What to Bring to Surgery
Monday, 01 March 2010 16:50
Questions commonly asked prior to Lap-Band surgery often involve what patients are allowed to bring with them to surgery. Policies vary between hospitals and surgery centers; if in doubt, always check with your doctor or hospital staff. Patients who are going home immediately following surgery will not need to pack as much as those staying in the hospital for a night or more. The following lists will help you determine what may be helpful on the day of your surgery - and what to leave at home.
What to bring
- Basic toiletries. If you're staying overnight, bring any toiletries you will need, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shaving cream, and a razor, plus anything that will help you feel more comfortable after surgery, such as hand cream and lip balm.
- Comfortable clothes. After surgery, you won't want to wear anything that could cause discomfort in the abdominal area. Bring comfortable clothes such as baggy sweatpants with a drawstring waist, which won't put too much pressure on sore areas.
- Underwear. Comfort is the rule here as well. Bring undergarments that are easy to put on, non-binding, and roomy enough to allow for any swelling. For women, bring a bra that is comfortable and easy to put on, such as a sports bra or one that hooks in the front.
- Pajamas. Bring something comfortable to sleep in just in case your hospital doesn't have gowns large enough for bariatric patients. Wearing your own pajamas may also help make you more comfortable during your hospital stay.
- A small pillow. Having your own pillow may also provide some comfort, especially if you have to travel on a plane or long distances in a car. A pillow can also be used to apply pressure against the abdomen to relieve discomfort when moving or coughing.
- Slip-on shoes or sandals. It may be difficult to bend at the waist, so bring or wear shoes that you can easily slip on.
- A watch or beside clock. Though you'll be required to remove jewelry before surgery, having a wristwatch or clock handy can help you orient to the time of day after surgery and can help you keep track of when to take any medications.
- Glasses. You'll also need to remove contact lenses for surgery, so make sure you have a pair of glasses with you.
- Any hearing aids or assistive devices you need to help you walk, such as canes or walkers.
- A friend or family member. At most facilities, you will be allowed to have a friend or family member with you before and after surgery. You will also need someone to drive you home.
Check with your surgeon or hospital before bringing:
- Mints, gum, or hard candy. You will not be allowed to eat or drink anything before surgery, including candy, mints, or gum. Your doctor will decide what you are allowed to eat after surgery. Don't chew on any gum or suck on mints or candy after surgery without your doctor's permission.
- Your wedding ring. Though you will have to remove any jewelry before surgery, some hospitals permit patients to leave their wedding rings on. Check with the hospital where your surgery is being performed to find out about their policy. Just to be safe, you may want to leave your wedding ring and any other valuable jewelry at home.
- Your medications. Your doctor will order any medication that you are to receive following your surgery. Check with your doctor to see if you should bring any of your own medication, including over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers. Do not take any medication, either OTC or prescription, without your doctor's approval.
- Bottled water. You may be allowed to bring bottled water with you, but don't drink anything until you receive your doctor's approval. Some surgeons will require a post-surgical intake/output record, so let hospital staff know whenever you drink or eat anything and when you go to the bathroom.
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