With your due date for bariatric surgery approaching closer and closer, it’s time to prepare for your hospital stay. The excitement of the trip to the hospital and the nervousness of experiencing the surgical procedure might distract you from considering everything you need for your hospital stay. Make sure you go through your bariatric surgery hospital checklist a couple of days before your trip to the hospital so you don’t forget anything essential. You need to prepare for at least 2 days of hospitalization.
Most bariatric surgeries require only a one-day-stay at the hospital; however, some surgical interventions might take two days of monitoring and supervision at the hospital for a safer recovery. In what follows, we will offer you a complete bariatric surgery hospital checklist to help you prepare for your big day.
Most clinics and hospitals will provide you with their own bariatric surgery hospital checklist. A few of them will even provide you with some of the essentials, as a complimentary service during your stay. That’s a great perk. But still, there are many personal belongings that you need to pack, and there are some others that, although they not indispensable, they might make your stay more comfortable and relaxing.
At LIMARP International Center of Excellence for Obesity, our recovery rooms provide comfortable accommodations, and stunning panoramic views to the Tijuana’s Golf Country Club. We’ll make sure your feel comfortable during your whole stay.
Bariatric surgery hospital checklist
- Personal documents. If you’re traveling from USA or Canada, remember to bring your international passport with you, along with your insurance card and official IDs.
- Money and coin change It’s better to take your credit or debit card with you, for most of the expenses during your trip. However, some small services outside our clinic might only accept cash. Make sure you bring some spare coin change and small bills. Tips for hotel bellboys, waiters at restaurants and security guards at parking lots are greatly appreciated in Mexico.
- Entertainment. Reading material, portable videogame devices, your cellphone or tablet. Which ever you enjoy most to spend your time with.
- Phone charger and extension cords. Don’t forget all the chargers you need for your electronic devices. Also, a multiple plugging extension cord is a very practical way of keeping them all charged and within your hand’s reach.
- Headphones. For your phone calls and personal entertainment, of course.
- Water spray. You won’t be able to drink water during the first hours after your operation. Spraying water in your mouth and face will keep you refreshed.
- Lip balm and moisturizing creams. Not being able to drink much water during the first hours post-surgery could dry your lips and skin. A good lip balm and small travel size moisturizing cream will help you ease this discomfort.
- Wet wipes and Vaseline. These are very practical to keep you clean and fresh with every restroom visit. Vaseline will help you soothe and prevent any discomfort.
- Thermus or water bottles. You’ll be relying mostly on water one day before and some after your surgery. Keeping water bottlers or thermus at hand reach is a great way to keep you hydrated.
- Comfortable underwear. Non-wired bras are a great choice for women. Also, remember to pack some warm socks.
- Pajamas. Take your most comfortable pajamas with you.
- Comfortable clothes. Pants and big t-shirts are good choices.
- Bath robe and slippers. To move comfortably before and after your surgery.
- Flip flops. To wear when you shower.
- Slip on shoes. These are the most comfortable types of shoes to take with you to your trip, as you won’t need to bend over to get them on.
- Toiletries.Toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer cream, body soap, hair brush, and any other personal hygiene supplies you need.
- Favorite bedding supplies. If you have a favorite pillow or blanket, taking it with you will make you feel more comfortable during your stay.
This has been the bariatric surgery hospital checklist. Remember to go through it again before you leave your house!
Avoid packing
- Jewelry. These might cause accidents and discomfort if you get swollen.
- Items of special value. Since this is a very short stay, it’s better to leave these safely at home.
Contact us
If your have any questions about this bariatric surgery hospital checklist, or about any details about treatments for obesity, call our clinic. We’ll be very glad to help.