What should I bring with me to the hospital?

[Guest guest]

What should I bring with me to the hospital?

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This will be covered in pre-operative communications with your

bariatric center.

SUGGESTIONS:

Wear loose fitting clothes to the hospital that are easy to put on

and take off. You may leave the hospital bloated and swollen from

surgery so consider a sweat suit or elastic waist/pajama style

pants. If you pack hospital discharge clothing, don't forget a clean

set of panties, socks and slip on shoes. You will be unable to bend

over to tie your shoes. Women may not feel like putting on a bra due

to the discomfort of rubbing/chafing from their incisions and post

op swelling. If you insist on wearing a brasseire home from the

hospital consider a sports bra or a front hook style to avoid

discomfort.

CHAPSTICK! Your lips will be dry and many WLS patients are forbidden

from consuming water or even ice chips for quite some time post op.

Magazines and light reading materials.

Writing materials like a journal and pens to document your post op

emotions and future goals.

Phone numbers and contact information.

Crossword books and other puzzles.

Personal toiletries: Liquid soap; shampoo and conditioner; body

lotion; and hand sanitizer. Most WLS patients are discharged in 2-4

days. Bring small or travel size bottles. Skip the cosmetics and

perfume. You won't feel like wearing makeup after surgery!

Glasses, preferably and/or contact lenses with wetting/cleaning

solution. Few hospitals do not supply contact lens formula.

Bathrobe: The hospital will provide you with a large size gown. When

you start walking you may want your own robe for modesty reasons.

But remember, you will have IV tubes and cords hooked up to your

body which may hinder putting on and off your own robe.

Slip on shoes with bottom grip.

NO JEWELRY! Leave your rings, necklaces, bracelets and watches at

home before you leave for the hospital.

NO VALUABLES! Consider leaving your cell phone, iPod, Walkman or

other electronic device at home. Your possessions will not be secure

and consider the transient number of hospital staff and people who

will be in reach of your property.

Back scratcher

Chapstick or lip gloss

Your own pillow.

Blow Dryer

A disposable camera for pre and post op hospital photos to document

your weight loss and surgery experience.

Cotton T-Shirt night gowns from Lands' End. http://www.landsend.com

A tiara! According to Jill Troglen of Birmingham, Alabama: " It's a

proven fact you put a tiara on your head – you feel like a princess.

Plus all the walking up and down the halls give you time to practice

your wave...elbow, elbow, wrist, wrist....very simple! "