10 Bariatric Surgery Must-Haves
Bariatric surgery is a big life event. You’ll need a lot of things after it! Here are 10 bariatric surgery must-haves to make recovery more comfortable and to make weight loss easier after your procedure.
Liquid protein may be your main source of nutrition for days or weeks after surgery. And it can help you meet your daily protein goals for months or years afterwards. Try out several flavors before your surgery to see which you like. BariatricPal Protein Powders come in flavors from Chocolate and Vanilla to Caramel and Cheesecake. BariatricPal Protein One and Clean Whey with Probiotics are fortified with vitamins and minerals, too.
You’ll only be on a clear liquid diet for a day or a couple of days, but hydration is critical during that time and for weeks and months beyond. Plain water may not taste so good after bariatric surgery. It’s good to have other options lined up. Millie’s Sipping Broth offers savory hydration, and Republic of Tea has a choice for every taste and mood imaginable.
You’ll be out of your element after the craziness of surgery. It would be a shame to give up coffee at this time! Alex’s Acid-Free Coffee is made with a special process to reduce chlorogenic acid compared to national brands. And it comes in decaf if your doctor says that’s better.
Bariatric Dinnerware, such as the BariatricPal Portion Control Plate and Bowl, can help you eat proper portions wherever you are, even if you do not have measuring cups with you. The Bowl is marked at ½ cup, 1 cup, 1 ½ cups and 2 cups. The Plate has sections for protein, vegetables, and healthy carbs. They are visual guides for your bariatric diet.
“Eyeballing” may not cut it as you learn what bariatric portions are. Collapsible Measuring Cups and Spoons let you see how much you are taking.
You’ll certainly be weighing yourself often. A Smart Scale can make it easier as it stores your information, provides other data such as body fat percentage, and sends information to your phone if you want it.
Put BariatricPal Soft Touch Round Lip Balm into your hospital bag. You may be very glad you did! After going through trauma like bariatric surgery, your body focuses on healing the wounds. That can take attention away from other parts of the body, leading to conditions such as dry, chapped lips. BariatricPal Soft Touch Round Lip Balm is 100% natural, contains organic oils, and is flavored with vanilla bean.
You probably won’t be eating out much after bariatric surgery, but you may be eating on the go. Leak Proof Containers let you carry healthy food with you. Measure it out and prepare it beforehand, then pack it up and go on your way!
Experts recommend that bariatric surgery patients take vitamins for life. BariatricPal Multivitamins come in chewables and capsules. You can also look for Vitamin Patches. Along with a multivitamin, your doctor may suggest additional vitamins.
A heating pad and cushions can make you more comfortable after bariatric surgery. You may also want to be sure to have loose-fitting clothes to avoid aggravating any surgery wounds.
