Everyone’s weight loss journey is unique. So, how do you choose the right gift during the holiday season? If you have undergone metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) or know someone who has, then you understand that lifestyle changes can be a lot to handle. Not only are supplements taken for life, but you need to adjust your eating and lifestyle habits. That being said, the holiday season can be intimidating. But fret not! From recipes to gift-giving guides, we’ve got you covered! This article offers our favorite gift ideas to make life easier for metabolic and bariatric surgery patients. Comfort Gifts The best gifts provide comfort and convenience. Below are some of our top gift suggestions for bariatric patients. Clothing Gift Cards The extreme weight loss that follows metabolic and bariatric surgery can affect an entire wardrobe. It can be exciting to purchase new clothes after surgery, but it’s also expensive. Replacing an entire wardrobe can include new activewear, formal wear, footwear, t-shirts, and everyday comfort clothes. Gift cards can help to make this transition more affordable and less stressful for bariatric patients. Slippers Did you know that extreme weight loss can change your shoe size? Slippers are a great comfort option while looking for new footwear. The metabolic and bariatric surgery hospital checklist usually includes slippers to offer comfort and footwear for walking around the hospital. After surgery, easy footwear is essential to limit bending over to support recovery. Slippers are an excellent option for easy slip-on access and overall comfort. Kitchen Essentials To support healthy eating post-surgery, it’s vital to have specific kitchen tools that will make meal prep easy and fun. Recipe Book Adjusting to eating and lifestyle changes after bariatric surgery can be overwhelming with smaller portions, food aversions, intolerances, and taste changes. You can minimize some of the stress with a bariatric cookbook that walks you through making bariatric-friendly recipes that you will actually enjoy! Shaker Cup If you don't already know, protein is a huge priority after metabolic and bariatric surgery. Protein assists in maintaining and building muscle to support the healing process and ongoing healthy metabolism.* Bariatric protein shakes are consumed daily for those in the full liquid phase after surgery. A shaker cup allows you to make your protein shakes on the go. This is a kitchen essential after lap-band, gastric sleeve (VSG), gastric bypass, and duodenal switch surgery. Blender A blender is a kitchen staple throughout all bariatric food phases. Smoothies and pureed foods are easily made in a high-power blender. Some options to check out would be a Vitamix, Ninja, Nutribullet blender, or Magic bullet. Air Fryer Air fryers are a versatile kitchen tool that cooks everything from meat to dessert. They add a crispy texture to any food without adding extra oil and fat. If you love the taste of fried foods but want to eat healthier, an air fryer is for you! Portion Control Plate Portion control can make or break successful weight loss after metabolic and bariatric surgery. Bariatric portion plates are a tool that assists with moderation and portion size. Bariatric portion plates, meal prep containers, bariatric portion bowls, and smaller silverware will come in handy. Small meal prep containers should hold about 1.5 - 2 cups of food, an amount suitable for most metabolic and bariatric patients. Food Scale Along with bariatric portion control dinnerware, measuring is a big part of moderation and portion control. This includes measuring cups, spoons, and food scales. A bariatric food scale is necessary to measure protein portions and the weight of food. Water Bottle Dehydration is one of the most common complications after metabolic and bariatric surgery. It can be tough to consume anything, even moderate amounts of fluid, after surgery. Gifting a water bottle provides a reminder of how important hydration is after surgery. Fitness Support Journal Some people use bariatric surgery apps, while others prefer the traditional method of writing down daily food intake. Despite your preferred method, it’s essential to track your daily calories, protein, and water intake after surgery. A bariatric journal can also be utilized to reflect on day-to-day accomplishments, lessons, and feelings as you navigate your weight loss journey. Activity/Fitness Tracker Who doesn't like a fitness tracker? Something is satisfying about seeing the number of daily steps you take or even a little competition with a workout buddy. A fitness tracker, such as a Fitbit, can increase motivation, offer competition to reach new goals, and support an overall healthy lifestyle. A smart scale is another popular option for tracking weight loss and accomplishments. The digital scale can connect to your phone through an app and track more than just weight loss. A smart scale can show muscle mass, water weight, and BMI, which may better assist in managing a weight plateau post-surgery. Headphones Listening to music is a great way to get someone up and moving. New headphones can provide motivation to go for a walk, work out, or have their own little dance party! Summary Metabolic and bariatric surgery is a life-changing decision. Having the proper tools to support a successful weight loss journey is essential. From new clothes to portion control dinnerware, everything plays a role in weight loss success. We hope this bariatric gift guide helps you to support your loved one's weight loss journey this holiday season. If you’re looking for the perfect stocking stuffer, bariatric vitamins, which are recommended for life following surgery, make a wonderful gift! Click here to shop Bariatric Fusion’s ASMBS-focused bariatric supplements here.* *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. This blog is for information and education purposes only. This information is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your bariatric surgeon or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions in regards to a medical condition. A qualified healthcare professional can best assist you in deciding whether a dietary supplement is suitable based on your individual needs.