Surgery Packing List

What Should I Pack for My Surgery?

This is one of the top questions that folks ask when it’s time for surgery. The following packing list has been gathered from the advice of people who have been through the surgery. Most are common sense, a few you may not have thought about before.

Be sure to visit our Shopping List page for easy links to many of these items.

• Soft toilet paper
• Portable bidet bottle (peri bottle)
• Disposable underwear or liners for your underwear (in case of accidents)
• Pajamas, robe
• Gum – chewing gum can help to move your bowels after surgery
• Slippers – you’ll need to walk to get things moving
• Hydration drinks, i.e. LiquidIV or DripDrop
• Wet wipes (discard in the trash)
• Your normal toiletries
• Electronics & appropriate chargers, earbuds/headphones
• A long charging cord for your phone
• Calming cream, aka ‘butt cream’ – Desitin, Calmoseptine
• GasX – if allowed
• Air freshener – you’ll be gassy, if all goes well!
• Peppermint tea – can stimulate the bowel
• Sleep mask & ear plugs
• Blanket
• Lip balm
• Hand sanitizer for your bed table
• Lotion
• Ginger chews or hard candy to calm your belly

When it’s time to check out, have someone bring you a pillow to cradle against your abdomen for the ride home. Bring a drink with you on the ride.