WLS Chest

Okay as many of you know I am pre op!! I have a friend who willl be having surgery in the fall. She has little money, so a few of my other friends are going to help me get her a chest together. I heard of other people doing this, but have no clue what all she will need. If he do not get enough stuff for a chest, it may be a basket, but still we want to do somthing. Since I have not bought myself one single thing either I have no clue what to buy. My other friends are little so they are at a loss as well. I have ordered differnet samples of protein. I boughht some chap sticks, and one person is going to get a gym membership. I know we need a bullet, (Kohls have them on sale this week for 49.00)  What else do we need. Do you have any suggestions where all I can get samples of protien? Please let me knwo what you think!

Aw, what a sweet idea!!!!  I would also recommend cute little non-slip slipper socks...I used those every day in the hospital to walk around in, maybe if you can find a cute little robe...I wore mine the whole time I was in the hospital.  I'm not sure if it's more stuff for when she gets home or when she's in the hospital...I guess those are more things for in the hospital.  As for samples of protein, I'm not really sure where you can get samples, but I know you can buy single protein drinks at GNC and other vitamin stores...(Muscle Milk light and Worldwide seem to be the best and most popular in my support groups)...Maybe a stash of sugar free pudding and jello, sugar free popsicles, cans of broth.... Ok, that's all I can think of for now!!!  What a great friend you are making this cute gift!!! :)

Honestly I wouldnt buy too much... the protein samples are good because they can find what they like but most of the $$ is spent post-op once you figure out what it is you *do* like. Other ideas would be isopure bottled drinks from GNC - they have 4 flavors so they can sample. Different protein bars for when they are further out, maybe SF jello packets, crystal lite, gift certficate to someplace where they buy their vits (target/walmart/costco/GNC/bariatric advantage), soy crisps/crackers. I think you can get protein samples from nectar's website but am not sure. Most local grocery stores in my area sell samples - any healthy grocery store like whole foods should sell as well. I never used a magic bullet nor saw the need... my surgeon doesnt have a pureed stage and wants his patients off shakes by end of 6 months. I bought a 'personal blender' from wal mart for $15 and that worked just fine. I know many people love theirs but I just never needed it *shrug* I have also never used a gym membership... I do have a gym where I live but find I enjoy working out at my house or outside... I have invested in a few things (5lb and 10lb weights, exercise ball) and found that has worked best for me  - maybe get the person a trial membership so they can see what they like? Or even some simple DVDs... I know people on here rave about chicometrics (sp?) and walk away the pounds (or something like that).

I am glad to hear you are getting her a bullet I would have been lost with out mine. I am almost a year out and I still use mine daily.I would suggest getting her a bottle of chewable mulit vitamins. I use opti source they are sold at Walgreen's and they are about 26.00  and are made for bariatric patients you get a lot in a bottle but you take 4 a day in the beginning. She also need some calcium citrate so maybe get some chewable wafers for her. As a treat sugar free Popsicles are good too.

I'm pre-op too, last week at group session we had taste testing.  My favorite brand is the Unjury.  They sell samples you get them at www.unjury.com.  Just a thought.  It hink it is great that you are putting a basket/trunk together for her!

Thanks everyone!! Please keep the ideas coming!!