Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

What did you need after the sleeve?



Recommended Posts

I am set for surgery on the 14th and I am trying to line up everything I will need. I would love to hear what everyone needed or wished they had the first few weeks. I will need to order online so trying to get it here before I leave for the hospital.

My list so far:

Multi-vit

Calcium

B-12

Gas-x

Prilosec/Pepcid

Small pillow

Assortment of Protein Shakes and Clear liquids

Thanks in advance.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Heating pad was a life saver!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Is the heating pad to lay over your stomach? That does sound like a good idea' date=' my surgery is tomorrow[/quote']

It really helped me with the gas pains after. I used mine on my stomach, over my shoulder, and across my chest... Depending on where the pain was.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yes I used it on my stomach.

I was given a "binder" for my abdomen at the hospital. It has made everything much more comfortable. I would ask for one or order one if need be. Some people on here have said they didn't like them, but I don't think I could have survived without it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I enjoyed the packets of egg drop Soup, I just didn't add the egg. I was on Clear Liquids for first week and this was my favorite! SF Jello and Popsicles were nice too, I was able to chew and feel satisfied. I find that warm liquids go down easier so I love my camomile tea too. For week 2 I am using the unflavored Protein in just about everything. I didn't get much protein first week on clears, stomach couldn't handle acidity of Isopure. I know a lot of people use the Unjury broth. I was told not to worry to much about anything other than hydration and resting to insure healing. Some items I was suggested to have at home from Dr were gas x strips, dial soap, gauze, gentle tape and heating pad. I'm 2.5 weeks out and it gets easier every day!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I agree with the heating pad. It really helped when the gas moved between my shoulders.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Heating pad was a life saver for me! I also used sf Popsicles as a main source of getting fluids in the first few days home ! Best wishes and let us know how you make out

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Measure yourself b4 u go in & u will need a pill crusher for any drugs/vitamins that r not liquid. Message me direct if u have meds u need to crush, I will try to tell u what I learned thru trial and error

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Pain meds...lots and lots or pain meds. And a time machine so I could fast forward to 8 week...ha ha! Seriously, my best purchase was a wedge pillow that u can get at a pharmacy store. It made sleeping easier. It made it easy to get out of bed to because I wasn't in a complete laying down position.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thank you everyone, some great items I didn't think of.

Rosehips- I plan to use the Wellnesse liquid. I searched on the here earlier today and saw them recommended. I almost think it was you that posted. (Or a similar profile picture). Have you tried them?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

In the hospital, I could not have made it without my heating pad. A lot of posts that I have read from others mentioned having a small pillow on hand too. (To help with coughing, getting up, rolling over, etc)

Post-op, I could not have made it without my broth. That stayed in when nothing else would! I am a reforming coffee addict ;) , so hot tea, in many flavors, has become my go to. (caffeine free, of course)

I am two weeks post-op, and am still having difficulty with my shakes even when I thin them. My Protein supplement has been with the Herbalife beverage mix. Good Protein, but the consistency is more like a juice, and not thick like the shakes.< /p>

I stocked up on the Protein Shakes also- I am a long time fan of my Protein Shakes, but I have yet to be able to drink my shakes without getting nauseated. Maybe keep an alternative protein source on hand.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Seems like your well prepared to me. Though I never needed it the Gas-x was a life saver for the lady across the hall from me. Like the others said the pillow comes in handy. Just make sure your well stocked on the clear liquids for when you get home. Good luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yes I did do wellese so that worked out well for my Vitamins. I had prescription meds I had to take that were pill form.

Currently I have stopped using the Wellesse. I have some acid reflux going on since I am on solid foods. Water can even give me acid reflux. Anyhow w/ the Wellesse I was taking Multivitamin, Calcium, Protein, B12 sublingual, Iron. It was just too many 1 oz gulps FOR ME. I now take something else but I am not the poster girl for Vitamins. Sounds like you have made a good decision for now. Also, I personally did not start vitamins until 14 days out. I was worried the first week that I was not getting them in. My doc said not to worry, this is not nutrition for a month, it is nutrition for a lifetime. I calmed down and everything is going fine overall and I bet my acid reflux would be better if I would chew more and slower.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 1 reply
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×