This is a list of the items I took to the hospital with me.

Shampoo and Conditioner

Comb

Hand and Face Lotion
A nice face moisturizer is a good idea. I think they put some kind of goo on my face at some point during surgery, once in my room I washed my face really well and applied my moisturizer, OH, what relief. It's great for the hands as well.

Body Wash
Hospital soap is usually very drying to your skin. I use a mositurizing body wash to make my skin softer. It made me more comfortable.

Tooth Brush and paste

Blistex
Blistex is a God send. The anesthesia really causes your mouth and lips to become VERY dry. Your lips can crack very easily. The Blistex is medicated and penetrates to heal and soothe. The chapstick is just a wax coating.

Baby Powder
As big as I am baby powder was a life saver. I put it where my belly lays on my thighs, I always sweat and the skin sticks together. The baby powder stops that. I also put it under my breast and on my legs where the cuffs were.

Table Fan
Some hospital have fans available, mine had big box fans that where so loud, even with morphine you coundn't sleep. I had a 12" oscillating table fan that made all the difference. I was very hot the first two days, and the moving air really helped cool me off.

Deodorant

A big plastic or wooden spoon

Slippers
Non-skid slip-on slippers are the best, they are so much easier to get on and off.

Magazine, puzzle book & reading book
I never even took them out of the bag.

My own pillow
It's also a really good idea to get extra pillows for the hospital to put under you lower arms, just seems to make you more comfortable.

Calling cards
I have business type cards made up with my Name, Phone Number and Email Address. You can meet people that have had the same surgery, some you can help and some can help you.


Pad of paper and pencil
I never even took them out of the bag.

Playing cards
I played a few games with Jen, helped to pass the time. She said I was a little slow.

Nail Care items
Give yourself a manicure while you're just laying there.

Soft Kleenex & toilet tissue
I took a box of Puff's Plus tissue, they are so much softer on you then the sandpaper hospitals call tissue.

Hat
You may also want to take a hat, just in case that bed head gets too bad.

Be Sure to Leave the following at Home
Hospitals are not responsible for lost or stolen items
All valuables -jewelry, purse, money

For the Ride Home
Jen & Mom brought these on the day I went home.
Loose dress with no binding around tummy
Pillows, Pillows, Pillows
Step stool (to get up into the Van)
Sunglasses