top 15 must haves for vsg, surgery day: ultimate checklist

Are you getting ready for your gastric sleeve surgery? Yas!!! Congratulations on taking this HUGE step towards a healthier lifestyle! As you prepare for the big day, it's crucial to ensure you have all the essentials to make your surgery experience as comfortable and seamless as possible. To help you out, I've put together a list of products that came through for me on my surgery day and then the week since I ended up staying longer. I hope these are as helpful to you as they were to me! Comment and let me know what your essential was!

1. **Satin Hair Bonnet**: Keep your hair in check and protected during surgery with a silky satin hair bonnet. It's gentle on your hair (especially if you have extensions, braids, locs, etc) and helps prevent tangles.

2. **Boar Bristle Brush**: Maintain your hair's health with a high-quality boar bristle brush. It distributes natural oils, leaving your hair smooth and shiny.

3. **Satin Hair Ties**: Opt for satin hair ties to prevent hair breakage and minimize friction. They're perfect for securing your hair without causing any damage.

4. **Dry Shampoo**: Refresh your hair post-surgery with dry shampoo. It's a lifesaver when you're unable to wash your hair conventionally. This is one item I didn’t pack but wish I had, especially with fine thin hair!

5. **Micellar Water**: Keep your skin feeling fresh and clean with micellar water. It effectively removes dirt, oil, and makeup without harsh chemicals.

6. **Washable Face Pads**: Ditch disposable cotton pads and switch to reusable face pads. They're eco-friendly and gentle on your skin.

7. **Compostable Toothbrush with Paste, Pick, and Floss**: Maintain oral hygiene with a compostable toothbrush kit. It includes everything you need for a thorough clean, even when you're in the hospital. I couldn’t keep anything down the first couple days and being able to brush the ick out of my mouth was LIFE!

8. **Lip Balm**: Hydrate your lips with a nourishing lip balm. Surgery and anesthesia can leave your lips feeling dry, so keep them moisturized at all times.

9. **Slip-Ons with Traction**: Invest in comfortable slip-on shoes with traction for easy movement post-surgery. Look for supportive yet stylish options to keep you feeling confident. I LOVE my Crocs and cannot stand having my barefeet on shower floors so when I was able to finally shower I wore these while showering.

10. **Deodorant**: Stay fresh and odor-free with a reliable deodorant. Opt for a gentle formula to avoid any irritation, especially after surgery. If you’re like me and have sensitive skin, make sure to use natural or something with a short list of ingredients.

11. **iPad, Keyboard, and Cover**: Keep yourself entertained during recovery with an iPad loaded with your favorite movies, books, and games. A keyboard and cover combo make typing effortless from the comfort of your bed. I was busy watching my shows, movies, and keeping up with my business socials and working on creating a plan for putting my weight loss journey onto social media.

12. **Earbuds**: Block out any distractions and immerse yourself in your favorite music or podcasts with comfortable earbuds. I do not like commercials so the TV provided was a no go, I also listen to paranormal romance books on Audible (so no desire to listen to them out loud), so ear buds are an essential item.

13. **Extra-Long Charger Cord**: Ensure your devices stay powered up with an extra-long charger cord. It provides flexibility and convenience, and will reach from the wall outlet to your bedside or table stand.

14. **Cute Sturdy Tote**: Carry all your essentials in style with a cute and sturdy tote bag. Choose one with plenty of pockets and compartments for easy organization. I say sturdy because leaning over and getting things off the floor are not anything we should be doing post bariatric surgery…it will hurt!

15. **Grabber**: Having a grabber that has a magnet and non slip grips that also folds down to fit in your tote is the BEST! I actually bought two so I didn’t have to compete with my 4 year old when I needed it yet. I forgot to add this to the image connected with this blog, oops.

By having these essential items on hand, you'll be well-prepared for your gastric sleeve surgery day and the days that follow. Remember to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations tailored to your specific needs. Wishing you a smooth and successful surgery!

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