Preparing for Bariatric Surgery: A Shopping List and Helpful Tips
Ranked #3,228 in Healthy Living, #59,518 overall
Planning and Preparing for Bariatric Surgery
I will share with you a shopping list of items that I needed for the first couple of weeks after surgery. The planning ahead was a real blessing, as I sure didn't want to go anywhere other than doing my dutiful walking!
If you are preparing for surgery too, I hope that you find this helpful.
Please check this list with your doctor to ensure these products are ok for you and get even more specific suggestions.
Table of Contents
- Why Am I Sharing This With You?
- Start a "Future Life" Folder
- Here's My Post-Op Grocery List
- Share Your Grocery List Recommendations Here
- Handy Kitchen Supplies and Gadgets
- Clothing Supplies to Consider
- Medical and Nutritional Supplies to Have Around the House
- Extra Household Considerations
- Resources for High Protein, Pre-Surgical Information, and Post-Surgical Support
- My "Before" Photos
- My "After" Photos
- How to Find a GREAT Bariatric Surgeon and Hospital
- Get Out of That Bed!
- With Your New Life Comes New Responsibilities - to Yourself
- Great Makeover Links
- Did You Find This Page Helpful?
- Final Thoughts: Some Things to Look Forward To
Why Am I Sharing This With You?
It's Not Easy
I would prefer not to tell people that I have had bariatric surgery. I would have preferred never to have a weight problem to begin with. There are a lot of people out there struggling with weight, and many who have conquered it with a white knuckle approach using traditional diets. And there are people who have successfully changed their lifestyles, lost the weight, and have habits and discipline that will sustain that loss. Start a "Future Life" Folder
As Soon as You're Approved for Surgery
Get a folder with two pockets. If you're not already a magazine freak like me, stop by a thrift or used book store and pick up some fashion, hairstyle, household, and any other magazines you're interested in.Whenever you have an opportunity, pick up a magazine and flip through the pages, just looking at the images - especially the ads. When you see a picture that you identify with, tear out the page and put it in your folder. You can do this in a very laid back and casual fashion like I did or go all out and make a scrapbook. Create a visual resource for the type of look you want to have and things that inspire you to think about the way you want to and will feel, like:
- Hair color(s) you want to try
- A makeover or manscaping
- A great new hairdo
- Clothing that is not blue, black or brown - how about some white jeans!
- Shoes you like
- Silk shirts!
- Buying off the rack
- A whole new wardrobe!
Another set of images you can include are those that represent what you cannot do now but will be able to do some time after your surgery. Here are some things that will dramatically change your ability to navigate through the world as you like:
- Fitting comfortably in an airplane seat with no seatbelt extension
- Sitting comfortably in movie and theatre seats
- Driving a sporty car like a Mini or a Miata
- Canoeing
- Swimming
- Riding amusement park rides like roller coasters
- Roller blading
- Bicycling
- Hiking and rock climbing
- Shopping without a motorized car
- Admiring glances from others
- Walking through a restaurant or down an aisle without bumping into people, knocking things over, hitting sharp corners, and so on
- A promotion or new job (statistical evidence indicates that an American has a much higher opportunity for promotion after weight loss)
- Buying clothing in any store
- Fitting comfortably in a school desk
- Wearing any shoes you like
- Freedom from back, knee, or other pains
Here's My Post-Op Grocery List
Make a list of your own and check it with your doctor!
My CutiePieHusband and I picked up everything on this list a couple of days prior to surgery. I gravitated toward the soups and puddings, then cottage cheese. And LOTS of Gatorade. The Micellar Milk is a little hard to find (try your local fitness club), so look for Low Cal Muscle Milk (Target usually has it - pharmacy section) or stop by a Smoothie King or GNC for some ideas. I really like Smoothie King's vanilla protein powder. I asked them to give me the exact same protein powder they put in their (YUMMY but high calorie) Muscle Punch Smoothie, and it is good stuff!- Sugar Free Jello
- Sugar Free Pudding (Jello caramel is awesome)
- Plain yogurt
- Gatorade (get LOTS OF IT)
- 2% cottage cheese singles
- Fat Free Milk (organic tastes much better - it tastes more like 1%)
- Sugar Free Popsicles
- Protein Drinks (If you like Nestle's Quick Strawberry, Micellar Milk Strawberry is very good
- Low Fat Soups (Get LOTS of these and watch out for sugar in the ingredients!)
I used what are now called the Campbell's V8 Soups. They're in a box and a bit pricey, but hey, you won't be able to eat a lot now so make sure you indulge by getting the very best quality food you can. Campbell's Selects are good too and can be pureed with a stick blender - Sugar Free Applesauce Sugar Free Carnation Instant Breakfast
- Smart Balance or MaraNatha Peanut Butter
- Smucker's or Polaner's Sugar Free Jelly
- Crystal Light
Share Your Grocery List Recommendations Here
Please add to the grocery list above or share your post-op culinary tips. Focus on things a person will need within the first couple of weeks after surgery, and thanks for the advice!
-
-
kelivinstrom
Feb 1, 2012 @ 1:21 am | delete
- I read your blog, your blog article is really so interesting and very informative. if any body looking information about Discount surgical supply, then please visit:Discount surgical supply products please visit.
-
-
-
drjosephnaim
Nov 24, 2011 @ 1:44 am | delete
- Bariatric Surgery is real very helpful in healthy living.
-
-
-
zimmer nexgen knee recall
May 3, 2011 @ 10:40 am | delete
- Information:
lawyers can help you out. They are the ones who will make sure that your rights are always protected. Seek their valuable help right away.
Visit: zimmer knee replacement recall
-
-
-
knee replacement recall
May 3, 2011 @ 10:36 am | delete
- Information:
Zimmer knee lawyers can help you out. They are the ones who will make sure that your rights are always protected. Seek their valuable help right away.
Visit:zimmer knee recall
-
-
-
Canova
Feb 15, 2011 @ 4:24 pm | delete
- Planning a cosmetic surgery procedure is very important that is why we suggest to have always a double check of the background of the practitioner.
botox wilmslow
-
-
-
ladyjenny25
Jan 20, 2011 @ 5:34 am | delete
- This lens about Planning and Preparing for Bariatric Surgery is very helpful specially for those who are undergoing this kind of procedure. Helpful lens!
Plastic Surgeon Sydney
-
Handy Kitchen Supplies and Gadgets
Get a Stick Blender!
I cannot tell you how many times we've used the KitchenAid stick blender. You can puree a store bought or homemade soup, mix the lumps out of your protein powder beverage, make your own refried beans, etc.
The demitasse or baby spoons were handy for the first few months, especially for yogurt, cottage cheese, soups, and so on. You can't eat much and with a tiny spoon you can really savor each little bite. The best part about getting demitasse instead of baby spoons is you have something useful for another purpose - coffee (yum, coffee).
Pick up some half cup Gladware and some Press-n-Seal. In the beginning, you won't be able to finish even a little cup of yogurt or cottage cheese, soup, etc. and you'll need small storage.
MONTEL WILLIAMS HEALTH MASTER EMULSIFIER - NEW MODEL SHOWN ON SHOW
Whip food into a frenzy with the HealthMaster. This more...1 point
Sunbeam 6170 Hot Shot Hot Water Dispenser, White
HOT SHOT - Hot Water Dispenser. Heats 16 oz of wat more...0 points
KitchenAid KHB100OB Hand Blender, Onyx Black
Variable Speed Control dial on top of Blender0 points
Rubbermaid 7J55 Easy Find Lid Square 1/2-Cup Food Storage Container, 2 pack
The number one unmet need for food storage is cont more...0 points
Pyrex Prepware 2-Cup Measuring Cup, Clear with Red Measurements
Pyrex Prepware 2-cup measuring cup includes 1-each more...0 points
EatSmart Precision Pro Digital Kitchen Scale, Black Chrome
The EatSmart Precision Pro Digital Kitchen Scale is more...0 points
Ginkgo Panda Babies Set of Three Demitass Spoons, Spring Green
The Ginkgo Set of Three Demitasse Spoons in Spring more...0 points
Glad Press'n Seal - 2/140 sq. ft. rolls
Glad 2 Pack Press 'N Seal Multipurpose Sealing Wra more...0 points
Oxo Good Grips 3-Inch Mini Strainer
The OXO Good Grips 3" Mini Strainer is the pe more...0 points
MIU Stainless-Steel 7-Piece Measuring Cup Set
The ultimate measuring cup set from MIU France. Th more...0 points
Oxo Good Grips 3-Piece Funnel and Strainer Set
OXO's three piece multi-purpose Funnel Set is idea more...0 points
MIU 4-Piece Polished Stainless-Steel Measuring Spoon Set
MIU France 4-piece polished stainless-steel measur more...0 points
Olde Thompson 20-Jar Stainless Spice Rack
20 Jar Stainless Wine Rack Style Spice Rack from O more...0 points
Clothing Supplies to Consider
When packing for the hospital, include two sets of loose pants, oversized, button-down tops, and a pair shoes you can easily slip into without bending over. You are not going to want to bend over, pull a shirt over your head, or have anything putting any kind of pressure anywhere around your midsection especially!When you get home, you'll want to have plenty of these types of clothes available. My surgeon left what's called a G-Tube in his patients for a solid month after surgery to ensure our protection against pressure build, malnutrition, dehydration and other risks. It was hellishly uncomfortable for me, and I was very glad for loose clothes! I had oversized white cotton oxfords and light, loose sweats and capri pants. If you're going back to work within a week, be sure to have some business-appropriate loose pants and blouses!
Medical and Nutritional Supplies to Have Around the House
Be sure to check with your doctor!
Please be sure to get Bariatric quality vitamins that are recommended by your doctor. I prefer Bariatric Advantage products.- Multivitiamin with B-Complex and Essential Minerals
- Iron
- B-12
- Calcium
- Tums with Calcium (if your doctor allows that as your source of Calcium
- Milk of Magnesia
- Pepto Bismol
- Tylenol
- Medical tape
- Bandages
- Neosporin
- Calmoseptine
I also recommend Calmoseptine, which you can ask Walgreen's to order for you (it's one of their stock items but some stores don't shelve it).
Extra Household Considerations
Ask for help!

- Ensure you have someone to drive you home from the hospital
- Line up a maid (or train your spouse/significant other real quick!)
- Have all laundry done
- Move boxes/obstacles out of the way; you're not going to be able to move anything for weeks
- Change bedding
- Have a plan for keeping dogs/cats from jumping, on you, getting on your lap, etc for 4-6 weeks
- Have a plan for helping kids not jump on you or ask to be picked up
Resources for High Protein, Pre-Surgical Information, and Post-Surgical Support
Preparation and commitment are critical
Of the following, I have personally read (or watched in the case of 60 Minutes) the following. These are listed in order of those I received the highest benefit from:
- 60 Minutes: The Bypass Effect
- Better
- Before and After
- Exodus from Obesity
- The Success Habits...
- Eating Well After...
- Recipes for Life...
A Complete Guide to Obesity Surgery: Everything You Need to Know About Weight Loss Surgery and How to Succeed by MPH, LCEP Bryan G. Woodward
A Complete Guide to Obesity Surgery is a well-orga more...1 point
Better: A Surgeon's Notes on Performance by Atul Gawande
National Bestseller%uFFFDThe struggle to perform well more...0 points
Before & After, Revised Edition: Living and Eating Well After Weight-Loss Surgery by Susan Maria Leach
At 278 pounds, Susan Maria Leach couldn't lie in bed more...0 points
Exodus from Obesity: The Guide to Long-Term Success After Weight Loss Surgery by Paula F. Peck
In Exodus From Obesity, Paula F. Peck provides the more...0 points
The Success Habits of Weight-Loss Surgery Patients by Colleen M. Cook
These time and people tested principles are the re more...0 points
Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery: Over 140 Delicious Low-Fat High-Protein Recipes to Enjoy in the Weeks, Months and Years After Surgery by Patt Levine, Michele Bontmpo-Saray, Meredith Urban-Skuros
A Whole New and Completely Delicious Way to Eat after more...0 points
Weight Loss Surgery For Dummies by Marina S. Kurian, Barbara Thompson, Brian K. Davidson
Get the scoop on weight loss surgery Your authoritative more...0 points
Salter 9009ef Lithium Electronic Scale (400 lb. Capacity with Extra Large LCD Readout)
Salter, a premier name in Europe, has been designi more...0 points
60 Minutes - The Bypass Effect (April 20, 2008)
Airdate: 04/20/08 Gastric bypass surgery is perfor more...0 points
Recipes for Life After Weight-Loss Surgery: Delicious Dishes for Nourishing the New You (Healthy Living Cookbooks) by Margaret Furtado, Lynette Schultz
Learn how to eat right after weight loss surgery.In more...0 points
The High-Protein Cookbook: More than 150 healthy and irresistibly good low-carb dishes that can be on the table in thirty minutes or less. by Linda West Eckhardt, Katherine West Defoyd
End food boredom and diet burnout with more than 400 more...0 points
Bariatric Plastic Surgery: A Guide to Cosmetic Surgery After Weight Loss by Thomas B. McNemar MD, John LoMonaco MD, Mitchel D. Krieger MD
A practical guidebook to cosmetic surgery after dr more...0 points
My "Before" Photos
Ergh. This is painful! But at least it's a happy ending! Here are the BEFORE shots
1978 I made the cheerleading squad, Mom made the outfit. We were the "Junior Giants" and despite every diet you can imagine, I was really a "Junior Giant"
My "After" Photos
These are a lot more fun!
November 2008, 1.5 years post op. I love the preppy look.
Get Out of That Bed!
Prepare yourself in advance that you WILL GET UP AND WALK as soon as possible after surgery. You're not going to want to and it's going to hurt, but start psyching yourself up now - you have no option here! Failure to get up and walk can mean a life threatening blood clot. Talk with your surgeon about what he or she recommends!
With Your New Life Comes New Responsibilities - to Yourself
Here are some recommendations
Buy the very finest food you can afford.In many cases, organic food carries more nutrients and also tastes better. Test out organic milk, carrots, yogurt, and other products to determine what you like. Because you cannot intake a lot of food, it is necessary to eat the most protein and nutrient-rich foods available.
Visit Clinique, Lancome, Merle Norman, Chanel, or your favorite cosmetics counter and have your makeup done
I visited Mac, Clinique, Lancome, and Merle Norman. Merle Norman was my favorite, and when I changed my haircolor I went in and had my makeup put on for me again to ensure I got the right shades and knew how to apply them.
Find a premium hairdresser. Keep looking until you find the right one for you
To find a great hairdresser, it helps to talk to people. When you see someone with a haircut you love, ask them who does it and get the salon and person's name. Call local bridal shops and wedding consultants and ask for the name of the best hairdresser they know of in the area. See if you can find out whom your local newscasters go to.
Great Makeover Links
Do your own online makeover!

Same photo as above, just trying
out a new haircolor! I'm a fan of
Gwen from the TV show Torchwood.
Best Diets That Work
Diets That Work - Consumer Reviews of over 200 Weight more...2 points
How Many Calories Should I Eat to Lose Weight
How Many Calories Should I Eat to Lose Weight? Fin more...2 points
African Mango
African Mango is one of the best weight loss suppl more...2 points
Penny Auctions
Save Up to 90% off Retail at OrangeBidz.com online more...1 point
Slimming Tips | Weight Loss Products Reviews | Fast Diet
Slimming tips and weight loss products reviews1 point
Kitchenaid mixer sale
Place to find the best Kitchenaid Mixers Sale offe more...1 point
Penny auction sites
Latest reviews and comparison of the most popular more...1 point
African Mango
African Mango is one of the best weight loss suppl more...1 point
http://makeover.ivillage.com/makeover/index.jsp
Get a free virtual makeup and hair makeover at iVi more...0 points
What Not to Wear : TLC
The official site of What Not to Wear starring Sta more...0 points
My Virtual Model; iVillage
Try on virtual clothing!
Customize our virtual model more...0 points
Skin Care, Makeup and Cosmetics Online > Clinique
Buy skin care, makeup and cosmetics from Clinique. more...0 points
Lancome Perfume, Cosmetic, Make up, Skin care, Sun & Body care, Men care
Shop Lancome's full selection of perfume, cosmetic more...0 points
http://www.merlenorman.com/
Merle Norman shops are usually standalones in the more...0 points
Flat File Cabinet
Easy finding of important files can increase the p more...0 points
Walk in Closet Design
Fitting your assorted clothes would be so difficul more...0 points
Mop Bucket with Wringer
Discover the latest models of mop bucket with wrin more...0 points
buy hcg france
This is a detailed summary of the HCG diet plan an more...0 points
Paleo Weight Loss - Weight loss with the Paleo Diet
The Paleo Diet is the most effective way to lose w more...0 points
Did You Find This Page Helpful?
Anything to add or suggest? Anything you especially liked?
Thanks for sharing!
-
-
sujayhospital123
Dec 6, 2011 @ 7:47 am | delete
- great resource of knowledge on Bariatric Surgery
you have shared such an nice lens on this surgery
Surgical Hospital
-
-
-
sujayhospital123
Dec 6, 2011 @ 7:47 am | delete
- great resource of knowledge on Bariatric Surgery
you have shared such an nice lens on this surgery
Surgical Hospital
-
-
-
Henry
Jun 9, 2011 @ 1:01 am | delete
- Good job on making this lens. This is a very helpful guide for people who are going to undergo bariatric surgery. Well done!
purchase hcg online
-
-
-
hongdenya
Nov 11, 2010 @ 12:34 am | delete
- This is a great list! Come to think of it most people head up straight to their Phoenix gastric bypass surgeon without even checking that they've actually stocked the wrong food in their fridges. Time to upgrade! Thanks for this.
-
-
-
informaticsexecutive
Dec 5, 2010 @ 12:26 am | delete
- Thanks for commenting, you are so right!
-
Final Thoughts: Some Things to Look Forward To
Anticipate and embrace your new life!
Things like:- The first time you can cross your legs
- The first time you realize you've entered an elevator without thinking about its weight limit
- The first time you notice you've sat in a chair without estimating whether or not it would collapse, whether you would fit between the arms, or both
- The first time you run because it's faster, not because you're exercising
- The first time your overtight pants are truly baggy
Explore related pages
- What is It About Bacon? What is It About Bacon?
- Treasure Hunting for Gold and Gems in Georgia and North Carolina Treasure Hunting for Gold and Gems in Georgia and North Carolina
- What Is The Best Protein Powder 2012 What Is The Best Protein Powder 2012
- Best Protein Powder 2011-2012 Best Protein Powder 2011-2012
- Find Out Why Optimum Whey Protein Powders is a Very Good Choice Find Out Why Optimum Whey Protein Powders is a Very Good Choice
- Gastric Sleeve Bariatric Surgery - My Personal Journey Gastric Sleeve Bariatric Surgery - My Personal Journey

























