My favorite protein shake was Champion Nutrition Chocolate. I would look around on the internet and see who sold it for the least expensive and order one to two huge containers of it. It was so long ago, I can't remember the website.

I, too, bought baby spoons and used them for a little bit.

My mom also bought me a body pillow which helped when I finally could lie down. I "slept" in the recliner for the 1st 2-3 weeks. I had RNY and was opened up (they also took my gallbladder and my surgeon said it was the worse he had ever seen).

I didn't really buy too much in preparation for it except my vitamins and protein really.

Good luck to you!

I googled protien powder samples and found a bunch. I can't remember who we ended up buying from because we checked the same brands on Amazon, EBay, etc until we found the cheapest price. I do know we got like 16 little packets for $9.99 I think.... Good Luck! Also, I used the baby spoons and the saucers that came with my plates (maybe they were supposed to be for bread or putting your tea cup on..... )

I was told that there is a difference between protein powders and meal replacements. Also that I needed to use ones that are meant for weight loss surgery patients. Now I don't know if this pertains to those who have had or are having lapband or the sleeve--I had RNY. I know that Bariatric Advantage, Celebrate, and Bariatric Fusion are great products for this purpose. The Fusion is much cheaper than the others, but I haven't tried it. I love the Bariatric Advantage Vanilla and the Orange Cream. I also like the taste best with unsweetened vanilla almond milk--it makes the shakes very creamy. I also add extra liquid to that 2 scoops or I find it just too thick to be palatable. As for plates, I bought a couple very small saucers (teacup size) and use some very small bowls (like the tiny lite pimento cheese bowl) and save them for use later--no extra cost there. I have a couple of baby spoons and forks, but find that as time has gone on I can get the same size bite with regular silverware--it's a learning process. I used a full size shaker cup and still learned to sip. It came with my Bariatric Advantage package that I got from my surgeon and dietitian the week before my surgery. I really don't use my shakes much any longer and didn't after my surgery. I had a 1 week liquid diet pre op that I used them and after the surgery, did my clear liquid, full liquid, puree, and soft stage. Then when I moved on the regular foods I made it a point to get my protein by eating real food. Hope everything goes well for you and that your experience is as great as mine has been.

Things for hospital: big knickers!!! You will want to cover up and be comfy too. I also bought a nightshirt as I found pjs too difficult to manage. A sports bottle with liquid measurements on so you can sip, sip, sip your way. I also took in a spray bottle as straight after the op I couldn't drink but I had such a dry mouth and I was allowed to spray water in as much as I wanted. Make sure you take in comfy and loose clothes. I also took a pillow in to use in the car on the way home.

Make sure you have all your meds sorted. You will need dissolvable at first so it may be worth a docs visit so you have it all in hand.

Don't prep lots of food as you may find your tastes change after your op. I was sleeved too and found the first few weeks interesting. Pureed meat was interesting! Use herbs, spices and seasoning to make the food as tasty as you can.

Oh and try to give up anything fizzy now as you won't be able to have it afterwards. My surgeon said that I am the best doctor for me and I have found that is the case. I have learned what my body likes and doesn't like.

Good luck, it is life changing.

PS - we order our protein powder online from Vitacost. Optimum Nutrition. Low carb, tastes great - we like the chocolate.

If you enjoy coffee (and ask your doc - they all have different opinions but mine thinks it's fine to have! ) and if you like it flavored, someone turned me on to Syntrax protein powders. They make AMAZING flavors (I like mint chocolate cookie - tastes like a thin mint!) and they disolve quickly and completely in hot beverages. It has replaced the liquid flavored creamers I was using, which are from the pit of Hell they are so high calorie and carby! I also use a splash of unsweetened vanilla almond milk with it. Creamy, delisious, protein-rich coffee! YUM!

Syntrax also makes some really yummy fruit-flavored protein drink mixes. They are refreshing and nice for a change.

JuzDult,
I'm on the Syntrax website, but there are so many options. What type of powder is it you bought exactly? Thanks!

They Syntrax Nectar Fuzzy Navel flavor is great and I just ordered the Cappucino flavor also. It's great to use as a shake or to add to your coffee as a creamer (with protein!) Samples is the way to go until you find what you like.
I recommend doing a protein powder swap with some of your friends who also have powders. We did one at our support group that was a great success!

My surgeon's office has a store and I get my protein shake powder through them. It's Syntrax Nectar and yes it comes in individual pouches. You should be able to google the name and see what they've got. This brand tastes great and has all the nutients we WLS patients need.

I never did the baby spoon and smaller plate thing. It wasn't suggested, but I can see where it would help. I still eat way too fast so I may try the spoon to see if that slows me down some. The salad plates that come with a set of dishes should work for the smaller plate you are looking for.

For the hospital, loose, easy to get on pants. You will have the IV hook up, making wearing a robe difficult, but you will need to get up and walk a lot. Pajama pants or something similar covers your backside well for walking. Slippers or sandals, something easy to slip on and off, again for walking.

My hospital gave me a water bottle. I actually use it at the office now to remind me to get my water in during the day. Yours might do that as well. As for a shaker, they sell them at most department stores and they aren't real pricey. Just make sure to get one with the spinner in the top to help break up clumps. I also bought a very small food processor for the pureed stage. Smaller protions just didn't work well in my big blender. This was a combo thing with 2 other attachments (a wisk and an imersion tool) that work well for blending the protein shakes. My husband bought me a small smoothie maker that holds about 16 ounces and has a lid you can drink from. Love that for my protein shakes at home.

That's all I can think of. Good luck!!