Dear all!

First, a big contrats to all for doing the surgery for your own health and good. I hope you will all arrive at the desired results sooner than later and that the post-op phase will be as smooth as possible.

My boyfriend is having his surgery in a few weeks and i want to give him a post-op gift for being brave through this process. Nothing too big or expansif, but something thoughtful and hopefully useful for after the surgery.

I have a few ideas...currently, I'm hesitating between the following:

1. A nice summer/light bath robe and assorted slippers so he can be comfy after the surgery and not need to dress up
2. A gift card from his favorite clothing store, cause he will probably need to buy a new wardrobe

What would you prefer? Any other gift ideas?

I will also be there for him throughout the whole process, hospital stay, prepare the meals and help out as much as i can.

Is there anything you would recommend on that level? Things to do / say, not do/ not say etc.

All the best to all - and thank you for your help!

b

Well, both good ideas, but maybe buy him a reasonably priced shirt or hoodie or pair of pants that's 1-2 sizes smaller that he can look forward to wearing. More personal than the card

My biggest suggestion is to just be patient and supportive over the first few weeks...all those bodily changes can have some really, um...interesting effect on the mood!

My mom got me a bunch of gift cards for clothes after my surgery and I appreciated it so much...after being overweight for years it was actually fun to go try and figure out what my personal style was when I wasn't as hamstrung by having to find the few items in the store that fit me. (19 months later I'm still trying to figure that out, but I'm learning!)

Another suggestion for gifts might be a nice bariatric-friendly lunchbox or meal prep stuff for when he returns to work and starts eating a wider variety of foods. Having ways to transport your meals is important!

one thing to keep in mind is people usually blow through sizes pretty quickly the first few months after surgery. I could barely wear something for a month or two before it was too big. I just went to Goodwill (or similar places) until I was close to my goal because otherwise I would have been spending a lot of money on a quickly-changing wardrobe - things that I could only wear for a month or so before casting them aside.

Someone else said this too, but a goal outfit would be awesome. and then maybe some of his favorite, bariatric approved, treats.

18 hours ago, B1984 said:

A nice summer/light bath robe and assorted slippers

^^Having everything your man needs when he gets home and making him as comfortable as possible sounds like a winner to me.

Future smaller sized clothes is a nice thought but was the last thing on my mind after arriving home from the hospital.

Liking these ideas- I think perhaps something not food related and goal oriented would be a different approach- kind of a way to appreciate who he is now and and the fact he made this decision vs placing emphasis on who he will be- just my take. Perhaps a massage (when incisions heal) or a foot massage if he wouldn’t quite like that- or even a shave/steam/haircut— just to remind him this is to help take care of himself, vs how he looks. Just my two cents- some men might hate this idea- but you will know if it would fly.

One thing I got right before my surgery that I used a lot is one of those self heating mugs. It took me forever to finish my broth at first and this kept it toasty until I did. They aren't cheap, but you could also get the electric mug warmer that uses most mugs (doesn't keep warm if you leave it off the pad like the mug I have). Most big box places should carry them.

So thoughtful of you! Wish you both the best.

A very nice insulated water bottle would be great! One that he can keep near his bed at all times as a reminder to drink water (I suggest one with a pour cap, without a straw)