Are you preparing for bariatric surgery? If so, one of the most important things you can do before your procedure is to plan out a hospital bag checklist. It can help ensure you have everything you need for your procedure. However, how can you be sure what to buy before bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery is a type of surgery to help people lose weight. Bariatric surgery is usually done on people who are obese. Obesity is a common problem in the United States. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that around 650 million adults worldwide are obese. In the United States, the number of people who are obese is increasing. According to recent research by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), about one-third of adults in the United States are obese.
If you’re considering bariatric surgery, we recommend reading our blog posts on setting smart goals for weight loss. It can help guide you on how to set realistic expectations for your weight loss journey.
1. Comfortable Clothes To Wear Home from the Hospital
Bariatric surgery is a big deal. You’ll be in the hospital for a few days, and when you finally get home, you’ll want to be comfortable. Pack loose-fitting clothes that will be easy to put on and take off. If you have any special needs, such as compression garments, make sure to pack those as well.
2. Underwear and Bras that Fit Comfortably
After the surgery, you may need to go up a few sizes in underwear and bras. It’s best to buy items that will be comfortable to wear before your bariatric surgery. Many companies make special bariatric surgery garments, so research what will work best for you. For example, these come with features like front closures and extra support.
3. Sanitary Napkins or Incontinence Pads
Post-surgery, you may experience urinary incontinence and involuntary leakage of urine. To protect your clothing and furniture from accidents, it’s a good idea to have sanitary napkins or incontinence pads on hand.
You’ll also want to stock up on:
- absorbent underwear
- bedding protectors (for both chairs and beds)
- body wipes
- extra clothing (in case of accidents)
- plastic bags (for soiled clothes)
Ask your surgeon or bariatric coordinator if you have questions about what to pack in your hospital bag. They can give you specific instructions based on your individual needs.
4. Medications
You will be given a list of medicines before and after surgery. These may include:
- Antibiotics
- Painkillers
- Gastric acid reducers
- Thiamine (vitamin B) supplements
- Multivitamins
- Iron supplements
West Texas Bariatrics offers weight loss surgery West Texas. Our doctors offer gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, and lap-band surgery in Lubbock. Our expert doctors will provide you with the best possible care.
