Your date is booked, the pre-op diet is sorted, and now there is a hospital bag to think about.
Here are our 8 top tips for packing for the hospital:
- Lip balm or chapstick. This is a game-changer, your lips will be dry after surgery so having some lip balm or chapstick will feel amazing to re-hydrate them!
- An extra-long phone or laptop charger cord. This will make it more comfortable as you won't be reaching over or twisting to use your phone or laptop while it charges.
- Your own pillow. Having your own pillow will help you feel at home and more comfortable. Also handy after surgery for the ride home, to cushion your sensitive tummy.
- Something to read. This will help you keep occupied, it could be your favourite book, iPad or ebooks.
- Headphones or earplugs. If you love to listen to music or podcasts, remember your headphones so you don't bother anyone else. Earplugs are useful if you just want some peace and quiet and to block any noise out!
- Comfy, baggy clothes to wear home and around the hospital. You’ll want loose-fitting, comfy clothes to head home in. You certainly wouldn’t want to put on tight jeans right after having abdominal surgery!
- Bathroom essentials. All the normal, go-to bathroom essentials you would pack when you travel… toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner if you’re feeling up to showering.
- Water bottle. This will help you stay hydrated throughout your time in hospital, and it saves you asking the nurse for more cups of water.
Once you are home, there are a few things your surgeon may not have mentioned, and post surgery portions will help you work out how much to eat.
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