This depends on where you’re having the surgery and how much travel is involved. Many people have the procedure and go home the same day, others stay overnight, a lesser number of people stay in the hospital for a few days. Some of the more common things to pack for the day of surgery include:
- Toothbrush/Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Lip balm
- Hand/body cream
- Razor/shaving cream
- Comfortable clothes: Remember you’re having surgery in the belly/abdominal region so expect to have some incisional pain/discomfort post-op. Oversized/baggy sweatpants with a drawstring won’t put pressure on the sore areas.
- Underwear: Forget the “new” stuff. You’ll want underwear that goes on easily, has extra roominess to accommodate for post-op swelling, and is non-binding. Many women prefer a sports bra or one that hooks in the front.
- Night/Bed clothes: Most hospitals have large size gowns for bariatric patients but there are always those who don’t. To be safe, pack something comfortable to wear to bed.
- Slip-on shoes/slippers/sandals: Bending at the waist can be a bit uncomfortable so pack footwear that you can easily slip on.
- A watch: You’ll need to take jewelry off for the surgery so only wear what you need. Having an inexpensive wrist watch to wear post-op can help you orient to time of day/night and also allows you to monitor your pain medication needs.
- Glasses/Contacts/Hearing Aides: Don’t forget to pack whatever seeing/hearing assists you use/need.
- Assistive devices: This category includes anything that you need to help you walk (ambulate). You can check with the hospital to see if they provide canes, walkers, etc. If they don’t, you’ll need to bring your own.
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