Day gallbladder surgery - what to take into hospital?

[PawFives]

Am going into hospital soon for day surgery (gallbladder removal) but am not sure what happens to your stuff when you go into theatre - they said I could bring a dressing gown & slippers, does that mean I’m likely to be on a ward? What about your handbag/phone? I wouldn’t want to just leave it in the ward.

Phone the clinic and ask them to confirm how your personal possessions will be kept safe while you are having surgery. Sometimes your day clothes and personal items are put into a sealed plastic bag and locked in a locker until you are back on the recovery ward when they are returned to you.

Last time I had NHS day case surgery all the items I had with me while I was in a gown and waiting to be taken down for surgery had a printed out label stuck on them with my name, hospital number etc. for example, my glasses case and the book I was reading while waiting. I would take as few personal effects as possible.

Good luck with your surgery.

Thank you @mandolinwind it’s all a bit nerve wracking!

Take as little as possible - no jewellery or watch, as it will have to come off for surgery. Is a phone essential?

The dressing gown is because otherwise you'll be walking to theatre in just a hospital gown. Don't take valuables.

Take as little as possible. Don't wear any jewellery. I wouldn't take slippers but I would take shoes you can slip on and off easily. You can use them as slippers to walk to theatre and you don't want to be bending down to put on/fasten outdoor shoes immediately after gallbladder surgery. You will need the phone, I think, to call whoever is going to pick you up. It is unlikely, but possible, that they will want you to stay overnight if things don't go quite according to plan. If you live fairly close to the hospital I'd have a small overnight bag packed but leave it at home for someone to bring in for you if you do stay in. If that would be difficult then bring a bag in with you, in which case make sure it includes phone charger. Hope all goes well.

Had day surgery recently. Was given a locker with a key, then they bought me all my things in recovery. Phone needed so you can call whoever is collecting you.

Are you sure it will be day surgery?
If you get bumped down the list, the operation takes longer and you wake up later from the anaesthetic then you may have to stay in for 1+ nights. If you have a drainage bag, that needs removal as well. Mine was a fairly complicated case (hence the longer stay and known before the op) but all manageable, best of luck.

Thanks everyone for the replies