You are not packing for a vacation. You are packing for a medical procedure followed by ten to fourteen days of managed discomfort in a warm climate. This changes what goes in the bag. The compression garments matter more than the nice dinner outfit. The document folder matters more than the extra pair of shoes. The neck pillow matters more than the beach cover-up, because you are not going to the beach.
This list is organized by priority. Pack from the top down. If your suitcase is full before you reach the bottom sections, that is fine. You will buy the rest in Medellin for less than you would pay at home.
Documents and Medical Records
Non-negotiable (bring originals and digital copies)
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date)
- Printed and saved Check-Mig form (Colombia's free online entry form, completed 24-72 hours before departure)
- Printed return flight itinerary (immigration may ask for proof of departure)
- Surgeon's contact information (office, WhatsApp, emergency line), printed and saved to phone
- Pre-op medical records, lab results, imaging, and medication list in English (translated to Spanish if your clinic requested it)
- Travel insurance policy with policy number and 24-hour claims phone number (printed)
- Accommodation confirmation with address and host's WhatsApp number
- Prescription letters from your home doctor for any controlled medications you are bringing (in original packaging, with your name on the label)
Digital backup rule
Email every important document to yourself. Save copies in a cloud folder accessible from your phone. Store your surgeon's WhatsApp number as a contact, not just a conversation. If your phone is lost, stolen, or broken, you need to be able to access these documents from any device with an internet connection.
Medications and Health Supplies
Bring from home
- All current prescription medications in original pharmacy bottles (enough for the full trip plus one extra week)
- Over-the-counter pain relief you trust (acetaminophen/ibuprofen; your surgeon will prescribe post-op medications in Colombia, but familiar backup is useful)
- Stool softener (docusate sodium or similar; opioid pain medication causes constipation and this is consistently the most underestimated discomfort of surgical recovery)
- Fiber supplement (psyllium husk capsules are lightweight and effective)
- Electrolyte powder packets (Liquid IV, LMNT, or similar; 10-14 packets minimum)
- Arnica montana (if your surgeon approves; commonly used for bruising and swelling)
- Antibiotic ointment (Neosporin or equivalent) for minor wound care
- Sunscreen SPF 50 (scars and healing skin are highly sensitive to UV; Medellin is near the equator at altitude)
What to buy in Medellin instead
Colombia has excellent pharmacies (droguerias) on nearly every block. Many medications that require a prescription in the US are available over the counter. You can buy wound-care supplies, compression garments (fajas), gauze, medical tape, and most toiletries locally for a fraction of US prices. Do not waste suitcase space on items that are cheaper and easier to find once you land. The exception: controlled medications with your name on the label, which must come from home.
Recovery Clothing
The post-op wardrobe
- Loose-fitting button-front or zip-front tops (3-4; no pullover shirts for the first week after upper body surgery)
- Loose drawstring pants or shorts (3-4 pairs; elastic waistbands that sit below the abdomen for tummy tuck/lipo patients)
- Slip-on shoes or sandals with a back strap (no lace-ups; bending to tie shoes may be impossible for weeks)
- Front-close sports bra (2-3 for breast surgery patients; your surgeon may provide a specific one, but backups are wise)
- Oversized robe or zip-up hoodie (one; for walking to and from the lobby or sitting in a waiting room when you are too swollen for normal clothes)
- Compression garments (only if your surgeon has specified a type before your arrival; many clinics provide them post-op, so ask before buying)
- Dark-colored towels or old pillowcases (2; for the first few nights when drainage onto pillows is possible)
Leave the nice clothes at home. You will spend most of your recovery in the loosest, most forgiving garments you own. Medellin's climate is warm enough that you do not need layers. Two weeks of recovery clothing fits in a quarter of a carry-on.
Comfort and Sleep
Recovery comfort essentials
- Neck/travel pillow (for the flight home and for propping in bed)
- Wedge pillow or inflatable wedge (for sleeping elevated; alternatively buy a foam wedge at a local espumeria for ~40,000-80,000 COP)
- Sleep mask (blackout capability varies by apartment)
- Earplugs or noise-canceling earbuds (Colombian neighborhoods are louder than you expect)
- Long phone charger cable (2 meters minimum; you will be in bed reaching for the nightstand outlet)
- Kindle, iPad, or loaded phone with downloaded content (Wi-Fi may be unreliable; download entertainment before you leave)
- Reusable water bottle with straw (drinking while lying down is easier with a straw)
Flight Home Preparation
For the return flight
- Compression socks (graduated, 15-20 mmHg; reduces DVT risk during post-surgical flights)
- Aisle-seat confirmation (booked in advance; you need to stand and walk every 60-90 minutes)
- Small bag of in-flight supplies: medications, electrolytes, compression garments, phone charger, snacks
- Pillow for seat support (your travel pillow does double duty here)
What to Leave at Home
Skip the dressy outfits. Skip the heavy books. Skip the running shoes (you will not be running). Skip the hair dryer and styling tools (most apartments have one, and your hair will be under a compression headband or unkempt regardless). Skip the large bottles of toiletries (buy travel-size at home or full-size in Colombia). Every kilogram you save in your suitcase is a kilogram you do not have to lift, and for the first two weeks after surgery, someone else should be lifting your bag anyway.
The companion's suitcase advantage
If you are traveling with a companion, split the shared supplies between both bags and keep all medical documents in your personal carry-on. Your companion can carry the heavier comfort items (wedge pillow, extra towels, snack supplies) and leave room in your bag for the things only you can carry through customs: medications in your name, medical records, and prescription letters.
Questions about what to bring?
Your surgeon and your clinic are the best source for procedure-specific packing requirements. For general trip planning, we are here.
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