Not much! I am one year post-op and still have stuff that I stocked up on for my immediate needs post-op. Just threw some stuff away that expired. I was able to drive within four days of surgery so anything I needed I could have gotten then.

Having said that, find some broth that you like. Some sugar-free jello and popsicles. Maybe some crystal light or other flavoring for your water. I was on clear liquids for a week so that was all I could have. After a week, I could add sugar-free pudding and yogurt as well as cream soups.

Good luck!!

Linda

Skim milk and protein powder - perhaps some sugar free syrups like Toriani or DiVinci to add some flavor to your protein shakes.

What if I don't drink milk? Can I just use water or is the milk for vitamin value?

Milk has added protein. But some protein shakes are better tasting with water. It took me a long time to find one that I liked to drink. I use a protein powder called Nectar. They have some that are more like milkshake flavors and some that are more like fruit juices. All are decent but Chocolate truffle is my favorite and Latte is my husband's. If you call the manufacturer they will send you some 1 serving sample packs so that you can try them out before your surgery.
Good Luck :)

Hey I just pulled three bottles of Torani out of my cabinet that I bought right after surgery. Never even used them...

No you don't have to do milk. I did it to add extra protein. If you don't buy flavored powder you will want something to add flavor to it. One of my favorites was protein powder, Torani SF caramel syrup and a sprinkle of decaf coffee granules. Add some ice and blend - tastes just like a caramel latte. Works just fine with ice and water.

You can also try soy milk if you are lactose intolerant. My program had us drinking watered down fruit juice the first week so I made sure I had that. If it will be hard for you to shop after surgery, I'd make sure I had something to puree your food with (Magic Bullet, blender, etc.). Depending on your program you may want to get a few foods to start with when you start pureed foods. Cream soup, a can of refried beans, cottage cheese, and some a can of chicken and tuna would last a long time.

Yes, I also over did it on buying stuff.

Don't buy too much yogurt, and make sure you check expiration dates when you are buying yogurt, cottage cheese, etc...puddings...

I had a tip from my Mom, to turn your cottage cheese container upside down in the fridge, and it lasts longer!

Don't overbuy, and see if you can have a family member or friend go for you, until you can go, and pick up some odds and ends you might not think of.

BUt, sugar free jello ( I think i had about 20 boxes in the cupboard!! LOL!!) then again, don't buy too much, you may want to see what flavors you enjoy. I used to love Lime jello, but after surgery, all i want is Orange!

Also, reduced fat cheese sticks are great! They have a long exp date, and i love the colby cheese sticks, and the Baby Bel Light Cheese rounds.

Fat free, low sodium broth , especially chicken hit the spot for me.

I also had purchased Progresso Vegatable Beef Barley soup with veggies, and had a friend eat some of it, and i drained the broth off, and it was the best thing i ever tasted about 3 weeks after surgery! THe regular fat free low sodium, beef broth didn't taste as good as that soup broth did!

Homemade of course is the best bet. Make sure you ck with your Nutritionist, you can't eat the solids and the liquids, once you are on meat...You have to eat the protein and veggies, and then drink the broth as a "liquid"...that's very important, as to not get dumping syndrome by eating that too soon.

Boo

My list:
Costco Premier Protein Shakes - Chocolate 11 oz 30g of protein
Campbell's chicken noodle soup - mmm salty ... (strain the noodles)
SF Jell-O
SF Pudding - the only thing that could cover the taste of crushed pills
Mio or Crystal Light to add taste to the water

I bought muscle milk light shake powder - didn't really need it after the surgery because they wanted me to drink the 30g of protein. I'll drink it later on.

likedeer1: What do you mean crushed pills? Will I have to crush my pills to take them after surgery? You guys are awesome, I am learning so much from you. I wish I had someone that I could count on to go to the grocery store for me but I don't think I will that is why I want to be sure that I have all I need. The store is a good 20 minute drive for me. Thank you everyone...keep the great information coming!

GG - I never had to crush pills. Just took them whole. Did a chewable vitamin 'cos they were huge, but pills were normal from day 1

GG look at your plan and decide what to get, I would suggest broths, your protein shakes, (depending what you can have but I have heard a lot of people say they like the muscle milks). How long are you wanting to stay home? In following weeks there can be cream soups, baby food meats (with salt and pepper are pretty good!)

I couldn't do the chewable vitamins so they just told me to take the capsules from the beginning. It wasn't an issue. Good luck and keep us updated!

I am only taking 2 days off of work and then the weekend. So, surgery on Thursday and back to work on Monday. I know you will all think I am crazy but I can do it. I just hope I don't have to crush my pills.

Plan? I have not gotten my plan from my nut or the dr. yet, that appointment is on Tuesday of next week along with all the pre-op ultrasounds etc...

Thank you all for your comments.

gg

I have to crush only one pill and that's my Metformin (diabetes) pill. It's HUGE and since I got the bypass, I have to cut it in half and take a half twice per day.

Even the HALF is HUGE so the surgeon wanted me to crush it up until I get to week 4.

It's nasty to say the least. Today I put it in greek yogurt and I thought I was going to do a Wyatt ERP all over myself. I like it best in SF Pudding - Dulce de Leche flavored. It hides the grossness the most.

It has given me a new perspective on the times where I have to give my dogs a pill in a hotdog and they discover that I did that and spit it out. Now - I don't blame them.

I too over purchased. I had all kinds of farina, jello, pudding, popsicles, broth...way too much. It is so hard to believe, but you will not be hungry... You will probably have to force enough into your body. I did broth, jello, protein shakes with water, and between the vitamins and all of the liquids that was pretty much it. No sugar juice did taste very good after surgery. I think it was grape, and it really hit the spot. (half juice, half water) Good luck with surgery! It will be a breeze and you will be so happy you did it!