Weight Loss Products
What we would recommend to our own family
These options might help make the weight loss journey easier. The goal is to save you time by featuring products with that magic combination of being quality, well reviewed, and affordable. We love adding options that we learn about from patients. During your next visit, tell Dr. Richardson which products have helped you. They might make it on to the list with a ❤️ Patient Suggested highlight.
Your individual surgeon might have products that they prefer over these. Consult your qualified healthcare provider to see which products might be right for you. Sorry in advance if any of the links break over time and send you to incorrect items. If a reader buys a product through links on our site, then our work is often supported through an affiliate commission. For example, as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Updated: 2/8/24Protein
Protein supplements are important for people who want to lose weight, especially after bariatric surgery. They can help your body stay healthy and strong during the weight loss process.
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Here is how they might benefit you:
Feel full longer: Protein takes a long time to digest, so it can keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer periods. This can help prevent overeating and weight gain.
Build muscle: Protein supplements help build new muscles and keep the ones you have strong. This is especially important after bariatric surgery because your body needs more protein to heal and recover properly.
Dr. Richardson will likely recommend protein supplements both before and after your bariatric surgery. Before surgery, protein supplements can help prepare your body for the weight loss journey ahead. After surgery, they can play an important role in your recovery plan. Remember, always talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement or diet plan, especially if you are considering weight loss surgery or have already had the procedure.
Tips: Protein powders are less expensive than ready-to-drink versions, but require some preparation.
Clear fluids are preferred by some physicians early after surgery.
Peanut butter without all the fat!
8g of Protein per serving.
We've used this for years.
❤️ Patient Suggested
Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamin and mineral supplements are important for everyone, but they are especially important for people before and after bariatric surgery. This is because the surgery can change how your body absorbs nutrients from food.
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Before bariatric surgery, consider taking vitamin and mineral supplements. This can help ensure that your body has enough of the essential nutrients it needs to stay healthy. After the surgery, Dr. Richardson will likely recommend a special vitamin and mineral regimen to help replace the nutrients your body may not absorb as well.
If you do not get enough vitamins and minerals, it can lead to health problems like anemia, osteoporosis, and weak immune system. So make sure to talk to Dr. Richardson about which supplements are right for you and take them as recommended. Your body will thank you!
Tips: Non-gummy chewable vitamins at first after surgery and then traditional tablets.
We're not fans of some gummy vitamins due to the risk of reduced vitamin content. Stick with non-gummy vitamins.
Flintstones Multivitamins
Not just for kids? Surprising. I know.
We use these.
10,000 mcg Biotin from Nature's Bounty
Can supplement multivitamins that are deficient. Keep your hair happy.
1200mg Calcium & 1000IU Vitamin D3 from Nature's Bounty.
Or drink Arizona tap water (Joke).
Fiber
Fiber supplements are important for people who have had or are going to have bariatric surgery. These supplements can help you feel full and keep your digestive system working right. They can also lower the chances of becoming constipated, which is a common problem after surgery.
Before surgery, taking fiber supplements can help some people lose weight by helping them feel full faster and for longer.
Tips: Soluble and insoluble fiber can help protect against constipation without use of aggressive laxatives or stool softeners.
Calorie Free Salad Dressings
This entire section was ❤️ Patient Suggested
Traditional salad dressing and other sauces can be very high calorie and sabotage weight loss. Walden Farms products are advertised as calorie free, which means no fat and no carbs. We have patients that swear by them (you know who you are!) That's how they made in onto this list.
Trivia: Ranch dressing was supposedly invented in the 1950s by Steve Henson while working in Alaska.
Calorie Free Thousand Island Dressing
Trivia: Thousand Island dressing was supposedly invented in the early 1900's by Sophie Lalonde who named it after Thousand Islands, New York.
Meal Prepping
Meal prepping is when you plan and prepare your meals ahead of time so that you can eat healthy foods and stay on track with your diet. It has many benefits for people trying to lose weight, especially before or after bariatric surgery.
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One big benefit of meal prepping is that it helps you make healthier choices. When you take the time to plan what you are going to eat, you are more likely to choose things like vegetables and lean proteins instead of junk food. This can help you feel fuller longer and cut back on calories, which can help you lose weight.
Another benefit of meal prepping is that it saves you time. If you have busy days where you do not have time to cook or pack lunch, meal prepping can be a lifesaver. You can make several meals at once and store them in the fridge or freezer for later. This way, all you have to do is grab something from the fridge and go!
Meal prepping can also help you stick to your diet. When you have healthy foods ready to go, it is easier to refuse temptation. This is especially true after bariatric surgery when you need to follow a strict diet to heal properly. Having healthy options on hand makes it much easier to stick to your diet and avoid bad habits.
Meal prepping is a great way to eat healthy and lose weight, especially before or after bariatric surgery. By planning ahead, saving time, and making healthy choices, you can reach your weight loss goals and live a healthier life.
Tips: Consider keeping your meal volumes under 1/2 cup. 1/2 cup is the same as 120 ml and also 4 fl oz. That is 4 fluid ounces not 4 weight ounces.
1/2 cup = 4 fl oz = 120 ml
Consider keeping your average daily caloric intake under 1500. Do you really trust that restaurant to help?
You can prepare healthy meals yourself in advance that can be ready when and where you need them. Save money and time, while avoiding calories and stress.
Measure while you're on the go.
8-piece BPA-free Silicone Cup and Spoon Set.
❤️ Patient Suggested
Perfect for preparing liquid diet.
Cuisinart brand. Advertised as dishwasher safe stainless steel.
Perfect 4 fl oz size!
OXO brand. Advertised as Microwave safe, Freezer safe, and free of BPA, phthalate and PVC.
Insulated Meal Prep Lunch Box with Food Containers
Advertised as BPA-Free, Microwavable, Freezer Safe. With Shaker Cup, Pill Organizer, and Shoulder Strap
Multi Compartment , but Larger Sizes. than Ideal
Advertised as Microwave safe, Freezer safe, Dishwasher safe, and BPA free.
High Quality Blenders
Why do I need one? After bariatric surgery, you might follow a puréed diet for a few weeks. During this time, it can be really helpful to have a high-quality blender such as a Vitamix. Here are some reasons why:
Easy use: High-quality blenders are designed to blend things that other blenders just can't handle, such as ice, frozen fruit, and even some meats. This means you can make diverse puréed meals to give you the nutrients you need.
Control over texture: With a high-quality blender, you can control how smooth your puréed foods are. This is important because the right texture helps you digest your food better and feel full longer.
Overall, having a high-quality blender during your puréed diet phase can make things easier, safer, and more fun. So don't be afraid to invest in a good one.
If you want to make your own puréed foods, this brand is one of the best.
Amazing power.
Water Bottles & Filtration
After bariatric surgery, it is important to stay hydrated and drink lots of water. What if you don’t like tap water? That is where a water filtration system comes in handy! Here are some reasons why it can help before and after surgery:
1. Tastes better: A good water filter can help your water taste better by removing bad tastes and odors. This means you might actually want to drink water.
2. Safe to drink: Water filters get rid of things like chlorine, lead, and other chemicals that can make you sick. Some water filters can even get rid of germs and viruses in your water. This is especially important after surgery when your immune system might be a bit weaker.
3. Saves money: Filtering your own water at home can save you a lot of money compared to buying bottled water all the time. Plus, it can be better for the environment because you're not throwing away plastic bottles.
Tips: Water is the best. Unfortunately, just about everything else has some problem.
Keep your water available, clean, and cold.
Heat can't penetrate well though the bottle's vacuum barrier. Science is amazing. YETI brand products are quality.
Heat can't penetrate well though the bottle's vacuum barrier. Science is amazing. YETI brand products are quality.
Heat can't penetrate well though the bottle's vacuum barrier. Science is amazing. YETI brand products are quality. Giant size and price.
CamelBak HydroBak Hydration Pack
For hikes and exploration. Never drop your water bottle again. 50 oz / 1.5 L. CamelBak brand products are quality.
We have one.
Waterdrop Water Filtration System
Tankless Reverse Osmosis. When you want more than what a filter pitcher can deliver.
Scales & Electronics
Tips: Understand your progress, don't fear it.
Use scales on hard floors rather than carpet or rugs to help increase accuracy.
Omron Body Composition Monitor and Scale
330 Pound Capacity. Impressive
features. Not just a scale.
We have one.
Exercise
Tips: Burn extra calories rather than store them as body fat.
Keep an eye out for the weight capacities of exercise equipment. Remember, in case you're not yet below a listed limit: You can get there.
All the best: Collapsible, Shock-Absorbing, Carbon Fiber. For all terrain walking and hiking.
We love trekking poles on hikes.
Hair & Skin
Not necessary for everyone, but some patients have reported these to be helpful.
Avoid use of scar gel while any skin glue is still in place, which is usually during the first two weeks after surgery.
Your Tiny Motivational Quote
"Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going." - Attributed to Jim Rohn on motivationping.com