Hello!

Currently in the process of getting everything completed for insurance and as I am getting to the half way mark I am starting to think about what I will need to buy to make my life easier when I come home from surgery.

I see some other topics where people buy ounce cups, etc. to have on hand but I just wanted to know any other "hacks" or necessities that made your lives easier coming home. Doesn't have to be only food related, if anyone bought anything clothing, etc. either I would love the knowledge!

What are the best tasting protein shakes/powders out there? I need to start ASAP substituting my lunch with a protein shake for my final two appointments.

Thank you!

I recommend a bowl with lid for storage of unfinished food and a cup/bottle with measurements to keep track.

You're going to need lots of storage, as the person above said, because however much you think you're going to be able to eat, it's probably going to be less than that.

If you don't already own a food scale, you need one now. They're not expensive but tracking what you eat doesn't do you a bit of good if you don't have accurate measurements of how much you're eating.

This may fall into the category of "just me" but I found it easier to drink fluids out of a bottle with a "sports top" (the little pop up "nipple" like you see athletes drinking from) right after my procedure as opposed to drinking straight from the glass. I could kind of squirt it in my mouth and I felt like I swallowed less air like that.

• Small, fine strainers (tea strainers are good) to ensure any soups you eat a completely free of lumpy or fibrous (herbs) bits.
• Zip lock bags for freezing single serve portions. (I even use them for soup.
• Measuring cups & spoons & scales with small weight increments.
• Baby spoon & fork or buffet spork
• small bowls & side plates if you don’t have any
• blender, stick blender, NutriBullet or similar.

Have all your over the counter meds ready - non NSAID pain meds like tylenole, stool softener or similar, soluble fibre, electrolyte drinks, gas X, Imodium, recommended multivitamins, etc.

The best shake question can be challenging as many find their taste buds change & the shake or flavour they enjoyed before surgery they can’t tolerate after. Have a couple of flavours & brands on hand.

Have a range of soups (cream, consommés, bone broths) on have in case you really struggle with the shakes too.

Don’t worry about buying clothes yet and even then buy very few. You may already have smaller sizes in your cupboards or you may drop so quickly it’s not worth the money - except if your pants/skirts/knickers are falling down ?.

All the best.