What to wear to hospital?

[IslingtonLou]

I have a gynae day surgery procedure next week and I’m not quite sure what to wear to/from hospital. Hospital staff have vaguely advised ‘loose clothing’ but I assume that trousers may irritate/pressurise my surgery site due to the location of the operation.

I might buy something new as I don’t have much that would be ‘hospital appropriate’. I was thinking a loose, flowy, casual day dress with a high neckline (also easily put on/off; something that I won’t mind if it gets ruined etc). I’ll have a long, warm jacket, sweater, comfortable flat shoes etc too - is that okay? Was wondering if anyone had a similar hospital experience and could advise on what they wore - were trousers fine for you? I’m probably over thinking this but I haven’t had surgery before and quite nervous

I've had a couple of c-sections so don't know if that is comparable? I bought some giant knickers before hand where the elastic was above my belly button, so no chance of rubbing or pressing on any sore areas.

I also had a jersey skirt that was very stretchy, so easy to get on or off. A stretchy dress sounds a good idea; it might be worth having clothes that you can get out out without needing to lift your arms too much as that can pull at your stomach.

I’ve just had a gynae procedure angry have been bottomless for two days due to catheter. Hoping to get it out and put on joggers ASAP

I'd go with soft and easy, I generally try to wear short sleeves and bring a cardi if necessary but hospitals are typically boiling hot! Short sleeves help if you need blood tests/bp monitoring.

Definitely loose around the waist. It may also be worth packing an overnight outfit just in case. Sometimes you may need to stay in overnight if your op is done later than planned etc

Go fos slip on shoes, bending to do laces might be hard

Joggers/yoga pants with a roll top waist, in a generous size, are great for this because you can adjust the waist to make sure it's not ending on any incisions.

Are you sure you'll be stripping into a gown for the surgery? I only ask because I've had gynae procedures where I've just had to take off my bottom half. In which case a dress you have to bunch up or be asked to remove completely when you are unprepared to might not be best.

If it is surgery with an stronger anaesthetic, also see pp about having a catheter, and potentially having to stay on a bed for a while after. I'd go for loose joggers or harems, Next usually do these cheap, then vest or t-shirt and sweatshirt. Then you can just wear your tops, and a blanket if you need to rest on a bed and layer according to the temp in the ward.

www.thewhitecompany.com/uk/Straight-Leg-Roll-Top-Trousers-/p/YRCTR?swatch=Black

I was a week in this kind of thing after a laparoscopy because any other waistband was too uncomfortable. It's too cold for dresses.

Yeah meant to say a roll top to the jersey trouser would be ideal then you can adjust the height according to the discomfort.

Good point re the cold and dresses, presumably tights will be too tight and difficult to put on/off, so what kind of sock and slip on shoe situation would you envisage?!

Hi
The dress sounds fine as long as it has no seams and is smooth across the abdominal area.
I had abdominal Lap surgery for gynaecology stuff twice in the past year. I can’t emphasise enough not to wear anything with a proper waistband ie buttons or zips. It may just be me but I was really bloated. I wore yoga style trousers from kettlewell and a loose tunic style top. If you have lap as well make sure your knickers cut higher than top of hips as the line can irritate. My trust doesn’t allow make up or nail varnish. So if you are the sort of person who can’t do without bring your make up bag for after.

Plenty of painkillers and mint tea if you have lap.

Good luck

Big (high) knickers, slip-on shoes, a dress with a loose waist is best and stay-ups rather than tights.