My surgery date is Dec. 27th. I am overwhelmed with stacks of paperwork that go into detail up until 8 months out. Should I just be buying a variety of protein drinks to have on hand after surgery? I feel like I need to have about 2 weeks worth of stuff at home in case I don't feel like getting out. Please advise!

Here's what you'll definitely need:

For the hospital: Chapstick, sf lozenges (Ricola makes good ones) 'cause if they keep oxygen on you, you're gonna be SUPER-dry, Gas-X strips.

For home: Protein... you may want to experiment a little beforehand (although some peoples' tastes change after surgery--mine never did). Muscle Milk Light and Isopure are a couple you can buy without having to buy a whole case or tub. You can order samples of different Proteins from several of the bariatric sites as well. You'll need much less than you think you will... I'm 11 months out and I still have 7 tubs of it sitting in my kitchen, mostly gone by now, but that also includes 2 tubs of powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury unflavored, one of which is more than half full, and the other that's unopened. If you'll be on full liquids, a few cans of cream Soups... again, don't buy by the case! Yogurt... Kroger Carbmasters is very inexpensive, VERY low in carbs, and very high in protein. Plus it's thin like regular light yogurt which will make it easier to eat on that brand-new swollen tummy than Greek yogurt, which is wonderful but has a consistency more like heavy sour cream. A shaker bottle would be handy, or a blender if you want to get fancy and make smoothies out of your Protein drinks.

I can't stress enough not to over-buy LOL... It's hard to understand beforehand how little you'll be eating, that's why I bought so much protein and literally cases of soup--my head was in the "before" mode when I got them. Buy light and you'll have plenty of time to re-stock when you need to.