Here’s my list of must haves (or wish I had!) when I went in for any of my surgeries, but most recently from my Gastric Bypass/RNY surgery when I stayed in the hospital for 2 nights! I hope you find this list helpful!
Lip Balm / Chapstick
Extra-long Phone Charger (or an extension cord) – One thing I can’t live without anywhere, nonetheless while stuck in the hospital, is a super long phone charger cable! It makes it more comfortable to be on your phone while it’s on the charger, so you aren’t trying to twist and turn to get it off the charger when needed! Here is the one on Amazon I use and have several of them for use everywhere!
Your Own Pillow – Nothing will make you feel more at home than having your own pillow to sleep on while you are staying at the hospital! Plus, this also helps for the ride home to help cushion your sensitive tummy from bumps and rough roads!
Something to Read – Whatever you like to keep occupied! Maybe your favorite magazine, or a great new book! I also liked having my iPad because I could stream shows to my headphones without bothering other people!
Slippers with Great Tread and Cozy Socks – Any time I have to go in for surgery, I always treat myself to a fresh, new pair of slippers! And they are usually the same Ugg Coquette slippers that I have used since my first round of bariatric surgery in 2007. They are warm, have GREAT tread, and are slip on! You can find them here. In addition, some fresh, cozy, soft socks would be great to have in your bag in case your toes get cold.
Comfy, Baggy Clothes to Wear Home & Around the Hospital – You’ll want to have loose fitting, comfy clothes to head home in. You certainly wouldn’t want to put on tight jeans right after having abdominal surgery! I found my biggest t-shirt, and comfiest sweats to pack for the trip home. I also had an extra set packed to wear around the hospital once they let me out of my gown. A non-constrictive bralette would also be a great thing to pack if you don’t want “the girls” hanging loose … I have a few that I LOVE to wear all the time when I don’t really feel like wearing a full out bra lol.
A Robe – I’m not a huge robe fan normally, but I found this robe and fell in LOVE. Like, no joke, I could wear this ALL. THE. TIME. Reason for this in the hospital bag is because they will want you up and walking as soon and as often as possible! And no one wants their tushy giving away a free show while your pacing the hospital halls. Plus, you’ll look stylish and comfy as hell lol!
A Throw Blanket – Not only will this help you stay warm, but it’s also nice to have something else from home to bring comfort when you are away. I have a million throw blankets… borderline addiction maybe … but I seriously bring them everywhere! I have this one in my car because I find I am always cold, especially in the car with my hubby!
A Hair Brush, Extra Hair Ties, and Dry Shampoo – Now, I don’t know about you, but I seem to go through hair ties like water… I am ALWAYS losing them! So having a few extra on hand is never a bad idea. A hair brush because no one wants bed head lol. And for those of you who already love it as much as I do, dry shampoo! This will give your hair a little more life and freshen it up a bit… I mean, who doesn’t feel better when their hair is good?? Another tip – bring a beanie or a hat if you don’t feel like messing with your hair – problem solved!
Bathroom Essentials – All the normal, go to bathroom essentials you would pack when you travel… tooth brush, tooth paste, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner if you’re feeling up to showering.
If there is anything else you can think of, comment below and let the other readers know!! Thanks again for popping by and taking the time to read!
xoxo Cheryl