Best Things for Recovery

[DinoMama3 3]

Hello again! Sorry for the multiple posts but just wondering whether anyone has a list of things that helped their recovery go smoothly? For instance, things you’ll want in the weeks right after surgery like heat pads, ice packs (which is better?)…I saw somewhere else that someone recommended a reclining chair??

I have 2 little boys at home, and I want to be as present as possible so I’m looking for any advice on how to recover safely but still be comfortable and active.

[catwoman7 11,277]

you won't need any of that weeks after surgery. It's really just the first week or so. After the first week, the only thing I felt was tired - that lasted for a couple of months.

I didn't use a reclining chair - I just propped a lot of pillows up on my bed. Some people do rent or use recliners the first week or two, though.

[ShoppGirl 5,072]

For the purée stage a food processor comes in handy and I got some tiny containers at dollar tree that were a little over two ounces that worked well to store leftovers. Tylenol, stool softeners, soluable fiber or milk of magnesia (or whatever combination your team recommends) and a good thermometer are good to have on hand as well as ice packs that you mentioned. I had one that is made for the lower back that comes with a belt like thing velcros around you with a pocket for the ice pack. It comes with two ice or heat packs (my team said no heat though). I got it on Amazon a long time ago for my back but I tried it for my tummy and it works. Great for icing while still being able to do things. The one I got is called magic gel. My waist was about 48” I think when I started and it just fit though so keep that in mind. It may fit up to 50??

Don’t stock up too much on the Protein Shakes because your tastes may change a bit and tastes for sweet stuff is a common change. Your dr may give you a stomach binder if you don’t get staples but if not ask if they have one or are okay with you ordering one (Amazon) if you feel like the jiggling is causing you pain. The compression really helped me. Also while you are in hospital you can ask for ice packs too.

Other things that have really come in handy not for recovery but for a little later In the process were the Baritastic app which is free but familiarize yourself with it no so you can start logging your measurements and weight right before your start your preop diet. It sends reminders for your Vitamins and you can log your fluids and moods (there is a little diary) and even your bowel movements. I also got a pair of Bluetooth headphones which make my exercise (walking) a lot more fun and a fitness watch is more important than the headphones. They have some on Amazon for like $20 my friend got one and says it works fine to log her heart rate and distance. The apple Watch has a fitness app that lets you set goals and stuff and it’s pretty user friendly. I have a much older one that I haven’t used in forever but I got it out and updated it and it works just fine. The cheaper ones may have a fitness app too I’m just not sure.

That’s all I can think of for now. I’m sure others will think of some things I am forgetting.

Edited September 10, 2024 by ShoppGirl

[summerseeker 2,362]

If you are the same in the US as we are in the UK, then Amazon deliver the day after ordering. If thats the case, save your money and buy as you need it. As a example, I bought a blender and did not use it as I barfed every time I thought of pureed foods, still do. I sent for a bariatric cookery book, same outcome. On a whim, I bought a personalised bariatric plate, it is still in its wrapping.

My clinic told me to buy suckable Vitamins and dissolvable Calcium tablets. I used a thermos cup, I was allowed coffee and it takes an age to drink in the early stages, it kept it hot for me. I bought a bed wedge as I had GERD, still do.

I never had Protein Shakes, my surgeon did not believe in them, I just had milk. Everyone who has stock piled a Protein Shake they love pre surgery, has found it disgusting after surgery. Your tastes flip and you may have a problem with lactose or vegetable Protein. Buy one or two of a wide range if you must.

I really wished I had a recliner chair, I had to sleep sitting for 3 weeks. As I said before I had problems with Gerd. It took a while to get my meds right.

This forum and its wonderful forumites are a asset I used so much. Its all gifted free. Paid forward if you will. They have so much knowledge, they have been and done it before. Some one will have had every eventuality and will help

Good luck

[ShoppGirl 5,072]

32 minutes ago, summerseeker said:

If you are the same in the US as we are in the UK, then Amazon deliver the day after ordering. If thats the case, save your money and buy as you need it. As a example, I bought a blender and did not use it as I barfed every time I thought of pureed foods, still do. I sent for a bariatric cookery book, same outcome. On a whim, I bought a personalised bariatric plate, it is still in its wrapping.

My clinic told me to buy suckable Vitamins and dissolvable Calcium tablets. I used a thermos cup, I was allowed coffee and it takes an age to drink in the early stages, it kept it hot for me. I bought a bed wedge as I had GERD, still do.

I never had Protein Shakes, my surgeon did not believe in them, I just had milk. Everyone who has stock piled a Protein Shake they love pre surgery, has found it disgusting after surgery. Your tastes flip and you may have a problem with lactose or vegetable Protein. Buy one or two of a wide range if you must.

I really wished I had a recliner chair, I had to sleep sitting for 3 weeks. As I said before I had problems with Gerd. It took a while to get my meds right.

This forum and its wonderful forumites are a asset I used so much. Its all gifted free. Paid forward if you will. They have so much knowledge, they have been and done it before. Some one will have had every eventuality and will help

Good luck

Our Amazon is some next day and mostly two days for me anyways so yeah that is a good idea but also you have 30 days and it’s pretty easy to return for Amazon if you wait until right before your surgery to order whatever you add to your cart if you don’t use it, you’ll still be your return. You’re feeling well enough to send it back. I actually did my shopping for whatever I needed for each phase and then I had my husband to go pick up thankfully so while I was on liquids, I was creating my cart for my purées and that’s when I ordered my food processor and he and I did a Walmart order and he went and picked up all the food which I ordered way too much, just be cautious because you can only eat a tiny amount. I wasted a lot of food. But by that time I was able to pick it up I did it when he was home so he could get the items that rolled to the back of the trunk or that were heavy

Edited September 12, 2024 by ShoppGirl