It can be scary to think about having a gastric bypass surgery no matter what kind you are getting. Surgery is something that is hard on the body and takes time to recover. When it comes to having a successful bariatric surgery, there are some essential items you need post-op. Below, you will find my list of post-op bariatric surgery essentials for your recovery.
Keep reading to discover everything you need when beginning your lifestyle after undergoing bariatric surgery. Read on to learn how the right supplies and equipment will give you peace of mind to focus on healing and achieving better health for years.
Jump to:
Post Op Bariatric Surgery Essentials
After your bariatric surgery, you are in a lot of pain. It’s kind of like when you have a baby; you have to push that kid out, but in the process, you don’t think you can do it. That’s kind of how it is after your bariatric surgery; you know the end goal is worth it, but you just don’t know how you are going to get there. With that being said, some of the things that got me through the start of my gastric bypass were these very important essentials. Here are some things you want to have ready before your bariatric surgery procedure:
From Panning to Post-operative Care
#1 Somewhere Comfy to Sit
Your bariatric surgery requires recovery. This means lots of relaxation. I found that a recliner was the most comfortable. You can sit down, get up easily, and even lie back when tired. Make sure you have a spot that is just dedicated to you post-op.
Along with having a comfy place to sit, relax, and rest, you will want to have some essentials next to you. These include:
- House shoes or slippers
- Blankets
- A lap desk to get stuff done
- Your favorite pillow
#2 Gas-X
When you get any kind of surgery, they pump your body full of gas so they can see what they are doing. This means post-op bariatric surgery you are one gassy beast. One of my lifesavers was having a lot of Gas-X on hand post-op. You may also need pain medication and pain medicine as well so talk to your doctor about those types of options if you need them. They'll need to look at your health information before making that decision.
#3 a Heating Pad
As stated above, surgery is not all peaches N cream. You will have lots of aches and pains. However, one thing that really helped with my pain was using a heating pad. Make sure you have one set up next to your comfy spot.
#4 Small Sippy Cups
After bariatric surgery, you have to start out slow. This means you can only sip one ounce of fluid at a time. Being on a liquid diet is important in weight loss and patient care. Sippy cups come in handy so you don’t drink too much at a time. I would recommend getting sippy cups that are divided into ounces to like these to make it easier.
#5 Protein Drinks and Fluids
The biggest thing you need after any surgery is protein. However, you can’t just go chow down on a steak post-op. So, make sure you have stocked up on some protein shakes, protein liquids or even protein jello to get you recovering quickly. Not only are these great for recovery, but you don’t have to make it.
Related: What to Eat After Gastric Bypass Surgery
#6 Post Op Bariatric Surgery Food Essentials
In addition to having essentials to help you with your recovery, you want to be prepared when you get home with food. Here are a few essentials you will want to help you with your food preparations:
Related: Gastric Bypass and the Pureed Blended Diet
#7 Supportive Pillows
There are a few supportive pillows you may want to consider purchasing prior to your surgery. A body pillow can help keep you comfortable while sleeping and provide support for your abdominal area. Additionally, a neck pillow can help minimize tension in the neck and shoulders.
#8 Comfortable Clothes
It is important to have comfortable clothes after surgery. Loose-fitting clothes will be most comfortable. You will probably want to avoid tight-fitting clothing, belts, and underwire bras.
#9 Hand Sanitizer
It is important to keep your hands clean after surgery. Hand sanitizer can help you do this easily and quickly. Keep your hands clean will help reduce the risk of complications.
#10 a Tablet for Watching Your Favorite Shows
Entertainment is important after surgery. A tablet can provide you with hours of entertainment. Make sure to have a charger or extra battery pack handy.
Recovering From Bariatric Surgery
In addition to having your essentials, make sure you have your entertainment readily available. I suggest having books, chargers, magazines, and other things you need to do next to your recliner chair.
What Is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, is a surgical procedure that aims to help individuals lose weight for medical reasons. It involves making changes to the digestive system to limit the amount of food scale that can be consumed and absorbed by the body. This ultimately leads to weight loss journey and helps improve overall health.
What to Expect After Weight Loss Surgery?
After stomach surgery, you'll want to take it easy and remember pain management as well.
All weight-loss surgery requires a recovery time. It's essential to take as many days after surgery as you need for your recovery, as you don't want to increase your risk of complications or health issues.
You're going to go through many different emotions and feelings, so make sure that you understand that your body will be going through many different stages.
What to Eat After the Surgery?
Remember that you'll have to be very careful with foods and liquids following your surgery. Talk to your doctor about what you can and can't have and follow it to a tee. The more you stick to the plan, the less likely you'll have bariatric surgery post-op complications.
Lifestyle Changes After Bariatric Surgery
- Balanced, nutrient-dense diet: After bariatric surgery, your stomach can only handle small amounts of food. It is essential to ensure that your consumption is high in protein, vitamins, and minerals but low in sugar and fats.
- Regular exercise: Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. This doesn't mean you need to become a gym enthusiast overnight, but starting with mild to moderate exercises like walking or swimming can help maintain your weight loss and improve your overall fitness.
- Hydrate properly: Drinking enough water is critical after bariatric surgery. However, refrain from drinking during meals or immediately after them, as this can make you feel full too quickly and prevent you from eating enough.
- Follow up with your doctor: Regular check-ups are essential to monitor your progress, adjust your diet plan, and catch any potential complications early.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol: Smoking and drinking excessively can hinder your weight loss, increase the risk of complications, and damage your overall health. It is best to quit smoking entirely and limit alcohol intake to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
Conclusion
These are just a few Bariatric essentials to consider before surgery. Be sure to discuss any other items you may need with your doctor. Remember, the most important thing is to be prepared for post-surgery success. If you can think of other post-op bariatric surgery essentials, please add them to the comments section.
Thank you for this it was a good list. The only thing I would mention is my nurses told me no heating pad until incisions are healed otherwise it will cause blood to pool around the incisions. Also alcohol pads are good to have on hand to sniff if the nauseous feeling comes on.