Patient Education Heart Surgery | Page 15

Eating Healthfully A well-balanced diet with a variety of foods and plenty of protein will help with healing and recovery. It is best not to try to lose weight before surgery. Your body should not be depleted of good nutrition at this time. If you need to lose weight, you can work on weight loss after you are fully recovered from your surgery. Packing for Your Hospital Stay What to Bring: • Glasses, contacts, hearing aids, dentures, and cases • CPAP or BiPAP • A list of your medications or your current medications in their original containers — plan to have a family member take them home after the medication names and doses have been checked by your nurse or pharmacist. • Driver’s license • Insurance card • Copy of Living Will and/or Health Care Power of Attorney • Credit card or money for insurance co-payment What Not to Bring: • Please leave all valuables, such as jewelry (including body piercings), keys, and electronic devices, at home. • If you brought your wallet, credit cards, or checkbook, please give them to your family member or the person with you after registering. 14