2 things I'm glad I have post-op!

I'm almost 3 weeks out post-op.  I am finally off liquids and gradually re-introducing myself to soft/mushy foods.  There are 2 things that have made my post-op life easier and highly recommend them to other recent post-ops.  Imo, it probably don't matter what WLS you have had and you will still be able to find a way to use these.  One item helps you get your fluids in, the other helps you make soft/mushy foods.

The first item is a snow cone maker.  I picked up the Hamilton Beach Snowman Ice Shaver from Targets for $26 although there are other brands that vary in price.  I don't use any syrups with it, even though sugar-free syrups are available.  I just love the shaved ice and it helps me get my fluids in.  One tip, use small to medium ice cubes for best results.

The second item is an immersion/hand blender.  It can make great protein drinks/smoothies and it helps me break down meats and eggs to get them to that soft/mushy texture so I can tolerate them better.  There is no way I could get meat to that texture by hand!  I already had one but while I was out shopping I came across an improved model.  The item I purchased is by Oster.  This model came with a chopper and cup that have rubber bottoms so they don't slide around when you mix...and the rubber bottoms also work as lids!  Also the blending rod is detachable for easy cleaning...unlike my old model.  It has variable speed settings too!

I just wanted to share how much these items have helped me.  Maybe you might find them helpful too!

~Roxy

**not trying to spam, but cross posted on main board and July 2011 board...don't want anyone to miss this that might need it** 

Hehe, I thought one of the two things would be your pyloric valve.

Ah well.  The two things you mentioned are good to have, too!

 LOL true, but that is a given since I chose the DS 

 

Interesting recommendation for the Ice Shaver! For $26 it looks like I'll be purchasing yet another kitchen item! I love my handheld blender, it works much better than my blender ball for getting rid of clumps in my shakes! 

Glad you're doing well! 

Thank you, I've had a couple "bumps" in the road but these have made it easier 

Ohhhh. I would love a snowcone maker. I never even thought about that. I've been eating popsicles, but I would love a good snowcone. Great idea!

Thanks!  I was eating popsicles too, but after I developed thrush I couldn't tolerate the "sweet" taste of them anymore (even though they were sugar free).  I still wanted something cold and the snowcone maker has been a life saver!!!

thanks for paying it forward.....i'll add 2 more things to my list, along with the pill sorter that someone posted in another thread!

Great recommendation on the snow cone maker.  I have not had my surgery yet, but I read a post about a week or 2 ago from someone else that also recommended a snow cone maker.  I went out that day and got one at Bed Bath and Beyond for about $40, it's a Deni ice crusher (actually $32 after the 20% off coupon).  It works great with the ice from the ice maker in my fridge.  It claims you can crush up to 14oz in 1 minute. 
I tried the Jelly Belly sugar free Cherry syrup, it's not worth the $3.  It has a weird taste to it, and it's really, really sweet.  I've been flavoring mine with concentrated crystal light.  I mix a full packet  of crystal light with water in a 16 or 20oz pop bottle.  It works good so I can save the extra.  So far I've tried the apple tini & lemonade.  They are both really good and way cheaper than buying the syrups at the store.  It's been so hot out, I'm been making the snow cones every single day since I got the ice crusher. 

I'll have to try the hand blender, I've been tempted to buy one several times, just wasn't sure how good they work.