I bought jello in individual cups cause you won't feel like preparing it.Beef and chicken broth cubes or granuals, apple and crandberry juice if not sugar free dilute juice with 50 percent water, applesauce ,yogurt, crushed ice.The nutriionist will give you a list. A blender helps. I used blender first few weeks but 8weeks post op Ijust chew everything really well.

I wish someone had told me about starting Biotin right after the surgery. It's the vitamin that is said to help with combatting hair loss. When my hair started thinning at 3 months I did go on it, but I've heard from others that if you start it right after surgery you may not have any hair thinning at all.

Remember when you buy your foods for after surgery they should be the no-sugar-added types. For instance get no-sugar-added applesauce.

I'd have 3 or 4 different protein drinks in the house so you can see which one you like best. Don't be surprised if your taste buds are different then than they are now. There again watch the sugar in the protein drinks.

Good luck!!

Take time resting and drink plenty of fluids. Take your pain medicine so that you can heal quickly and properly. It's best if you have someone at homw to help you. My husband is was my second pair of hands and also made sure I took my pills properly. Good Luck get in touch if you need anything. Karen

Have your vitamins and calcium on hand before surgery. Bariatriceating.com has the best selection of bariatric supplements. I would avoid the chewables and get the liquid form if possible. Way easier to get down the hatch.

THANK YOU ALL FOR THE WONDERFUL ADVICE, I AM SURE, IT WILL ALL BE HELPFUL TO ME, WHEN MY TIME COMES, MAY GOD BLESS YOU DEARLY!

Thank you for the website bighotmama!

Everyone is different, but I had a friend who had just recently underdone GBS and she stocked me up with bottled water, crystal light (different flavors cause the water gets old and they are sugar free), boost to help you get some protein when you are on liquids (I just had to hold my nose cause I did not like any of the protein stuff and still dont), some clear chicken broth and sugar free popsicles as a bit of a treat which also helps hydrate you. The first two weeks are tough and you will get sick of the liquids and want to cry at times, but YOU WILL MAKE IT. Good luck to you!

I found it very helpful to have a pill crusher, as I did not have any meds in liquid form. I made sugar free jello using four cups of water and used that for dissolving the crushed pills. You can also drink it - a pleasant fruit flavored change from water.
If you are having "open" surgery - not laparoscopic - you may need to have some gauze and tape for dressing changes.
It is also helpful to have a water bottle that you can keep next to you so you can keep sipping. It should hold at least two cups of fluid, preferrably more.
I hope that all goes well for you. We'll see on the losers' bench soon.
Bonnie

Take chapstick and some footy socks to the hospital. I took a magazine, but was miserable and didn't read it. Don't overpack...i went home in the outfit I wore there (make sure everything is kinda big and comfortable) They give you soap and shampoo...i took my own toothbrush and toothpaste cause the hospital stuff is yuck!!!

When I got home--had juice--diluted it w/ water. My mother in law made homemade chicken broth....boy was I sad when it was gone because the canned stuff really sux after eating the "real" thing. SF popsicles, sf jello, and applesauce help to break up the monotony--trust me after awhile you will never want to see a bowl of soup again!!! (and the same can of soup will take you 6 days to eat!!! lol)

Best wishes on your journey, keep us posted, and we're anxiously awaiting your return to the losers bench!!!

Erica

HEY EVERYONE!

I AM SO GLAD TO KNOW I HAVE REAL SUPPORTIVE FRIENDS HERE ON DS. I WANT TO THANK YOU ALL FOR RESPONDING TO MY MANY QUESTIONS AS I PREPARE THIS LONG JOURNAL, ALL FOR THE BETTER! I AM STILL STUCK ON WHAT TO BUY. WHAT IS THE FOOD PROCESSOR FOR? I WENT TO A WHOLESALE STORE TODAY AND BOUGHT BIG CANS OF BROTH, AND SOUPS THAT I CAN HAVE FOR THE FULL LIQUID, AS WELL AS THE CLEAR LIQUIDS. I WONT GET THE PP SICLE YET UNTIL I GET CLOSER, JUST REALLY TRYING TO MAK SURE I HAVE THE FOOD I NEED, AND WATER. I HAVE ICE MOUNTAIN WATER DELIVERED TO MY HOME, SO I AM GOOD ON THAT ONE!!! ALSO, I HAVE SPECIAL K, PROTEIN SHAKES AND THE SLIM FAST OPTIMA, WHICH I LIKE BOTH, JUST KNOW THAT I HAVE TO WATCH THE SUGAR INTAKE ON BOTH!. CAN ANYONE TELL ME, CAN I USE ANY TYPE OF JUICE, AND JUST DILUTE IT, HALF WATER HALF JUICE, IS THIS OKAY, FOR THE CLEAR LIQUIDS? ALSO, I AM TRYING TO SEE WHAT I SHOULD PACK FOR THE HOSPITAL STAY? ALSO, I AM GOING TO PURCHASE THE LITTLE MEDICINE CUPS TO SIP FROM, BUT CAN SOMEONE TELL ME, EXACTLY HOW MANY OF THOSE A DAY, I WILL NEED TO COMPLETE MY 64, OUNCES PER DAY BATTLE? I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS, AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO CONTACT ME VIA PERSONAL EMAIL TOO, IF YOU LIKE TO CHAWNSGYRL@YAHOO.COM. THANKS ALL FOR RESPONDING, AND HOPE TO SE YOU ALL REAL SOON ON THE LOSERS BENCH. I KNOW SEPTEMBER 8TH, WILL BE HERE IN A FLASH, JUST WANT TO BE PREPARED AND READY!!!

Hi Carmalita,

Best wishes on your surgery Sept. 8. I was told juice would not be a good option, but crystal light is fine just make sure it is the kind without caffine. I am still 4 months until surgery but have started drinking vanilla protein mixed with orange crystal light to get my 64oz in its very yummy tastes like orange slush. Hope that helps alittle.

God Bless
Lori

THANKS FOR THE ADVICE CALILORI! I HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION TOO, THAT SEEMS FUNNY. I HOPE SOMEONE CAN ANSWER ME....... THEY SAY YOU NEED TO GET IN 64 OZ OF WATER A DAY, BUTT......HOW CAN YOU DO THAT IF YOU ARE SIPPING THROUGHOUT THE DAY, AND HAVE TO WAIT TILL 30 MINUTES AFTER A MEAL???? THIS IS BOTHERING ME.....