So today I went for the first of many tests I need to go through. My first tests were for the lungs...i guess to make sure I won't stop breathing, and how much lung capacity I have. It went very well, I am currently trying to give up smoking, so I was a little woriied about my lungs....But I am in the clear. My lungs are still in good shape after smoking all this time. My quit date is now tomorrow night.

Tonight I do my sleep test, But I thought I would have to sleep at the hospital. Here you have a little take home monitor and that is what they use to judge wether or not you have sleep apnea or not. No goop for me...lol

I went grocery shopping tonight, thought I would stock up on a few things I may need post op, and what a reality check grocery shopping was. I think I made a list of a million things I no longer will be able to have. So my question to all of you is....

If you were to do this all over again what would you stock up on? What should I have on hand?

Thanks everyone!
Amanda

I'm not a good one to answer. I got stuff I thought I would want and ended up throwing out some because I didn't use it.
I would say sugar-free popsicles, sf Jello, sf pudding. Don't go big on tuna or canned chicken. I thought these would be my staples after WLS, but tuna makes me sick (the smell) and chicken doesn't sit well for Lucille.
Whatever you get, don't overdo it. The grocery store will be there for someone to be your gopher.

I'm such a food snob these days. It's ridiculous. I live alone and managed to spend $70 for a week of groceries.

Things that you should have on hand. A variety of low sugar/high protein shakes...either RTD or powder. Don't buy large amounts, just one or two of each, as they will taste different after surgery. Once you figure out what you like, send someone out to buy more! Or find it online...drugstore.com is a good spot. SF popsicles, SF jello, instant mashed potatoes (carby yes, but you're eating an ounce), lactose free milk, cream of wheat, herbal teas, broth.

Happy shopping!

Hi AM,
My biggest piece of advice is - don't get too much of any one thing.
Things I thought I'd love - I didn't!
I have a Costo size baby food box waiting on the shelf to give my friend
who has a 2 1/2 month old baby!
I used Nicorette gum when I quit smoking in October - it saved my sanity! A bit pricy but worth it.
They have a schedule about how to take it, follow it, it's great!
Darien

Hi Amanda Mommy,

Welcome! Congratulations on your March 17 date!!

A couple food suggestions - water often tastes flat (still). I started with Crystal Light lemonade but had to dilute it 50% - everything tasted so intense. I now consume tons of Crystal Light Classic Orange.

Unjury.com is a site to by powdered protein. You can purchase samples of chicken soup (21 gr protein), unflavored, vanilla, chocolate, etc. The samples make it easy to taste test! They cost about $1.50 each.

This isn't a food but I highly recommend purchasing a small digital timer from the kitchen gadget section of your grocery or discount store. Really waiting 2 minutes between bites is important. I always said I had an iron stomach and guess my pouch is the same. I have not been sick on anything. But I have been very careful with allowing my pouch the 2 minute rest.

I didn't use baby food meat. I pureed chicken, ham, and even ground beef and added a substantial amount of good quality chicken stock. (yes even with the other meats.) Ate slowly and started out with only 1/8 cup at first.

I did use babyfood green beans and squash but added salt and pepper before heating.

Mt WLS office also recommended Stacker 2 Protein water (lemonade, grape, or green apple). They are with other Protein waters (in the Midwest at Meijer stores) It is very intense but has 20 gr of protein/bottle. Had to dliute it too.!

Be sure to get the multivitamins, calcium, and B your surgeon recommends. It will really help you recover from the extreme exhaustion that hits you at first.

I also purchased the Glad 4 oz plastic containers. When I prepared my sf pudding, jello, etc, I put them right into the premeasured containers. From day one I was on my own to get my food organized and it is really a task! Six times a day! All I wanted to do was sleep!

Hope some of this helps - good luck!!

Ro

Good advice! I agree that you shouldn't buy anything in bulk because you have to determine if you like something or not. SF popscicles were a staple for me as well as cottage cheese. I drank Propel diluted by half. I still dilute drinks because flavors are still very intense to me at almost 7 months out. It took quite a while to find a protein powder I could stomach and don't make the mistake of mixing it with milk. Use water because you may find that you are lactose intolerant after surgery.

Wishing you the very best and we will see you when you come home!

Low sugar/ high protein shakes - ready to drink (can) and powder, Quaker Weight Control Oatmeal, Fat Free lactaid milk, sf popsicles, sf pudding, cottage cheese, crystal light, herbal tea.

Don't buy anything in bulk, until you figure out what you like.

Unjury.com offers great protein - and you can buy samples to try!


Good luck! Hugs!

Hi..

I just had my surgery on Wednesday and have been living on 4 things: sf popsicles, chicken broth, grape juice and high protein Ensure. I just sent my husband to the store for more popsicles, that's my favorite. Like the others I also find some flavors too intense, especially apple juice.

Good luck to you.

What she said!