What To Have At Home After Weight Loss (Bariatric) Surgery
(This list refers to RNY surgery; other surgeries may require different items. Please ask your surgeon and/or surgical staff about their own recovery and eating plan recommended after surgery; this list is only a very general guide. You may or may not wish to use the things listed here -- and they are only suggestions on what many of us have found helpful).
NON-FOOD ITEMS:
-measuring cups
-measuring spoons
-small strainers for soup and canned goods
-disposable Zip Lock containers
-sandwich bags
-paper plates / bowls / glasses / silverware
-measuring scale for weighing food
-a measured water pitcher that isn't too heavy to lift when full
-a blender
-extra paper towels and toilet tissue
-have several clean nightgowns / robe / slippers loose clothing / dusters to wear
-put clean sheets on the bed
-a bed wedge and/or extra pillows to help you get out of bed
-a mortar and pestle for crushing pills (or other pill crusher or splitter)
-a good body lotion for dry skin
-medication lists with timetables (especially for the prescription pain medications) and a place to check them off as you take them
FOOD / MEDICATION ITEMS:
-the prescription medications / vitamins / calcium/ B-12 / acid-blockers, etc. your doctor recommends including:
-Lactase (for lactose intolerance)
-Phazyme (for excess gas)
-Maalox (for acid stomach)
-juice (unsweetened apple / grape / pear, etc.)
-Gatorade (for electolyte imbalance)
-sugar free Popsicles/fruit juice freezer bars
-beef and chicken soup and/or bullion cubes or powder
-cream soups (Cream of Chicken/ Mushroom/ Celery / Potato / Tomato)
-unsweetened applesauce
-canned lite pears / peaches / fruit cocktail
-refried beans (get lowest fat possible)
-mashed potatoes (KFC and many full service grocery stores have them already prepared, which is handy)
-sugar free jello and pudding
-Vitamite milk and then eventually skim milk (if you can tolerate the dairy and sugar in it)
-eggs
-lite yogurt
-low fat cottage cheese
-fat free cream cheese
-low salt saltine crackers
-grilled chicken that is pureed and poured into ice cube trays; this provides handy, 1 oz. per cube portions that are easy to microwave and keep track of serving size and protein content
-protein supplements (Contact Michelle Curran at http://www.vitalady.com; she sells many different kinds, and has samples, so you can find one you like without great expense.)
Though some doctors and nutritionists say to use No Sugar Added Carnation Instant Breakfast / Ensure and other popular supplements, we have not included them here because one, they are either high in calories, or they must be made with milk, which makes many people experience dumping syndrome. Also, the calories (sugar) in these products are too high for the best weight loss, and they do not provide the best protein supplementation. Patients DO use them, though, and we would say the choice is up to you and your doctor.
We suggest you write to Michelle and talk about it with her; she has tons of nutritional info and can explain this rationale further. Write her at: vitalady@bigfoot.com
