There are some surgeries that only require you to be in the hospital for a few hours before you go home while some other types of surgery will require a day or even a few days in the hospital. If you know that you're going to have to stay in the hospital after your procedure, it's best to prepare in advance so that you have everything that you need. Make a list of the items that you'll want to have with you, such as clothing or medications, to make it easier to pack a bag for your stay and to be prepared for how you might feel.

Clothing

Ask the doctor if you'll be restricted to a gown or if you can have personal clothing from home. You want to be as comfortable as possible, but you don't want to wear anything that's going to impact any wires or tubes that might be needed after surgery. Most hospitals allow gowns from home along with slippers or clothes that are loose-fitting.

Electronics

Your phone or laptop is a way to stay in touch with friends and family after surgery. However, you want to label everything and keep the cords in a bag so that they aren't lost or stolen. Most hospital rooms have a landline phone, but it's usually difficult to reach, especially if you're on medications that make you sleepy or if you can't move well from an incision. A cell phone is also good to have with you so that you can contact the proper channels if the surgery encounters problems.

Ear Buds

Many people don't think about how noisy a hospital can get at times. You can block out all the beeps and people talking by using earbuds to listen to music or even the television. A good set of earbuds can also be used to drown out a roommate so that you can have a bit of privacy. 

What to Eat?

Hospital food usually isn't the greatest, but you could be on a restricted diet after surgery. The doctor might want you to consume liquids for the first 24 hours after the procedure or foods that are low in salt. Once you're free to eat regular food again, you'll want to have a few snacks in your bag to enjoy in the room.

Staying Busy

There's only so much you can do in a hospital bed during the day. Aside from getting up and moving around as recommended by the doctor, you want to have something to keep you busy. A book, crossword puzzle or a board game or two to play with visitors are all ideas to keep you from getting bored during the day.

Your surgical procedure could require that you stay overnight in the hospital so that the doctor can monitor you for any changes or issues that might arise. Take this time to ask any questions about recovery and the surgery itself. Pack a bag in advance with all the things that you'll need to prepare for going home and to maintain your sanity while at the hospital.

Sources

U.S. News

Bachus & Schanker

CareZone