Most useless advice or purchase pre-op

I have a surgery date for next month and I'm feeling pretty prepared. Perhaps overly so. I have a tendency to over-research and over-plan. So, what were some things you did or purchased pre-op that ended up pretty useless. Any suggestions that were made or warnings about things that you just didn't end up needing to know?

1 and 2 oz plastic cups with lids (like the kids use for jello shots).

I used maybe a dozen for protein jello, and then never used anymore. I donated the rest of them to my surgeon's practice for patients who might use them but couldn't afford them.

Other than that, it was all pretty good.

I do find myself really tempted to buy lots of tiny cups/dishes/pans. But mostly just because they're so cute!

Oh, the ceramic ramekins and small dishes were and are great!  But the cheapo plastic cups with lids - not so much!

I still do use my tupperware-like tubs (1/2 cup, 1.25 cup, and 2 cup) for things like almonds, fruits and veggies, and greek yogurt.

I bought a package of 8 tiny tupperware containers that I could put my pureed/mushy foods in so that when it was time to eat, they were already measured out.  I pre=measured them to 1 or 2 ounce portions - made it alot easier.  I also got 1 ounce medicine cups to help me drink for the first couple of weeks, so I knew exactly how much to drink - my surgeon gave me 100 of them when I left the hosptial and they were really helpful.  I knew every 10 minutes, I had to drink one of those cups of fluids.  Then as time went on and I was able to drink a littke more, I used them for 2 ounces and when I got to 3 ounce and 4 ounces, I bought 3ounce and 4 ounce cups  = just made my measuring much easier and I knew exactly how much to drink and when. I was given a really specific drink schedule and I abided it to the T.

Some things that people are recommend that are useless are flintstones and other childrens vitamins, tums for calciums,   Dont stock up on protein powders preop because your tastes change post op.  Just buy what you will need for a couple of weeks but that is it.

One thing you might want to talk to your doctor or surgeon about is if they want you to start taking any supplements preop.  My surgeon has me start a multi, calcium, vitamin D3 and B12 preop.  I was already on the B12 and vitamin D but I added the multi and calcium citrate.  You want to be in your best health possible when you go into surgery and it is best to get a head start on your vitamin D and B12 before you go into surgery.

SF popcycles.  I couldn't do anything cold.  SF jello.  I hate jello, I don't know why I thought if it was SF it would be ok.  Unflavored protein.  I know other love it and add it to everything but I was ok with protein in warm stuff and unjury chicken soup from the beginning.

The best things I did were to decarb and decaff and stop drinking with meals before surgery. 

Best advice 
 - from a friend who is currently about 4 years out, and her advice was to FOLLOW THE PLAN, FOREVER.
and two from me

- remember that each person is different.  Your experience is yours and will be different from everyone else in some way.  There are those who can tolerate food and those who can't (I'm in the can't group), there are those who lose fast (me!) and those who lose slow, those who get rid of their comorbidities quickly and those who keep some (I will always have sleep apnea).  But we are all greatful that we had this surgery.
  
 - only buy small amounts of food during your first month.  I could tolerate some types of foods for a couple of days, but not ongoing.  Get individual servings of protein powders, so you're not left with jugs of stuff that you dislike.  Everyone is different in their tastes and sensitivities.  My go-to protein when I'm not doing well is Unjury Chicken Soup, yet there are others on this forum who cannot tolerate this product.


Worst thing I bought pre-op
- I stocked up on some protein powder that I liked pre-op.  Who knew I was going to be completely lactose intolerant, and no cottage cheese, no protein powder with lactose etc....

Unflavored protein powder - I am almost 3 years out and still have 3/4's of it left.

Like others have suggested, only buy protein samples until after surgery, your taste will really change.

Chapstick was a lifesaver for me in the hospital.  It really helped with my dry lips.  Don't take a lot with you to the hospital.  Wear loose clothes there and you can wear them home.  I wouldn't take a lot to read or things like that because you will be sleeping a lot!!

Good luck and keep us posted.

Linda

Thanks everybody! Yeah, I'm prepared to have taste changes and lactose issues. Hope not, but oh well. After seeing my four family members at various lengths of time out from their RNY surgeries has already inspired me to embrace this as a "forever" change of my life. A couple of them have stopped following the rules and have regained a lot. The ones who are still vigilant have kept it off. Pretty simple i guess.

Anything parishable only buy in small amounts.  I still through out things past the date because my eyes really are bigger then my stomach.