Congratulations on making the decision to get yourself healthy. You have decided that weight loss surgery is the best option for you, and that day is quickly approaching.
Even if you are just doing an outpatient procedure, there is typically a short hospital stay. To keep you comfortable, it is important to decide what you should pack in your bag when you have bariatric surgery. This bariatric surgery checklist is sure to get you on your way!
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Related: Gastric Bypass and Bariatric Surgery Lessons and Tips
Bariatric Surgery Checklist
When it comes to doing anything in the hospital, it isn’t the most comfortable of times. So, I put together this bariatric surgery checklist to help make your stay a little smoother and much more comfortable. Some of the most crucial items include:
- Your ID or driver’s license
- Insurance cards
- List of medications
- Medications you take
- Comfy clothing
- Personal hygiene items
- Entertainment
- Comfort items
Comfortable Clothing
Let’s face it; hospital gowns are just not comfortable. For me, I feel like everything is just hanging out. I would much rather spend my time in some nice comfy Pjs.
When it is time to make your way home, make sure you packed yourself some casual lounge Yoga pants and a post-surgery short sleeve shirt. Additionally, you will want to pack your own underwear, bra, and some slippers.
Personal Hygiene Items
No matter what type of bariatric surgery you have, you are sure to wake up feeling like you just want a shower. Unfortunately, you can’t shower after a surgery right away. Some things you can bring to help freshen up include baby wipes, dry shampoo, a hairbrush, sanitary items (pads/tampons), deodorant, and a toothbrush and toothpaste.
Entertainment Bariatric Surgery Checklist
Since weight loss surgery is a surgery you choose to do, don’t expect everyone to come visit you at the hospital. You may have a few visitors, but the in-between time can be grueling. Bring books, magazines, a puzzle book, and a pen to help you pass the time.
In addition, you will want to make sure you bring your chargers for your cell phone or IPad. I mean who forgets their cell phone these days? But, you may forget to bring your charger. So pack an extra one in your bag.
Comfort Items
Some things aren’t a necessity, but they sure do make you feel more comfortable. I would recommend a V shape pillow as you are going to need it not only in the hospital room but on the way home.
You will also want to bring your own towel and some vaseline lip balm (trust me your lips will be dry). Another comfort item is peppermint tea. This is super soothing after surgery and I would totally recommend bringing some.
Medications
If you take any medications, I would recommend packing them in your bag before it’s even time to go. You can get one of those pill containers to store them in. Trust me, you don’t want to be in the hospital without your medications.
The hospital staff is typically reluctant about giving you your normal medications even if you have a prescription for them. So, it is always a good idea to bring your own so you don’t have to worry about it.
Have a few weeks or months before your surgery? Pin this post so you can easily come back to it when you begin packing your bag for your bariatric surgery.
If you think of anything else that should be on this list, please share it in the comments below so we can add it to our list!
About Angela Milnes
Angela Milnes is a Qualified Early Years Teacher who has specialised in teaching. She has a wealth of experience teaching young children and adults. Angela has also taught cooking classes and loves to share both family recipes and easy instant pot recipes here on The Instant Pot Table. Follow her on Pinterest!
As a nurse please don’t bring your own medication to the hospital. There are reasons why we are reluctant to give you your normal medications after surgery. If you take something without us knowing it could have a life threatening interaction.
I guess it depends on the hospital and country you are located. In the uk we are asked to bring our medications as it helps the nurses to know what we take and it’s locked in a medication locker.