What to Take to the Hospital for Bariatric Surgery
Packing for the hospital for bariatric surgery is exciting. It is one of the first tangible steps of your upcoming weight loss journey! Packing properly can make you more comfortable while you are there. These are the essentials and some near-essentials to consider taking.
The Basics
Most hospitals provide a list of the absolute essentials. They may include the following.
- A list of contacts, such as doctors and family members, as well as ID and health insurance documentation.
- Loose-fitting clothes, pajamas, and slippers with non-slip tread may be most comfortable if you get out of your hospital gown.
- Toiletries, such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, a hairbrush, and shampoo and conditioner if you take a shower.
- Smartphone and charger, preferably with a long cable so you can use it while charging it.
- Medications and a Pill Organizer.
- A cushion for your stomach for the ride home.
Lip Balm
A common complaint from bariatric surgery patients is that they have dry lips while in the hospital. You don’t have to have chapped lips! BariatricPal Vanilla Flavored Soft Touch Round Lip Balm is designed just for bariatric surgery patients, with long-lasting relief. It contains shea butter and grape seed oil and is the right size for your hospital bag.
Hand Sanitizer
No matter how much trust you have in your hospital, the threat of COVID-19 is real. You are unlikely to be eager to walk to the restroom and wash your hands frequently, if you are even capable of doing so. Instead, having Hand Sanitizer with you lets you stay clean wherever you are.
Water Bottle
It is hard to keep track of how much you are drinking when you drink from hospital-provided cups, but dehydration is a serious risk. Instead of taking a chance, using a Water Bottle that helps you keep track of how much you are drinking each day can enable and inspire you to meet your goals.
Protein Supplements
Clear liquids may be all you can handle for a day after surgery, but you will need to start thinking about protein as soon as you get the surgeon’s okay. The hospital should provide you with your basic needs, but bringing your own Protein Juices lets you get ones that taste good to you and that are sugar-free. Powder Tubs with scoops and Single Serve Packets are easy to handle in the hospital and they just need to be mixed with water.
Vitamins
Your doctor and surgeon may suggest that you start taking your vitamins and minerals as soon as possible after surgery. If your hospital does not already supply them, you may want to bring your own Liquid Bariatric Vitamins so you can get started right after surgery even though you cannot swallow large capsules. The BariatricPal Store has great-tasting Liquid Multivitamins, Calcium, and other supplements so you can get a head start on your post-op nutrition.
Packing for the hospital is exciting, and taking a few key items can make your stay more pleasant. The BariatricPal Store has those extra touches that can make you a pro at weight loss surgery right from the start.
