Bariatric Surgery Survival Lists
If you are gearing up for bariatric surgery and are getting anxious to get everything you need to survive those first few weeks after surgery, then this packing+shopping list is for you! I talk to patients every week about what to have stocked up at home - from food items to over the counter (OTC) medications, and felt this may help.
Most surgeons ask that patients come in for a dedicated “pre-op” or history & physical (H&P) visit within 30 days before surgery, during which they will review your most current medical history and do the last physical exam before you have surgery. It’s also a good time to review what diet you need to follow the 2 weeks leading up to surgery, the day before surgery, and the first few weeks after surgery.
This is not a comprehensive list by any means. Your surgeon may have similar guidelines in your patient education materials.
#1 - Good Stuff to Pack for the Hospital Stay
You will have instructions from the surgeon or the hospital on what you are required to bring, but these items might make your stay more comfortable.
Loose fitting tops and bottoms (pajamas) if you’re allowed to bring your own clothes
Robe to cover yourself because hospital gowns are notoriously DRAFTY
Non-skid house shoes that slip on and off without having to bend down
Pillow from home to help you feel more cozy
Lightweight blanket in case your room is too cold and you want something familiar from home
Lip balm and other toiletries
Playlist of calming music
Headphones/ear buds
Reading material or downloaded e-books
Face coverings/masks that are the most comfortable for you
Your surgeon’s education materials to review and have handy if you have questions before discharge
#2 - Liquid Diet Products
All patients start out with clear liquids, and from there advance to full liquids which are milkier in texture and usually have higher protein content. The priority really is hydration, so don’t feel stressed to add protein to everything immediately.
Water
Broth or bone broth
Crystal Light or equivalent sugar-free water flavoring
Herbal tea bags like chamomile or peppermint
Propel or Gatorade Zero or similar low sugar electrolyte beverage
Sugar-free popsicles, or make your own using a popsicle mold
Sugar-free jello
Protein water like Premier Clear or Protein2O
Ready-to-drink low carb protein shake like Premier Protein or Ensure Max
Unflavored protein powder like Genepro can be added to boost protein in liquids like jello or soup
Flavored protein powder like Jay Robb Whey Protein Isolate
Unjury Chicken Soup, a savory high protein soup that tastes like ramen broth
PB Fit or PB2 powder, a peanut butter powder that can be added to protein supplement
Light yogurt, preferably high in protein, like Oikos Triple Zero
Low-fat cream soups like Campbell’s Healthy Request Cream of Mushroom (which needs to be strained)
Sugar-free pudding
#3 - OTC Medications & Other Products
Your surgeon will send prescriptions to your preferred pharmacy, but these products might help ease common post-op discomforts.
Miralax or a generic equivalent is a well tolerated stool softener
Gas-X or a generic equivalent to reduce stomach gas and intestinal bloating
1 oz/30 mL medicine cups are useful for sipping slowly those first several days after surgery
Pill cutter or crusher since large pills are not well tolerated early post-op
Ice packs for sore incision sites
Heating pad to use on any painful areas caused by trapped CO2 gas from laparoscopic surgery
Support pillow(s) for sleep or to hold on to when you need to cough during incentive spirometry (breathing exercises)
Pickup tool/grabber claw to reach small items when your abdomen is too sore after surgery to bend
I wish you well on your upcoming surgery! If you have questions or suggestions on what else to add to this list, please reach out to me.
