Hospital Checklist & Information

Important to bring the following with you to the hospital:

• Insurance card
• Toiletry items
• Shampoo
• Hairbrush
• Moisturizing cream
• Glasses
• Deodorant
• Lip balm
• Feminine hygiene products (if applicable)
• CPAP machine (if you have sleep apnea)
• Slippers
• Robe or pajamas
• Going home outfit
• Portable music player with headphones
• Support person
• Any other item you feel will help ease this transformation

The following staff may visit you while in the hospital:

• Member of the surgical team
• Member of the pulmonary team
• Other specialties as necessary (cardiology, endocrinology, renal, pain specialist)
• Chaplain
• Case manager (as needed)
• Social worker (as needed)
• Dietitian (as requested)
• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy (as needed)
• Bariatric support staff

It is important to remember that we may ask you to do some activities in the hospital that may be painful, but are a very important part of your recovery.  It will be essential that you cough and deep breathe, use your incentive spirometer and walk as early and as frequently as possible.  You may have drains and tubes that are uncomfortable.  You may be inconvenienced by blood draws and the equipment used to monitor your heart and oxygen levels.

Remember that most likely you will be in a semi-private room with a roommate.  As a patient you have a right to privacy.  We will pull the curtain, shut your door, and respect your private conversations.  Your care will not be discussed with those not directly involved in your care.

We understand that it is difficult to be hospitalized.  We always want to preserve your dignity while providing you the care you need.  We promise to listen to your requests seriously and take action.  We have a variety of special chairs, beds, wheelchairs, and carts.  We also have comfortable gowns and fans available on request.

Our multidisciplinary team is here to support you during this critical time.  We know that you are under stress and in pain.  We will respond to your concerns with information, as it is available. Please let us know how we can best meet your emotional and spiritual needs.  We have pastoral care and a bariatric support staff to provide additional assistance.

Preparing you to go home begins on admission.  By the day of discharge, we want you to feel ready to care for yourself at home.  We will teach you about your medications, drains, activity, and emergency situations.  You will receive written discharge instructions with contact phone numbers prior to leaving the hospital.  Please don’t hesitate to ask questions.  We try to discharge patients prior to noon, please help us by having a family member available to drive you home on that day.

Your nurses and assistants have special training in caring for patients who have had weight loss surgery.  We are aware of the special needs and risks involved.  We know that you are in pain and will work with you to keep you as comfortable as possible.  We will keep you informed and include you in decisions about your care.  Our goal is to see you well and on your way to a speedy recovery and a new life.

The staff will make every effort to respond quickly to your call light and concerns.  Please do not hesitate to let us know how we can assist you.  We would like to thank you in advance for bringing any concerns you have to our attention.

Thank you for allowing us to be part of your transformation process.  We wish you all the best for your future.  Please let us know how we can assist you.

Alexian Brothers Medical Center – 6 East Staff

&

St. Alexius Medical Center – 6 South Staff