Weight loss surgery is a big change, to say the least. If you’re lucky, you have a few – or many – family members and friends who are doing their best to support you at every step of the way. It’s no different when the holidays roll around, and they may be wondering what they can get you to support your decision to have weight loss surgery or your new, healthy lifestyle.

This gift list is a good start. If any of these items end up in your pile on Christmas Day or during Hanukah, you’re bound to have an easier time losing weight and staying healthy. Of course, these are also great gift ideas for any of the people in your life who are thinking about weight loss surgery or who got it. See what you think, and any of your suggestions in the comments section below!

Protein Gift Basket

A gift basket is always a nice way to say “I’m thinking of you,” but the “gift” usually includes thousands of empty calories from fat and sugar. The sausages and popcorn can cause trouble with the lap-band. The chocolates and dried fruits can give you dumping syndrome. You just don’t need the cheese, crackers, and cookies.

Instead of ordering a ready-made basket with unhealthy foods, why not assemble your own gift basket for that special weight loss surgery patient in your life? It’ll be more special because it has your own personal touch, and you can hand-pick the goodies you put in, depending on what the recipient likes.

These are some ideas for a High-Protein gift basket.

• Beef jerky
  
• Salmon jerky
  
• Dried edamame (green soybeans)
  
• Sugar-free protein powder
  
• Sugar-free protein shake mixes in favorite flavors
  
• Protein pancake mix with oats, wheat flour, protein powder, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon – just add almond milk and some egg whites to cook!
  

Protein Shake Plus Kit

There’s no question that the holidays can be difficult if you’ve just had weight loss surgery. You’re stuck drinking liquids or eating pureed foods while everyone else is eating the holiday foods that you used to love. A protein shake plus kit won’t take the sting out of missing these goodies, but it will help you stay on track and will let you know how much the gift giver cares about you.

Consider including the following in the kit.

• A shaker bottle for protein shakes.
  
• Different flavors of sugar-free protein shake mixes.
  
• Powdered skim milk.
  
• Packets of high-protein products, like Unjury chicken soup and cheese sauce.
  

IOUs

What do you get for the weight loss surgery patient who has everything? Give a few coupons or IOUs. Here are some ideas.

Host a weight loss surgery-friendly dinner for the patient, including measuring the ingredients and portions accurately, and letting the guest take home the leftovers in prepackaged containers or baggies. Preparing special, approved meals day after day can be draining. Going over to a friend’s house for a break without going off of your diet can be a wonderful break.

Offer to be a good workout partner for a week. This may include getting up early to walk or go to the gym together. Give it at least a week, because you may end up making a healthy and fun habit out of being a workout buddy.

Taking care of the kids (or another chore). Weight loss surgery places demands on your time. You need to cook special meals and measure your food, and make time to exercise. Wouldn’t it be nice if someone helped take care of the kids for a while, or helped you clean the house or garden?

Notebook for Recipes

After weight loss surgery, recipes change. You’ll make healthy modifications to old favorites, and find a ton of new ideas that fit into your diet. A pretty notebook is an ideal place to collect your new recipes. For more artistic weight loss surgery patients, the gift can include colorful pens and stickers to decorate the pages and take notes. As a bonus, fixing up your recipe book is a healthy alternative to cooking mac and cheese and baking brownies when you’re bored.

Kitchen Helpers

Every weight loss surgery patient needs a few extra items in the kitchen, and there are tons of cute ones out there. From measuring cups shaped like geese and babushka dolls and measuring spoons shaped like gingerbread men and hearts to small plates and spoons in all kinds of designs and children’s themes, you can certainly find the perfect kitchen helpers for anyone. They’re super fun to shop for, too.

Other practical kitchen gifts include:

• Reusable water bottles.
  
• Small containers to store and transport food.
  
• A kitchen scale.
  

A “Big Book”

The “BIG Book” series includes four books to help you go through every part of your weight loss surgery journey. The first three books each focus on one of the major types of weight loss surgery: lap-band, gastric sleeve, or roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The final book is filled with tips on life after weight loss surgery…including how to eat and live well during the holidays. These books are also good for anyone living with a weight loss surgery patient who wants to be a better source of support.

These are the “BIG Books.”

• The BIG Book on the Gastric Sleeve: Everything You Need To Know To Lose Weight and Live Well with the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy
  
• The BIG Book on the Gastric Bypass: Everything You Need To Know To Lose Weight and Live Well with the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
  
• The BIG Book on the Lap-Band: Everything You Need To Know To Lose Weight and Live Well with the Adjustable Gastric Band
  
• The BIG Book on Bariatric Surgery: Living Your Best Life After Weight Loss Surgery
  
• The BIG Book Bundle: The complete set of “Big Books” has the information you need.
  

Whatever you give or ask for, keep in mind that it really is the thought that counts. Give it with the best of intentions and appreciate everything you receive, and you will be well on your way to becoming happier.

Happy Holidays!

I already own all the BIG BOOKS! lol But I can tell them I can always use some tiny containers! Thanks Alex!

After losing nearly 70 pounds in less than 3 months, I would like to add clothing store gift cards!!! my clothes are falling off. I want to hold out a little bit longer and skip a size, and really wait until I hit goal to completely change out the wardrobe. Merry Christmas

These are excellent idea's especially if you are gifting to fellow WLS friends. If it's family that wants to be supportive, I would go with the gift cards to clothing stores, and container sets, and even fitness equipment like the awesome new fitbit products love those.

Lots of great idea's!!

This is what I'm asking my nearest and dearest for this Christmas:

Foot massage salon gift certificates.

Earrings.

Mittens (my gloves don't keep my hands warm anymore).

Mini infinity scarves in several colors (warmth again).

hair salon gift certificate.

I'm all about pampering!

I had a pair of wireless workout headphones on my Christmas gift for using at the gym. I jumped the gun and bought them for myself. lol

I put a crock pot on my list this year. Since surgery in July I have been using my crockpot like crazy but it is too small so a new one went on the list. Clothing gift cards are a great idea.

Thanks a bunch for this! I have the Big Book on VSG already.

Hey There! What a thoughtful post for us! Thanks so much, found some stuff I'll just have to buy for myself

Great list! I would like to add a few things I have put on my list.

Fleece lined leggings

warm winter socks

sport arm band for my iPhone

ear buds made for running and will stay put

gift certificates for local thrift stores to keep me clothed until goal

personal training gift certificates

work out clothes in assorted sizes

new fitbit

moisture wicking ankle sport socks

pajamas in assorted sizes to keep me clothed as I drop weight.

THat is all I have related to my sleeve. The rest re just girly gifts.

Since surgery I have become a decaf tea fanatic so I never ask for anything but this year I've already informed everybody that I want a tea pot (kettle whatever) and tea! Oh and the cutest pottery travel mug I found on etsy! I don't focus on food anymore now I want homemade gifts that are special! (Even if they come from some strangers home)

Oh and I want some cute defusers for my tea...is anyone writing this down?? Lol!

Defusers got it!!

Ha! Thanks @@time for june I don't want my list to go unfulfilled!

I would like a bariatric potion plate and bowl, but I am too cheap to pay the shipping.