Preparing for gastric sleeve surgery comes with a lot of practical questions, and one of the most common yet least clearly answered is what to pack for the hospital. It sounds simple, but when you’re travelling for major surgery, especially abroad, your packing list can feel surprisingly important.
We travelled internationally for our procedures, so our packing had to cover the hospital stay, the journey home and several days of early recovery. After comparing advice from clinics, bariatric guidelines and other patients’ experiences, we eventually learned what was genuinely useful and what we could have left behind.
This guide is based on that experience and is designed to help you prepare confidently without overpacking.
Why Packing Matters After Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Most hospitals provide the basics, but recovery from bariatric surgery comes with specific needs. You’ll be sore, moving slowly, and focused on staying comfortable and safe. A few carefully chosen items can make travelling, resting and managing early discomfort much easier.
If you are travelling abroad, planning becomes even more important. You’ll need to consider:
- flight time
- car journeys
- hospital stay
- access to chargers and electronics
- space for medication and documents
Travelling home after surgery is tiring, so the goal is to pack light while still covering essentials.
What We Actually Packed for Surgery
We each travelled with one small bag. Keeping luggage light made a big difference, especially when our movement was limited after surgery.
Comfortable Clothes
We chose soft joggers, a loose T-shirt and a zip-up hoodie. The same outfit worked both for travelling out and for travelling home. Flexibility, softness and easy movement matter far more than appearance.
Two Sets of Pyjamas
We debated taking one set, but brought two in case of post-operative leakage or staining around the incisions. In the end, we spent most of our stay in hospital gowns, but having a spare pair gave us peace of mind.
Compression Socks
These were essential. Compression socks help reduce the risk of blood clots during long flights or drives a known concern after surgery. We used them on the journey home and were glad we packed them.
EU to UK Plug Adapter
A small thing that’s easy to forget when travelling abroad. We needed it for charging phones and our tablet.
iPad or Tablet + Charger
Having access to entertainment made the hospital stay much more comfortable. Between messages, videos and taking notes from the hospital team, it was one of the most valuable items we brought.
What We Didn’t Need
Interestingly, we didn’t end up using half of what we packed. Although we brought pyjamas, the hospital staff encouraged the use of gowns for hygiene and convenience, so we wore our own clothes only when leaving.
Looking back, we probably could have packed even lighter but when you’re preparing for surgery in another country, a small amount of “just in case” comfort is completely understandable.
Additional Items to Consider When Travelling Abroad
If you’re flying or driving long distances, some extra items can make recovery safer and more comfortable:
Travel Pillow
Helpful for staying upright during the journey home. Your abdomen will be tender, and a pillow provides gentle support.
Slip-On Shoes
After surgery, bending over is uncomfortable. Slip-ons make walking easier without straining your core.
Medication and Supplements
Keep these in your carry-on bag rather than checked luggage. If a suitcase goes missing, you still have what you need.
Printed Medical Paperwork
Carry copies of your booking confirmation, treatment plan and any forms your clinic provided. Having everything printed is reassuring during travel and check-in.
Our Journey Home After Surgery
Our return trip went smoothly, but recovery was noticeable during the flight and the three-hour drive afterwards. Simple things like wearing compression socks, having a travel pillow and wearing loose clothing made the biggest difference.
Heavy luggage would have made the journey far more difficult. This is why we recommend packing only what you genuinely need and choosing items that support rest, comfort and mobility.
Final Packing Checklist
Here’s a concise version of the list that worked well for us:
- Comfortable travel outfit
- Two sets of pyjamas
- Compression socks
- Plug adapter
- Tablet or iPad + charger
- Travel pillow (optional)
- Slip-on shoes
- Medication & required documents
Most of your hospital stay will be spent in gowns, so don’t worry about packing outfits. Comfort and practicality are the priorities.
Final Thoughts
Packing for gastric sleeve surgery doesn’t need to be complicated. A lightweight, well-planned bag will make your stay easier, your journey home more comfortable and your recovery smoother. Focus on the essentials, avoid overpacking, and prioritise anything that reduces strain on your body in the first few days after surgery.
Disclaimer: This guide is based on our personal experience travelling abroad for gastric sleeve surgery. Requirements vary between hospitals and countries. Always follow the packing instructions provided by your surgical team or clinic.