I'm a newbie post surgery but the things I can safely say I can't or don't want to live without:
1. 17 - 24 oz traveling water bottles (I have one everywhere, cars, work, home, etc)
2. Sqwinchers zero water enhancer (although am doing much better now with plain water)
3. My small salad and bread plates with dessert silverware
4. Small food containers to prepack my meals for next day ranging from 2 TBS to 1 Cup in size
4. Kitchen food scale - this has been my go to pal once I was permitted pureed / soft foods (I am able to measure 2 oz and ensure I don't go over by "eye balling" it like I used to in the past)
5. My Fitness pal app - I've tried them all and always return to MFP
6. My fitness tracker - I alternate between my Misfits (phase and flare) along with my Samsung Gear 2