Must Haves

If you found this helpful Tweetthis page. Protein powder. I good protein powder is essential to keeping your protein levels up early on after weight loss surgery. Or even long time after surgery, protein powder can help you stay on track.    A good shaker bottle like the Blender Ball is what you need to shake up a quick protein shake or get your water in. I have two of these and I couldn’t live without them. I keep one at work.I prefer the smaller size since a straw can be used in the smaller bottle. I found with the larger bottle the straw would disappear inside. Oops!   Vitamix blender. I can’t live with our my Vitamix blender. For years I used a regular kitchen blender and was never satisfied with it. A couple of years ago I saw the Vitamix demoed at my local Wholefoods and I was hooked. From the day I bought mine I have almost used it everyday. Smoothies, soups, salad dressings, frozen treats and so much more. The Vitamix comes with a recipe book which will overwhelm you. As a weight loss surgery patient just the smoothies and soups will be worth it’s weight in gold.                Ramekins or Small bowls are a must have after weight loss surgery. I have bowls like these and they help me keep my portion sizes where they need to be.   After many years out, I chew gum. I must disclose that if you are a recent weight Loss Surgery patient DO NOT CHEW GUM. My surgeon reminded me of this every time I met with him. At this point in the game I am very aware and would never swallow my gum. Gum helps me when I need to freshen my mouth between meals. This is the gum I use.                A food scale is a must to help you stay in touch with portion sizing. I use mine to portion out and package my weekly portions of meats and cheeses.     Organic Flax Seed helps to keep everything moving with in your system if you get what I mean. I sprinkle a tsp on my Greek yogurt. Make sure to store it in the refrigerator once you open it.   Vitamin D3 Supplements are critical for healthy mood and immunity after weight loss surgery Calcium Supplements are a critical vitamin supplement for weight loss surgery post ops. I use Adora Milk Chocolate Calcium chews.  I must note that these contain sugar.  I by choice do not use artificial sweeteners. These calcium chocolates have no artificial ingredients. Artificial sweeteners have a tendency to cause intense hunger cravings in weight loss surgery patients. I found this true for myself about 3 years after surgery once the honeymoon non hunger phase had past. Bento Boxes for your Lunch are the perfect way to control portions and make sure you have a balanced meal. I used them for planning my meals ahead for the work week.

Couch to 5K iPhone App   If you hope to start running as many post ops do.  I found this app invaluable!  It took me from not being able to run for 10 minutes to running for 30 minutess straight without stopping.  AMAZING!