Any "Must-Haves"?

So as I'm gearing up for approval and all that good stuff, I've been looking around for a clue on what every WLS patient  MUST have.

I already ordered a food processor from my work incentive points (freebie). I also bought a food scale.

Any other gadgets that come in handy?

What have you found has made your life easier as a WLS patient?

The biggest 7 day pill box thingie has really been a lifesaver for me - as simple as it is.

I put in my 2 multivitamins, 3 calcium citrates, one b12 and my other pills in there.  I carry it around in my purse and am able to take the pills as time calls for it.  I fill them every Sunday so I can't get confused and say, did I have one, two or none of these?  I know it by looking at the box.

I got mine from CVS and I think the size is an Xlarge - it was like 6.99 for it.

That is a blessing! I too bought one, and I may not always remember to take my pills exactly when I should, but I do get them in daily now thanks to the 7 day pill box!

when you first go home from surgery.......they will send you home with prescriptions to fill.  unfortunately they may be in pill form.  Get yourself a pill crusher.....use it for at least the first 3 to 6 months after your surgery......

Blender!
Keep in mind a lot of people have changes in there mouth.  Taste, Textures and smells.  I wanted all my protein shakes think with ice. 
What a great question!
Enjoy your journey. Hugs Kristen

In addition to the stuff already mentioned...although I have never used a food scale... I'd include- for at least up to 6 mos postop--

Magic Bullet style blender (I got an off brand one at Walmart on clearance)

Liquid Tylenol
Gas-x
Beano
Lactaid Ultra
Chewable vitamins (Centrum, Flintstones)  I could tolerate but crushed ones made me nauseous due to the taste/texture

Many  post ops need laxatives or Milk of mag on standby ----I on the other hand needed Ammonium AD and I still use it daily now...

The magic bullet did not work for me. But I have heard of others who loved it. One of the seals broke the first time I used it it. I found the crushing to be inconsistent. A regular blender worked much better for me. If anyone wants my Magic bullet, they can have it! It is just taking up space in my cabinet.

The pill crusher was a great idea.. I forgot how much I used that in the beginning. I also had a pill splitter. Because some of my meds were reduced for a while. So I had to split first, then crush.

I also use a small flexible cooler like case (The size that holds about a six pack. I use it when I am doing a lot of running around  and won't be home for a long time, especially onthe weekends, to keep fluids and meals/snacks with me. This way, I keep on schedule with my meals and I always have something healthy. I don't have to stop at fast food places, which are tempting. Of course if I am out with others, I manage meals at restaurants.

I will keep thinking about this one. This was a really good question.

Debbie...great suggestion about the cooler.  I do the same thing on the weekends as I'm running around so that I can control exactly what I'm eating.  Lean Cuisine has some really cute insulated bags on their website!! 

Lisa,

Good luck to you. I wish you much success. Although I'm not discussing a gadget...  I keep on hand individual servings of cheese. It's a great snack and very handy.  In the winter months, I have been keeping one in my car for the ride home when I seem to get very hungry.

 

Lisa,Great question and everyone has given you great advice.

My favorite was the blender
food scale to weigh the meats
s/f apple was the lightest  I could tolerate at first (great value drinks to go) singles for the water bottles when you go out.  Sometimes water made me nauseous so I always kept these with me.
small plates and bowls so I would over eat or over fill my plates.

Good luck with everything.  I can't to hear when you are approved.
Hugs,