Eight Days and Counting

[Mark.olypenn 5]

I am so ready, surgery is on Feb 27th. Had the Pre-Op appointment on Monday. Next is the appointment with the nutritionist this Friday, then surgery. I am excited and a bit nervous. After focusing on completing all the prerequisites for Medicare, and having my lap band removed last December, the reality that the surgery is just eight days away is hard to believe. I'm starting to think about what to take to the hospital, any thoughts? We live about 2 hours from the hospital, so some planning is involved. Trying to visualize the recovery and life adjustments after surgery even though I've been through lap band surgery. Don't get me wrong, I have read a ton and spoken to close friends about their experiences after by-pass. But now, its me and everybody is different. Never spent a night in the hospital in 60 plus years, that will be new. Any words of wisdom would be appreciated.

[Uomograsso 364]

Congrats on starting your journey. You won't need much for the hospital. The can provide almost everything you might need. I took my phone, tablet and chargers. Also a short extension cord, never know how far the plug will be. I wore comfy clothes, sweats and a tshirt. I took a pair of gym shorts to wear under my gown as you will be up and walking a lot. They usually can give you another gown to wear as a robe or you can bring one. They should give you anti slip socks to wear, but some people bring slippers. Just remember everything you bring your companion will have to schlep for you so I advise to pack light. You should only be there a day or two.

Edited February 19, 2020 by Uomograsso

[catwoman7 10,844]

I think I may have just taken my phone and a charger - and some clothes to wear home (may have been the same ones I wore to the hospital). You'll be wearing a hospital gown and those anti-slip socks the whole time you're there, and you'll probably be sleeping most of the time. But maybe take something to read just in case.

[lisafrommassachusetts 319]

I brought: a robe (glad I did), change of clothes including yoga pants and a comfy sweater to wear home, face cream, my own toothbrush and toothpaste, my phone, chargers and earphones, which I used when I was trying to sleep (hospitals aren't very quiet, also the music helped me stop thinking and overthinking), some dry Shampoo and my hairbrush, eye mask (did not end up using), my e-reader and some magazines.

[JRT Mom 919]

I brought a TON of stuff to keep me occupied such as an IPod and Kindle, but I ended up sleeping most of the time when I wasn't walking. The item I'm the most glad I brought that was recommended was a nice fleecy pair of pajama bottoms. They were warm, didn't press on any of the puncture spots, but most importantly reminded me of home!

Good luck--you got this! Please keep us posted.

[Mark.olypenn 5]

Thank you, this is all been helpful. I'm catching myself over-planning to keep my mind busy. Got the post op diet and restrictions from the nutritionist last Friday. I think we are prepared for the return home after the surgery. It is a blessing to have a very supportive wife, family and friends. I am just 4 days out now. I have lost about 6 lbs on the pre-op diet which is a bonus.