My Hospital Bag Checklist

Here’s my must-have list for anyone having surgery and staying overnight in the hospital.

• Hand Sanitizer and wipes (I use the OnGuard Hand Sanitizing Spray & Wipes since they are non-toxic & don’t dry out my skin) to wipe down all the things.

• Essential Oils (I’ve done an entire class on this, you can find it on YouTube, but here are some of my favorites): DigestZen for post-op nausea and vomiting, Adaptiv oil for calming pre-surgery jitters, and Balance to apply before IVs or blood draws. There are honestly so many. Check out the class here to learn more.

• Toothpaste, Toothbrush, & Floss.

• Retainer, if you wear one at night.

• Glasses instead of contacts. Trust me on this. The hospital is not a place you want to mess with contacts.

• OnGuard throat drops for that scratchy throat after being intubated.

• Healthy Protein Bars, Protein Powders, or Green Juice Powder for optimal nutrition while you are there.

• A stuffed animal, blanket, or some kind of item that brings you comfort or joy, especially because many of us cannot have visitors during this time.

• Extension cord to charge all the things.

• Portable Charger Battery Pack 

• Phone, iPad, or laptop to FaceTime or Zoom with people.

• Supplements (Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Zinc, Lifelong Vitality pack, etc.): I have an entire protocol that I follow both pre-op and post-op. I’ll share more with you soon here on the blog. Stay tuned.

• A robe so you don’t flash anyone when walking down the hall.

• Fuzzy slippers. These ones have worked well for me, and they are washable. 

• If you are having orthopedic surgery and on crutches, the MobiLeg Ultra Crutches are a must-have. They are 100% worth the money and work great. Talk to your insurance company as you may be able to get reimbursed for them.

• A diffuser to diffuse oils for pain relief and emotional relief. Ask your hospital beforehand to see if they will allow you to diffuse. Some have let me, some don’t; if they don't, then I apply the oils to myself, clothes, and my pillow for aromatherapy and support.

• A clean change of clothes and tennis shoes that are loose, comfortable, and easy to put on. I recently ordered these sweatpants in a size up from what I normally wear, and love them. 

• Lip balm, lotion or Yarrow Pom body renewal serum, because your skin and lips get dry post-op.

• Non-toxic wipes to wash your face and body when you cannot shower. This brand is a 2 on the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) Skin Deep website. The lower the score, the better. 

• Earplugs & an eye mask to block out the sound and light in the hospital and get some sleep. 

• Headphones or Airpods

• Hair ties. These silk scrunchies are my personal favorite. They don't pull on your hair or hurt when you take them off. 

• Deodorant. This is my favorite non-toxic brand. 

• A backpack to hold all this stuff in.

I hope this list helps you feel more prepared for surgery. If you don't already have an account with doTERRA, please reach out to me, and I would be happy to help you order some oils and help you craft a wellness plan to support you with your surgery and recovery.

Already have an account with doTERRA and would like more support with preparing for surgery? Reach out and we can set up a virtual health coaching session to dive deeper and support you with your specific needs.