Hi guys and gals...

I am trying to be as prepared as possible for my upcoming DS surgery, so I was wondering if anybody would  be willing to help me out with a shopping list/checklist of what I need to have at home before the big  day. I am creating a binder of information with recipes, tips, different protein supplements, etc. so that when I get home from surgery I have something to refer to....sort of a no-brainer, go-to guide.

I am so overwhelmed with emotions...having bouts of anxiety, fear, all that fun crap ;) I feel like I have so much to do and so many things to still learn. I am needing a little extra support right now. Thank you all so much!

I'm realizing that I may be coming off as helpless...not my intent. I don't need a checklist handed to me, in my research I have found fantastic info from previous posts and have them bookmarked. I have anxiety issues and sometimes during particularly bad attacks I panic. Thanks for bearing with me...Ay yi yi!

 I understand how you feel, I was in that same state of mind back a few years ago.  The only things I really needed from home were slippers, comfy clothes and chap stick.  For the first month after surgery I ate alot of soup and the occasional tuna and crackers.  I wish you lots of luck and relax.  Its not an easy road to start, but you can do it, and its worth it.

Gyla's advice is good.  I was switched 6 days ago and had waaay too much stuff that I didn't use.  As I'm already sleeved I thought I'd eat about the same as pre-op, but I was pretty bloated and swollen and that left less room for food.

Today's my first full day home and I'm just having some Greek yoghurt and low sugar jelly for breakfast

 You are not alone in the scared department.  I have my surgery tomorrow.  As I am not as nervous as I thougt I would be today, I am still pretty nervous.  The surgeon's office gave me a big binder book with all kinds of info from what to expect before and after surgery to nutrition and vitamins.  I just took the list off what was allowed to eat and drink and bought a little of everything so I will have a variety when i get home.  I wish you all the best.  Just have faith that everything will be oaky.  That's what I am trying to do.  It's a big step but well worth it in the long run.  Good luck.

I will be thinking about you tomorrow and sending you lots of positive vibes! Good luck and you will do great!

I was just checking up on you...how are you? Did surgery go well? Anyways, I am thinking about you and sending virtual hugs!

Thank you and I hope your recovery goes smoothly!

It's my weekiversary today, so far so good.  Thanks, I'm just a little sore, bloated and tired but nothing out of the ordinary for such a big op.

Well if you ever want a friend to chat with, message me! It is so hard to talk to even my bff about this stuff cause, though she has had periods of being heavy, she has no idea what it is like to be battling this your whole life.

 Eat slow, Drink slow, rest and take vitamins.  not much more to it.

I really like the Unjury Chicken flvored protein packs early out.  i used them in the hospital too.  They are high in sodium but that is not always a bad thing.  Just make sure to use WARM water NOT HO****er as the protein will chunk up on you.  Tastes better than the broth they give you in the hospital.

In the house I kept frozen shrimp and frozen scallops.  I would pan fry them right from frozen with salt pepper and garlic powder.  I could only eat a couple at a time in the beginning but they were good.

eggs
tuna
mayo
canned chicken
half and half
peanut butter

These are all things I always keep in the house. 

Dont buy a whole bunch of protein shakes...your tastes may change after surgery.  Mine sure did.  I would buy sample packs for now.

Good ideas, thank you! The girl from my surgeons office is mailing me a binder of info...should be interesting since she said that most of the stuff is for gastric bypass patients. Gee thanks, lol, I am definitely already knowing I am my own advocate for my health!

Oh yeah, and my NUT appointment was such a joke, she didn't even have the slightest idea what a ds'er would need. I educated her...no lie, she busted out a pad and paper to take notes!!!! INCREDIBLE!

I agree to not stockpile anything at home before surgery.  Have someone as your "minute man" to get you what you feel like eating at the time.  What tasted good pre op tastes like poison when you get home.  The only thing I'd recommend to stock pile is vitamins.  I started taking mine the day I came home.

At the hospital, have some slippers (or hospital gave me no skid socks), chapstick, and whatever you want to entertain you (I found that I never opened that bag - didn't care).  Bring your fav shampoo and conditioner if that matters to you, and something to style easily, like barrettes, headband and pony tail stuff.   The hospital provides the rest.  Use their gowns too.  They can give a 2nd one to use as a robe if you need it.  

Thanks Valerie! So in addition to vites, should I get any sort of protein drinks or anything?? Or like another poster suggested maybe a sample pack? I was thinking I would need a magic bullet too so I can blend up soup f it has chunks in it...what do you think?

 I agree with the sample packs - you just don't know what you'll like or not until you're living life on the other side.  I never bothered with a bullet.  My doc had me eating real food the day I got home, so I never had to do a liquid diet.  I had a blender shaker bottle and that's all I needed.

I would suggest making yourself a pot of homemade soup, chicken, beef or whatever and freezing it in small portions.  You can drink the broth and when you are able have the other ingredients as well, just chew everything really well.  also you can buy your favorite yogurts and jello, (mashed and gravy) fruit salad, can soups.  Protein is most important try adding unflavored protein powder to soups etc.