Pre-op shopping!

OK, here's another one that would be good to answer over at the Poll site for posterity as well.  I'm two weeks out from surgery, and getting ready to stock up on things I think I'll need. This is particularly important for me, because my mom is going to be the one staying with me to "help" me, and she's on pain meds, so as long as I'm on pain meds too, neither one of us will be driving out to fetch anything.  What all should I stock up on?  Here's my list so far: 1)  Soups 2)  Pudding 3)  Already bought Unjury Unflavored protein (I figure unflavored is best because you can add it to anything that isn't too hot).  4)  Already bought Bariatric Advantage vitamins and some Profect protein. 5)  Slim-fast shakes.  6)  Jello sugar free 7)  Popsicles 8)  Small glass bowls with lids (6 oz to a cup to give a little extra room during heating).  I figure these will be a lifesaver because they will make it easy to carry and cook foods at work.  9)  I love these Nalgene water bottles so I am getting one for every day of the week.  10)  Microwave/freezer safe heating/cooling pad. 11)  Fantastic foods instant black beans these are surprisingly delicious, and if you add more water than the directions call for, they make a nice soup.  Take a food processor and really grind up the stuff while it's dry and it should pass through a straw easily.  Any other ideas?   Thanks!

I wouldn't over stock up on anything.  Your tastes changes so much.

I'm not planning to.  LIke I said, just trying to have cupboards full enough to get us through until I can drive again.  And it's not like I'm going to have a ton of options during the full liquids phase.  LOL.  Soup, shakes, and more soup and shakes. 

Lisa, I also got some SF chocolate syrup at Walmarts to use in my protein drinks.  Think they have SF caramel, too. They carry Crystal Lite, and the store brand equivalent in several flabors. They also have some Luigi's ices in the ice cream section that are great.  Three lemon and three cherry cups in each box, they're sugar free, 6 ounces, and only 35 calories each (Ithink). Look for the no sugar added apple sauce, sprinkle on a little cinnamon, really good, and easy on the stomach. If you like peanut butter, consider ordering the PB2. Some of these may not be appropriate immediately post op, but you might consider them for later. If you don't have a mini-blender, I picked one up there for under $20. Hope this helps, Fred

HI, MY SURGERY IS MONDAY.  I GOT GAS X STRIPS FOR THE GAS, A HEATING PAD, SUGAR FREE GUM, AND I ORDERED A RECLINER TO RENT TO SLEEP IN WHEN I GET HOME.  I THINK THAT ABOUT COVERS IS.  THANKS  MICHELLE

I already got some Gas-X strips, so I forgot to add that - thanks.  Also got some of the liquid Tylenol in case pills aren't going to work for me.  As for the sugar-free gum, Kaiser says gum is a no-no after surgery.  A) if you swallow it you can be in a world of hurt for awhile.  B) chewing gum, they say, makes you hungry, and C)  Chewing gum introduces oxygen to your stomach which can be uncomfortable.  L

Just a quick note about the Nalgenes.... they are made with a potentially carcinogenic plastic called Bisephenol-A. The FDA is just now beginning to track studies on the effects of the plastic's use in food and drink receptacles after the Canadians moved to ban its use in children's dinning ware. The plastic is most likely to off-gas the dangerous particles when they're heated so if you do decide to go with the Nalgenes, I'd recommend not leaving them in a hot car. Its completely up to you what you decide on but I thought I'd put this info out there. If you love those colors you might want to check out Sigg, they're a Swiss company that makes metal water bottles with many fabulous designs! Kristen

I looked into the fuss about that, and I'm persuaded it's safe.  See this site for some objective studies.  I've also looked at other makers, and honestly none of them have the features this particular bottle has.  I like the fact that it has the finger loop, making it really easy to carry.  I like the fact that you can screw off the lid, creating a wider mouthed bottle so you can toss in all the stuff you like in your drinks.  But then you put the lid back on, flip the cap, and you have a narrow bottle mouth to drink from.  It doesn't stay perfectly sealed if you drop it, but if the lid's clicked down and it tips over, it's not going to spill all over, and you can shake your shake without leaks.  It fits easily into most cupholders, and it's easy to wash.  Finally, a lot of the "canteen-style" bottles are coated inside with some  kinda plastic, so.... I never drink hot drinks anyway, so not a concern.  

Yes, any #7 marked on a plastic bottle here now are banned.

I was gonna mention - Health Canada did one of those studies, so I wonder if the ban is about to come down.