Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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

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

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@ 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!😛🙏😛

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Elizabeth21again

      Here I go again...
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 3 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

      3. NickelChip

        I think it's important to remember that the weight charts and BMI ranges were developed a very long time ago and only intended to be applied to people who have never been overweight or obese. Those numbers aren't for us. When you are larger, especially for a long time, your body develops extra bone to support the weight. Your organs get a little bigger to handle the extra mass. Your entire infrastructure increases so you can support and function with the extra weight. That doesn't all go away just because you burn off the excess fat. If you still had a pair of jeans from your skinniest point in life and then lost weight to get to the exact number on the scale you were when those jeans fit you, chances are they would be a little baggy now because you would actually be thinner than you were, even though the scale and the BMI chart disagree. When in doubt, listen to the jeans, not the scale!

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×