray(?)
  • Lip balm
  • Sandals/slippers
  • sleep mask
  • Ear plugs
  • Pillow to protect surgical sites from car seat belt and to help with sleep
  • A lavender sachet and bottle of lavender essential oil to refresh it
  • Yoga pants, underwear, at least one easy-to-wear bra and shirt
  • hair ties
  • Tea bags (link to a forum discussion) (may not be used, but I really like tea)

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