What to Buy Before Bariatric Surgery
Preparing for bariatric surgery, whether that is gastric bypass surgery or gastric sleeve surgery, can feel overwhelming. Having the right tools and essentials can make all the difference. While your dietitian will guide you through this, here’s a checklist of what to buy before bariatric surgery to support you before, during, and after your procedure.
Supplements and Protein
Your nutritional needs will change significantly after surgery, and your dietitian at BWLS will guide you through these changes during your initial appointment. Supplement recommendations are tailored to your individual needs, based on your medical history, pre-surgery blood work, and any allergies or intolerances.
In the early stages of recovery, you’ll typically require liquid or chewable vitamins. While your dietitian will provide personalised advice throughout your journey, here’s a general guide to the types of supplements often recommended to support recovery and long-term health:
- A high-quality chewable bariatric multivitamin. Your body will require extra support to meet its nutrient needs. Choose a multivitamin formulated specifically for bariatric patients.
- Chewable calcium citrate with vitamin D to help maintain bone health post-surgery, unless contraindicated.
- High-quality unflavoured protein powder. A versatile option that can be added to soups, broths, smoothies and shakes without altering their flavour.
At your initial dietitian appointment at Brisbane Weight Loss Surgery, you’ll be provided with a range of sample protein powders, protein waters, and bariatric-specific supplements (including multivitamins, calcium, and vitamin D) to help you decide what works best for you.
If you’d like to explore further or try additional options, you might consider purchasing a variety of sample-sized protein powders, both flavoured and unflavoured, to find what suits your taste and tolerance.
Hydration Helpers
Staying hydrated is essential for recovery and overall health. These items can make it easier to hit your fluid goals:
- Hydralyte or electrolyte replacement drinks to help replenish electrolytes and prevent dehydration.
- Herbal teas and infusion teas help make water easier to tolerate.
- Vital Zing water drops to help make water easier to tolerate.
- Insulated water bottle – a must-have for sipping fluids throughout the day. Consider an option with a straw to help you sip slowly.
Experiment with both temperature and flavour to see what suits your new tummy best, and work towards grading back to water as your primary fluid. Don’t forget to look after your teeth with regular brushing and flossing as some of these water additions are slightly acidic. Over time, as you are able to tolerate water again, try to include this as your primary fluid.
Liquid Diet Phase Fluids
- Meal replacement shakes such as Optifast, Formulite, or Lady/Man Shake sachets.
- Ready-to-drink protein options such as Protein Up&Go or similar drinks are convenient when you’re on the go (just watch the sugar content).
- Prepared soups frozen in half cup portions. ‘Your Complete Guide to Nutrition for Weight Loss Surgery‘ has recipes designed for this phase.
Make sure you create plenty of room in your freezer prior to surgery. Don’t over prepare as your tastes may change.
Tools for Preparing and Portioning Liquid and Puree Meals
During the early post-surgery stages, your diet will consist of liquids and pureed foods. These tools will help:
- Stick blender for quickly pureeing soups and smoothies.
- A shaker cup for mixing protein shakes.
- Silicone moulds and portioned containers, ideal for preparing and freezing small portions of food.
- Small ramekins, plates and bowls to help serve small portions.
- Portion plate and bowl which are designed to help you manage portions visually.
- Small cutlery to help slow down eating and control portion sizes.
Helpful Resources
A little expert guidance goes a long way. Your journey with us begins with the initial dietitian appointment which is a great opportunity to ask questions, explore supplement and product options, and get personalised advice tailored to your needs. We’re here to support you as much as you need, so make sure you reach out at any stage.
You can also visit our Resources page for more information. Plus, the Nutrition for Weight Loss Surgery guide is packed with practical tips, recipes, and expert insights to support you before, during, and after surgery.
What to Pack for Hospital
Many patients ask, “What should I take to the hospital for my weight loss surgery?” Following are suggestions gathered from the community to help you pack your hospital bag.
Self-Care Essentials:
- lip balm, hand cream, and moisturiser
- toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash/spray
- sanitary items
- hairbrush, hair ties, and dry shampoo
- face and body wipes, deodorant.
Sleepwear and Clothing:
- comfortable PJ’s or a nightgown with front buttons
- dressing gown and slippers
- loose-fitting clothing for the trip home
- comfortable underwear and warm socks.
Sleep Aids:
- your own pillow
- eye mask and earplugs.
- Tech and Entertainment
- phone, iPad, or laptop
- long charging cable
- headphones or AirPods
- a book, magazine, or journal.
Keep in mind to always refer to your clinic patient resources for any additional important things they would like you to have prepared.
Don’t go overboard on food products or food preparation as the cost adds up, and you don’t know what your new tummy will and won’t tolerate.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for bariatric surgery is a big step, and having the right tools and resources can make all the difference. By organising these essentials in advance, you’ll feel more confident and ready to embrace this life-changing journey.
If you have more questions about your surgery, or want to know more about the journey, get in touch with us. Our friendly team is always here to help answer your questions.
This post originally appeared on Nutrition for Weight Loss Surgery’s blog: https://nutritionforweightlosssurgery.com/blog/b/what-to-buy-before-bariatric-surgery
Reproduced with permission.