Key Takeaways
- Proper preparation before bariatric surgery includes essential tools like food scales, protein shakes, and meal prep containers to support a successful pre-op phase.
- Post-surgery recovery requires portion control and nutrient management, with small utensils, protein supplements, and vitamin organizers playing a crucial role in healing and long-term success.
- Comfort and hydration are key to a smooth recovery, with must-haves like loose clothing, an insulated water bottle, and incision care supplies helping patients adapt to their new lifestyle.
Getting ready for bariatric surgery? You may be wondering about the items you need to have to make this journey smoother.
Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide to all the bariatric must-haves you’ll need before and after your procedure. We cover everything from pre-surgery must-haves to recovery and healing essentials.
Table of Contents
Preparing for Bariatric Surgery
First things first—proper preparation makes a world of difference in your bariatric surgery journey. Think of this as creating your personal success toolkit!
Your medical team has probably given you lots of information, but having the right supplies ready at home will help you feel more confident and comfortable as you begin this exciting new chapter.
A bariatric surgery hospital checklist can be incredibly helpful in ensuring you don’t forget anything essential for your hospital stay and recovery.
Before you start shopping, check with your insurance provider about coverage for medical supplies. Some plans cover certain post-surgery items, which could save you money.
It’s also smart to join online bariatric support groups. People who have gone through bariatric surgery share great tips about must-haves for bariatric surgery that they found particularly helpful during their journey.
Pre-Surgery Must-Haves
Let’s talk about what to buy before bariatric surgery to make your pre-op phase easier. First, you’ll need a food scale. This is for both before and after surgery to measure your portions accurately.
You want a digital scale that can measure ounces and grams so you have precise measurements. Make sure it has a “tare” function, too, which lets you zero out the weight of your plates or containers.
You’ll also want to stock up on protein shakes your surgeon approves for your pre-op liquid diet phase. A good blender or shaker bottle is also good for smooth mixing.
Pro tip: Buy a protein shake variety pack first to test different flavors before committing to large quantities—taste preferences can be very personal!
Kitchen prep tools become your new best friends during this phase. Invest in some good-quality storage containers for meal prepping.
You’ll want various sizes to portion out your pre-op diet meals. A blender or food processor is also needed to prepare smooth, properly textured meals.
Bari Life offers pre-surgery meals and resources to help you lose weight and shrink your liver before surgery. The pre-op starter kit also ensures you don’t have nutritional deficiencies before surgery.
Post-Surgery Must-Haves
Small dishes and utensils are your top essentials here! Invest in 4-ounce bowls and baby spoons—these help control your portions and remind you to eat slowly. A set of measuring cups and spoons is also needed to portion your pureed foods during the early post-op phase. Many people swear by divided plates with sections that help control portions without having to measure everything separately.
Again, protein is going to be super important, so have your bariatric-approved protein shakes ready. Consider adding a variety of sugar-free flavor drops to help make your protein shakes more enjoyable during those first few weeks when options are limited.
Temperature is another critical factor after surgery—you need to be careful about food and drink temperatures to avoid discomfort. Consider getting an electric heating pad for any abdominal discomfort and a food thermometer to ensure your meals aren’t too hot or cold. Some people find room-temperature drinks easier to tolerate, so having an insulated bottle that maintains your preferred temperature is helpful.
Your vitamin and supplement routine will be more complex after surgery, so organization is key. Consider getting a large pill organizer with multiple compartments for different times of day. You can even have a dedicated “supplement station” with everything organized so you stay consistent with your essential nutrients.
Recovery and Healing Essentials
Your must-haves after bariatric surgery should include items that make your recovery more comfortable.
A bathroom scale that measures in small increments helps you track your progress accurately. You should also have a body pillow or abdominal binder to help protect your incisions when moving around or coughing. Keep some gas-relief products on hand, too—your healthcare team will recommend specific ones that are safe for post-surgery use.
Remember to stay hydrated! A good water bottle with measurements on the side helps you track your fluid intake. Multiple bottles allow you to pre-fill your daily water needs and ensure you’re on track with hydration goals.
You also want some comfort items ready for the first few weeks. Loose-fitting pajamas that don’t put pressure on your incisions, slip-on shoes since bending might be difficult, and a long-handled shower brush can make daily activities much more manageable.
Stock your bathroom with the right supplies, too. Gentle body wash that won’t irritate your incisions, incision care supplies as recommended by your surgeon, and unscented toiletries are all important. Disposable washcloths or cleansing wipes are also recommended for the early days when showering might be more challenging.
Additional Tips for a Smooth Recovery
Beyond the essential bariatric surgery must-haves, several items can make your recovery more comfortable. Consider convenience and comfort as you prepare your recovery space at home.
A grabber tool can be handy during those first few weeks when bending and reaching is difficult. Setting up a recovery station near your favorite chair with all your essentials within easy reach can make a big difference. Include items like your phone charger, medications, water bottle, and anything else you use frequently.
Some patients also find that having a small notebook or app to track their intake helps them stay accountable and monitor their progress.
Conclusion
Remember, while having all these items is important, the most essential thing is following your surgical team’s instructions. These bariatric must-haves are meant to support your journey, but your medical team’s guidance should always be your primary focus.
By preparing with these must-haves for bariatric surgery, you’re setting yourself up for success. Take time to organize everything before your surgery date so you can focus entirely on healing and adapting to your new lifestyle afterward.
Every patient’s journey is unique, so don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare team about specific items they recommend for your situation. Here’s to your successful transformation and healthier future!
How Bari Life Can Help
Bari Life makes preparing for and recovering from bariatric surgery easier with specially designed products to support every stage of your journey.
Their pre-surgical meal options help optimize nutrition and promote weight loss before surgery, while their high-quality bariatric vitamins and supplements ensure you get essential nutrients for a smooth recovery.
Ready to set yourself up for success? Explore Bari Life’s products today!
If you want to learn more, why not check out these articles below:
- How Long From Consultation To Bariatric Surgery?
- What To Expect at First Bariatric Appointment?
- Questions To Ask Bariatric Surgeon
- What To Eat Before Bariatric Surgery?
- How Long Do You Have To Stop Smoking Before Bariatric Surgery?
- Preparing For Bariatric Surgery
What are your tips and tricks to post-bariatric success?