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Post by rixiebike on Dec 18, 2011 7:32:44 GMT -5
Hi! I was a lurker on OH but decided to come over here for uncensored advice. I finally have my date -- Jan 5. I am nervous but excited -- researched this for a few years before making the decision. So do folks have any recommendations specifically for what to take with you to the hospital or what you wish you had while you were at the hospital?
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Dec 18, 2011 8:00:27 GMT -5
Lip balm, ear plugs, eye mask, basic toiletries (don't bring fancy perfumed stuff; if you get all pretty smelling you are likely to gag other patients not to mention yourself), a small battery powered fan. Laptop or smartphone if you want to be online. Pack light. You won't use much of anything.
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Lori B
New Member
VSG 07/14/10 Neil Floch
Posts: 24
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Post by Lori B on Dec 18, 2011 8:43:09 GMT -5
Hey there, my sister is having vsg same day as you. Good luck!
EN pretty much covered what you need. I overpacked and didn't use any of it. I only really used my hair brush, toothbrush, and my kindle. I did bring ear plugs but I was in my own room and it was pretty quiet so those I didn't use. I even brought a dry-mouth mouthwash but didn't use that either.
Keep us posted on your recovery!
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Dec 18, 2011 8:57:09 GMT -5
Both en and Lori are right...I took my laptop and iPhone, used JUST the iPhone...laptop too much to deal with.
Liz
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Dec 18, 2011 8:59:57 GMT -5
I would also suggest checking with your surgeon about lifting restrictions after surgery. That may play into what you choose to take or not to take to the hospital.
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Post by rixiebike on Dec 18, 2011 10:01:12 GMT -5
Great! Thanks! Didn't think about eye mask
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kellic
Full Member
VSG - 11/19/2010
Posts: 115
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Post by kellic on Dec 18, 2011 11:02:41 GMT -5
Congrats on your surgery date. I agree with those who say pack light. I took cute PJs that I never wore and a bunch of other books, etc. and did not use any of it. I mostly slept, walked, slept and then went home. Before you know it you will be on the other side!
Good luck!
Kelli
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Post by redbabe08 on Dec 18, 2011 11:14:26 GMT -5
what i 'wished' i took was a pillow for the ride home. i live close to 2hrs from dr stewart & really could have used a good pillow to cushion the bumps along the road.
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Lori B
New Member
VSG 07/14/10 Neil Floch
Posts: 24
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Post by Lori B on Dec 18, 2011 12:24:49 GMT -5
A pillow is a good idea. Even though I live a few blocks away from the hospital they gave me a small pillow made from volunteers for my belly on the ride home. It was a lifesaver once I got home because my dogs love to jump on me. It really helped.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Dec 18, 2011 12:56:39 GMT -5
it's going to depend on the hospital - I was in Mexicalli where it was 110 degrees out side and the AC was up so high I about froze to death. so I'd have killed for warm PJs.
if the hospital is near where you live, no problem. people can bring you anything your forget. consider wet wipes for your post BM hygiene.
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Post by paulah on Dec 18, 2011 15:10:40 GMT -5
The only thing I used was basic toiletries, carmex, and pj bottoms only. I had IV's and a drain so I used the hospital gowns. It was so much easier. I didn't use my laptop just my phone, as my laptop was too heavy to hold and I just didn't feel up to it. I walked and slept mostly. Congrats on your date and it will be here before you know it!
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Post by jillybean720 on Dec 18, 2011 15:35:27 GMT -5
I used my netbook and a small fan (mine was not battery operated, but there were outlets all around the bed easy enough to reach). Oh, and definitely chapstick - I woke up in recovery with ridiculously dry lips. I did have a long drive home, so a pillow for the car ride was also excellent to have.
Other than that, I tried to keep it to a minimum. Most of my time in the hospital was spent sleeping and doing laps around the wing to keep myself up and moving and do my best to prevent potential clots. I think I just wore the slipper-socks (you know, the super thick ones with rubber grips on the bottom) they gave me in the hospital, but if you have some favorite slippers, those might be nice, too.
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julyxo84
New Member
VSG 01/05/2011
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Post by julyxo84 on Dec 18, 2011 17:55:49 GMT -5
i agree with EN. chapstick and earplug. oh man i wish i brought ear plugs!
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Post by Paula on Dec 19, 2011 1:40:04 GMT -5
I always make the mistake of packing too heavy whenever I go into the hospital. I think Ill work on something while Im there, but it usually stays in the bag. I never usually pack pjs or anything like that because its just easier for me to gunk up the hospital's stuff than it is to try to have to remove the stains on my stuff. Hospital toiletry items really wreck havoc on my skin, so I like to bring smaller sample sized bottles of the products I use. In addition to the great suggestions already made, Id recommend making sure you have the chargers for whatever electronic devices you bring.
Good luck on your upcoming surgery and congrats
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Post by Samantha H. on Dec 22, 2011 12:11:17 GMT -5
Everyone is different. I brought my laptop and used it all the time. I also brought shampoo, body wash, wash cloth, and a towel. Those 4 were lifesavers! My cell phone and charger were mandatory, of course.
Chapstick was also a lifesaver. I didn't bring mouthwash but I had bottles of water that I used to rinse my mouth out. I had 2 days with nothing and my mouth got pretty dry!
Also brought comfy pajamas so I wouldn't be stuck in the gown. My favorite thing was bringing my own pillow and blanket. It made me so much more comfortable!
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Post by caitlyncat on Dec 22, 2011 19:29:41 GMT -5
Mouth rinse, chapstick and my own very loose PJs. I took a book and maybe opened it twice. A pillow in the car for the trip home is a good idea I wish I had thought of!
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