What should I buy ? $$$$

Hi All -

I am wondering what items folks have purchased getting ready for WLS?  I have heard people talking about baby spoons and all of that but I am wondering what products really helped make life easier....

Hope everyone is having a great day!

I didn't use the baby spoons at all, and bought way too many small bowls.  The ones I still use are some little dessert cups and dip bowls.  THe best thing you can buy is a grea****er bottle collection- don't skimp here- get the best leakproof ones you can afford.  Especially at first I'd fill all three of mine with different beverages in the AM, and knew they had to be gone by the end of the day.  If you'll be doing min your own protein shakes I also recommend a few Blender Bottles.

http://www.target.com/p/blender-bottle-white-and-light-green-bottle-with-lid-28-oz/-/A-13722321?ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=Google_PLA_df&LNM=|13722321&CPNG=sports&ci_sku=13722321&ci_gpa=pla&ci_kw=

http://www.target.com/p/thermos-intak-poly-bottle-vibrant-teal-24-oz/-/A-14126231#?lnk=sc_qi_detaillink

Hi Kim -

Thanks so much for the response :-)  I am an addict of water containers!  I did have a question about them though - I have heard so many people say that you should not drink out of a straw.  Some of my very favorite have straws.  Have you had problems with straws?  The dietician also said that I shouldnt be doing protien shakes - that I should do carnation instant breakfast - I am not quite sure what to think about that?  I think I would feel more comfortable knowing I was getting some protien in after surgery......

Ellie

Mine said carnation too, but then I got a list from them of other proteins that would be acceptable.  I use their protein goal (65 g for me) as a minimum.  I was supposed to have milk between meals and I added half a scoop of protein (I like syntrax nectar sweets and latte) to each instead of carnation.  I used carnation on the run and traveling because it came in easy to carry packets instead of the giant container.  I still rarely use a straw unless it's a thick ptein smoothie otherwise I just get too much air.  Other people have no problem with it, especially awhile out.  What I love about the intak bottle is that it's 100% leakproof- great for in my bag and no straw (I hate washing the straws.)

That goes to show how different each center is, mine specifically warns *against* Sugarfree Carnation Instant Breakfast because it can cause dumping.

 I didn't use baby spoons, but did get a set of 'prep' bowls-- they come in a set of 4, hold anywhere from 1 T to 1/2 c.  I found them very useful in the early stages, and still use them when prepping recipes.

I find a 'magic bullet' style blender very useful still-- can use it to puree/chop foods, and blend protein shakes.  I found a Macy's brand on sale for less than $25.00.

For non dietary needs, I found a 'grabber' tool really useful (they sent me home with one after surgery).  Really helps in those early days when you can't bend over very well-- and comes in handy still for getting objects out of high cupboards or when things fall behind furniture- especially if they have the magnet on the end.

I wouldn't spend a lot of money on anything.  When your stomach changes, a lot of things change.  You might like water bottles with straws afterward, or you might find that they make you sick.  You might like Carnation Instant Breakfast, or you might find it makes you dump.  You might use baby spoons or you might not--I never did.  It is really hard to predict.

You will not be laid up so long that you can't go and get what you need.  Get a few things here and there and then play it by ear.  Good luck!

Thanks Everyone - such great informaiton!  I have played it safe - bought a few things from the dollar store - and I looked through all of the stuff I have at home and found a bunch of prep bowls so I am good to go on that!