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

Shopping for Post-op



Recommended Posts

Hey all!

I'm starting my pre-op diet and thinking about surgery. And most importantly, after surgery. Want to know what were some necessities for those of you who have already gone through this. I'd really hate to stock up on unnecessary items. But also don't want to find myself without.

Thanks Guys!

Sent from my SM-G950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I did this as well. I didn’t purchase much besides smaller plates/bowls. I am having a revision (vsg to rny) and having smaller dishes helped me eating smaller portions. Also just stocked up on Protein Drinks

i also purchased mederma, it’s a scar cream to help lighten a scar. It’s for vanity purposes but my scars tend to get pretty dark.

I am curious to see others responses as well

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I couldn't wear a bra for a couple of weeks after surgery (incision was under the band), so if you're going back to work, I'd pick up some snug tank tops to wear under other shirts to tame the "girls"!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I really liked bouillon cubes dissolved in Water right after surgery, but other than some immediate post surgery foods, you will be up and about after a couple of days and able to go out to the store to get whatever you need. I would avoid stocking up too much especially on food, because your tastes are likely to change a bit immediately after surgery.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My surgery was done as outpatient and I had to see the doctor in his office the next day to have my drain removed. I had to get my daughter to pick up gauze and tape so that I could use on that place. (all doctors do not use a drain)

Edited by J@Alabama

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'd purchase a variety, not a lot of each, of drink options. You should have cold and hot options. The same goes for Protein Shakes. I found that the premade ones were perfect for after surgery. Usually the cost of them would deter me from purchasing the premade, but you drink so little per meal that one shake could last you all day.

I stocked up on a lot of things that I never used, and won't use now. It was a waste. Your taste buds change so much after surgery, so I wouldn't buy too much.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I still have a few months but this is something I've been thinking about also. I want to have enough for a few days (decent variety) but don't want to over do it either.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

liquid acetaminophen for pain. Tylenol doesn't make liquid, but I found it at CVS Pharmacy.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I bought way too much prepping for my surgery, wasted tons of money. The most critical things I needed were premade Protein Shakes. Premier Protein was my favorite, and seems to be the most popular on here. Protein20, Protein Water was good as well, it tastes good and helps you get both your protein and liquids in. Finally, Benefiber is great, it mixes into protein shakes or yogurt, Soup, and you will be grateful for it!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am in the early stages of shopping now. My doctor's office was helpful and gave me a shopping list of items I would need, but added a few of my own. To the poster above that mentioned smaller plates, I did the same! It tricks the mind into thinking you have more food. It's actually helped me on my pre-op diet. I had lots of fun buying pretty new plates too... but I'm kind of a shopper...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks everyone. My main concern was wasting money. I'll just get few flavors in different things until I know what I like

Sent from my SM-G950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

A lot of people report trouble with dairy for a while post surgery, so have some Protein waters as well as regular shakes on hand in case you can't tolerate the milky shakes for a bit. I'll be in hospital for a minimum 3 nights (usually 3-4, apparently the standard for my surgeon here in Australia) so I'll need to take more to hospital with me than those only staying overnight. I'll be taking some bottles of pre-made Bodie'z Vitamin waters, clothing that should fit (I bought some new smaller undies yesterday, which I may need by the time I get to hospital in 2 weeks), toiletries, I picked up the Aussie version of chewable Gas-X (semithicone crystals) to help with gas pains. I'll be taking my other medications into hospital with me, including [EDIT: eye mask!], ear plugs and my restavit sleeping tablets (I"m sensitive to noise and lights when I'm sleeping, so really struggled to sleep when in hospital after birthing my kids) - am hoping I get the ok to take the tiny restavit tablets (if they don't give me an alternative sleep aid) as I"m someone who really doesn't do well without my 8 hours sleep, tending to get nasty headaches. Make sure you take menstrual supplies with you too, as the stress and surgery can trigger irregular/early periods in some people.

At home I'll have just whatever is left of my tubs of protein Meal Replacements (as I really don't like having them even before surgery) plus flavoured and unflavored protein Water powder, and I'm currently making and freezing small cubes (9 fit in a sandwich-sized zip-loc) of some smooth Soups - I got 36 cubes from my batch of pumpkin and veggie Soup, and soon to make the cauliflower and cheese one that I posted the recipe for in the "any May sleevers??" forum, I'll likely have my soups with some clear unflavored Protein Powder mixed in. As soon as I get to purees/mushies I"ll make some pureed chicken and sweetcorn soup with egg swirled in too. :) I'd like to get away from powders/supplements and back onto healthy natural Proteins for the majority of my daily protein ASAP.

Cauliflower Cheddar Soup.docx

Edited by Taoz

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks. That recipe looks amazing

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

    • 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!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • 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.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • 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

    ×