I had spinal surgery early this year and I know I'll be using some of the items I used then. There was a long-handled shoe horn, elastic laces (LockLaces) for my shoes, even a contraption that helps you get your socks on (SockAid). My water bottle has a straw and I know I'm swallowing a straw-full of air each time I use it, so I'll be getting a water bottle without a straw.

I'm still a week and a half from my first visit with the surgeon, but it's never too early to start planning!

You should go to this thread and read it...http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/10081-the-official-what-you-will-need-for-your-gastric-sleeve-surgery-thread/ it is a great list of things needed for the hospital stay! I am looking to get sleeved later this fall!!

oh man - I just started thinking about my estimated surgery date - early january '13 - and I forgot about needing to put on socks and shoes!! HOW QUICKLY I forget about these things during flip flop season!

I had a compression bandage thingie (actual medical term, LOL!) that went around my waist when I had my gall bladder taken out. I haven't been sleeved yet, but they are similar as far as the laparoscopic part and I know that having support on my entire abdomen was helpful so I could move comfortably. I wore spandex under everything for a few months after that surgery.