Post Op Best Practices: Please share your successes!

I never got the baby plates and utensils thing either. My program did suggest it, but I didn't bother. I guess if your head tells you that you MUST have a full plate, it could help. But I've always weighed my portions. It doesn't matter if it's on a platter, because that's all I'm going to eat.

And besides, I am NOT a child. I'm not, I'm not, I'm NOT!

I did not like cold beverages after surgery. Anything warm was soothing. So I'd add decaf/herbal tea and boxes of broth so you can pour out 4 oz and warm it up.  Good luck!

Well first of all congratulations on your upcoming journey.  The others have all given excellent ideas of what has worked for them.  That is why I love this site a great network of people all wanting to share their success for the success of others.  Well enough about that.  I found that instead of toddler items I just use smaller sized plates.  I also bought myself a new portable blender.  You will find that will be your best friend for some time post-op.  I love the homemade smoothies that you can spike with unflavoured protein powder and all of the fresh or frozen fruit you enjoy.  Then the small containers to freeze or refrigerate extra portions. 

Good luck and keep us posted with your progress.

Ang

Don't buy too much pre-op - your tastes may change. I was surprised!

I also could not deal with baby utensils. 

Dixie cups for consuming liquids - made me feel like I was getting somewhere!

My husband is 6 days post op and LOVES having the Yeti tumbles. We use the 20 oz for broth to keep it warm and the big on for shakes to keep them cold. When you first start out it is hard to consume quickly.

I also struggled with cold, but not until 3 weeks post op oddly enough - so have some temperature options.

Sugar free Popsicles were great to have around for sure!! 

Gas X strips.

Chewable Tylenol.

Chapstick.

I am experimenting with the Patch MD vitamin patches. (My 6 month labs are due 2-2016 and will compare). I love them and if my levels stay perfect I will shout it from the rooftops!!!

Well I see a lot of the people commenting they don't like baby utensils...I do! LOL I still use mine. Just helps me to not take too big of a bite. Also, I suggest finding a water bottle that you like because that will be your new fashion accessory. You will be sipping water all day every day from now on. I also found some ice cube trays that are the long sticks for water bottles. I use those regularly.

I purchased a Ninja kitchen tool. It was worth its weight in gold to me. I still use it for protein shakes. The vitamins I take I purchase directly from my doctor, I find them to be more complete for my needs. You'll also need some calcium with vitamin D but that wont come until later.

As far as the hospital goes, I didn't take much with me ...soft pajamas, a robe to walk the halls in. They gave me non slip socks so I used those. If you have a favorite pillow or blanket bring it along for comfort to help you rest. My aunt had to bring my some chapstick. My lips were dry and cracking. If all goes right you should only be there about 2 days so I wouldn't worry to much.

gas x thin strips were a god save. I thought it was fine because the whole time at the hospital I had 0 gas pain. As soon as I got home to my house I was up all night in pain from it :(

I also drank a lot of mint decaf tea the first couple weeks. Really made my tummy feel better. :) 

(I wish I had joined this site before my surgery. SO many helpful people on here.)

Thank you all so much for the info!  it is about 2 weeks until my bypass.  It is the little things that bring comfort while we are on the healing and adjusting journey.  I had a lap band in 2010 and had it removed in August due to erosion.  I am trying to remember all the things that helped.  My issue is sugar-free stuff.  It seems like it all tastes so over-sweet!  Not sure how I will cope, but I guess I just need to remember that the sugar free pops are not forever :).  I am excited that I can actually tolerate the Unjury protein powder items - that was my biggest concern - the super-sweet taste of many protein powders. Again, thank you all for taking the time to post - it really helps!

Marg