Preparing......

So in preparation for surgery (wishful thinking at this point) I want to start stocking up things I'll need. That way I dont have to try and get it all at once.  Which name brands you enjoyed, etc would be helpful. 

 

Thanks!

Jamie,

The one piece of advise that I wish someone had given me pre-op is: don't stock up on anything except your vitamins. And even with those...I wouldn't buy more than one bottle of a chewable. Our taste buds change several times post-op...and aren't two of us the same. Some people can't stand the Flintstone vitamins...others love them. Some people love the Carnation Instant Breakfast (aka CIB) in their protein mix...others hate it. Tasting it pre-op is not going to be an indication of what you will or won't like post-op. As I said, our taste buds change.

So....

Buy SMALL: Chewable childrens vitamins with Iron, Calcium Chewables (Citrite, NOT carbonate...available at St. V's gift shop, I think...not available at a pharmacy or grocery store)

Buy 1 or 2: Bottle of B1. You only do 1 a week so it last quite awhile, B12 sublingual...some people do fine with these, others need to switch to monthly injections so don't over do these either.

Buy as many as you want: Biotin

If you go through St. Vincent's, they have a mix they'd like for everyone to try to start off with. I'd recommend trying it...but buy small for it too. Don't go getting a huge box of powder milk if you don't/won't cook with it too.

I have given away so much that I probably could have sustained you for your first 3 months post-op with no problem. Save your $...shop often instead.

Sherri

That's some very good advice.  Things I liked shortly after surgery got to tasting weird to me in a couple weeks out.  So, you may not tolerate the same protein shake from one day to the next.  If you do anything as far as buying protein.  I would only get a couple of each kind to try.  Then if you find something that works... you can get more.  GNC has smaller sizes of powders to try and Isopure drinks to get.  They also have the tubes of protein if you choose to try those.  There are some sites online that sell sample sizes as well.  Unjury.com is one many people try. 

I would suggest you get some small tupperware type containers or get some small cups with lids like the carry outs give you for salsa and dressing.  You will be able to use them for the first few months for left overs or making up your jello and splitting out your portions.  2 to   4 oz sizes work best.  I got mine at the Dollar Tree!  A couple extra baby spoons and a couple sippy cups come in handy too.

Good luck and it's great that you are planning ahead.

Huge hugs,
Tracy

I had gotten a sleeve of 1oz and a sleeve of 2oz cups with lids at a place similar to GFS. I believe GFS sells them too. I used them once & threw them away. 

Also, I used a plasti**** cube tray. Each cube was one ounce so I could make soup, pour it into the tray, freeze, remove from tray into a ziplock bag and take out 1or 2 cubes to heat up at mealtime.

Lastly..come to the clothing exchanges, etc. Often, people bring their unwanted protein mixes/drinks there to give away to newbies so they can try them out.

Sherri

I heard the same advice about buying small quantities. I found some single packets of protein powder at the Whole Foods at Clay Terrace.  I figured that would be a good way to sample some different things.  Some I've liked and others I haven't so I'm glad I didn't buy a big canister.

Good Luck!

Kathy