My surgery date is 3/31 and I am compiling a nice long list of postop essentials - most of which I found on this site. However, most of the "must have" threads are quite dated, and I'm wondering if you all have any new items that would be essential for my postop week. Thanks!

a pillow for the ride home, place it over your stomache before putting on your seatbelt

It really depends on your doctor's instructions.

My first must-have was lip balm--that was necessity #1 post-op because I was SO dry from anesthesia

Once home, I needed

Gas-x

sugar-free popsicles

broth

unflavored Protein powder (PURE from bariatriceating.com)

flavored protein (I like the Inspire line from bariatriceating.com, especially Dutch chocolate cake flavor)

Proteins that could be easily pureed---chicken breast, lean beef, tuna, etc (I started on protein puree on Day 3; your mileage may vary)

antibacterial soap--for showering

And that's about it!

Thank you!!

I am compiling a list and I will go shopping this weekend to make sure I have everything I need on hand!

I am so excited to get banded!

I hope I am as successful as all of you on this site! You are all so encouraging and inspiring!

Mimi, you're going to do great!!

Betsy's list is a good one...I would add a couple of things you might want to consider:

A heating pad- very comforting at night, I found.

Some Crystal Light dry mix- you'll be taking in a fair bit of Water, so this makes it tastier...and is allowed on Clear liquids

SF Jello- also allowed for clear liquids.

Good books, if you like to read :frown:

I used a front-close bra for the first week or so, so I didn't irritate my incisions getting the darn thing on.

Slip-in shoes/slippers, so you don't have to bend over getting in them.

Good luck with your surgery, hon!

Christine

Small eatting utinsils are also important once you move onto full liquids and mushies. I got cocktail forks and espresso spoons from Bed Bath and Beyond. I also LOVED my magic bullet--great for protein shakes and blending foods while on mushies. Best of luck!

My surgery date is 3/31 and I am compiling a nice long list of postop essentials - most of which I found on this site. However, most of the "must have" threads are quite dated, and I'm wondering if you all have any new items that would be essential for my postop week. Thanks!

would you mind posting the list of what you have thus far?

Sure thing! This is what I have so far:

• Pillow (for the ride home)
  
• Chapstick (for hospital)
  
• "Before" photos & measurements (I'll want these later on once I start losing!)
  
• Heating pad (for gas pains)
  
• Ice packs (for incision pains)
  
• PostOp instruction booklet (to have readily available when I return from the hospital)
  
• Zune/Ipod (to pass time in the recovery room, and while walking the hospital halls)
  
• Sugar-Free Popsicles
  
• Protein Shakes/Powders (I ordered mine from www.bariatriceating.com)
  
• Cocktail Straws (very narrow openings - my nutritionist told me straws with very narrow openings are acceptable)
  
• Bottled Water
  
• Broth/Clear Soups
  
• Clear, no-sugar added juices
  
• Crystal Light
  
• Light Sports Drinks
  
• Sugar-Free Jell-O
  
• Creamy Soups
  
• Sugar-Free Pudding
  
• Sugar-Free Hot Cocoa
  
• Decaf Herbal Teas
  
• Decaf Coffee
  
• Chewable Vitamins (I ordered vitamins designed specifically for LapBand patients from www.bariatricadvantage.com)
  
• Small 2-4oz Plastic Cups (this will be my new serving size per meal!)
  
• Strainer (for removing chunks from creamy soups)
  
• Slippers/Slipon Shoes (for hospital and home - I heard it's impossible to tie your own shoes!)
  
• Liquid Tylenol
  
• Sugar-Free Hard Candies
  
• "Sport Bottle" Caps
  
• Funnel (for pouring powder/protein)
  
• 4oz Rubbermaid Storage Containers
  
• Children's Sippy Cups
  
• Baby Silverwear (makes putting smaller bites in your mouth easier to do)
  
• Medicine Cups
  
• Liquid Anti-Nausea Medicine
  
• Stomach Binder (protects the incisions)
  
• Hydrogen Peroxide (to clean the incisions, if needed)
  
• Special-K Protein Water
  
• Liquid Stool-Softener
  
• Antibacterial Soap (Hibiclense - for before and after surgery)
  
• Depends (REALLY hoping I won't need these!)
  
• Liquid Gas-X
  
• Mouth Mouisturizing Gel (because I won't be eating or drinking for 24hrs after my surgery - I've read this can be a lifesaver!)
  
• GoWear Fit
  

my my, that is thorough! thanks!

where does one find a good stomach binder?

I purchased mine from AVON - it is made by Curves.

But I'm sure if you went to a medical supply store they would have something similar.