In this season of storms and hurricanes, I’ve been meaning to write about the extra steps we should take as Weight Loss Surgery Patients. Since I live in South Florida and have experienced Hurricanes and Tropical Storms before, it comes naturally to me every June, I go into my pantry and make of list of household supplies and food items that I need to replenish. The ironic thing is, as a New Yorker, I’ve lived through a few blizzards, Nor’easters and ice storms, so realize the importance of being prepared for different weather conditions. Ever since I had weight loss surgery, I realized there are a few other things we need to take into consideration when preparing for weather or other related emergencies. Here’s an emergency supply kit – checklist for Bariatric Patients.

There are two websites I refer to in preparation for this time of year. National Hurricane Center has lots of information and checklists to help get us prepared.  Then, the US Government has a Build a Kit page on their website which is geared to help us prepare for disasters in general, so the information here is also very helpful.

Here’s the list:

Water – most of the official recommendations for water are 1 gallon per person, per day. In my experience, this is not enough. What I normally do is have a supply of water for 10 days. Besides buying bottled water, I fill my pitchers, portable drinking bottles and empty gallon jugs I have in my home. As bariatric patients, we’ve all been drilled on the importance of drinking sufficient water to prevent dehydration. When a storm hits, we are stressed, our surrounding environment is compromised, we may not have power, we’ll be either too hot or too cold, wet or dry, so being certain we have enough water will be vital. It’s also essential as we may need to make our own protein shakes with the water.

Additional Fluids – Besides water, I normally keep a stock pile of Almond Milk (although once opened, you will have to either use it right away or store on ice, like in a cooler) Powerade, G2, Vitamin Water Zero, Lipton Diet Iced Tea, Diet Snapple, etc. If you are a coffee or tea drinker, it’s also a good thing to have tea, instant coffee, instant espresso, and stevia too. You can add the instant coffee to your protein shakes to spike it up. I also have some packages of creamers from Bpi. Called Keto Bomb.

Protein Shakes – Pre-made and Powder – I always have a selection of Premier Protein pre-made shakes. Right now, in my home we have 4 flavors to choose from. I also have a nice selection of protein powders, such as Quest, Bpi,  Dynamize Elite, and Whey Tech

Unflavored Protein Powder – I use GNC Brand 100% Whey to boost your protein intake, you easily mix into soup, other liquids

Laughing Cow Cheese – When you buy this in the store, it’s sold on a shelf, not in the refrigerated section. I normally put these packages right in my refrigerator. I guess it’s since it’s cheese, I automatically put it the refrigerator. But, I wondered if could store this in my pantry. So, I went onto their website and learned other people have asked this same question. According to the company, you should refrigerate after purchase and opening.  Although  this doesn’t really answer my question, I was curious to find out if I could store it in my pantry unopened. I’m going to call and find out. Once I have that answer, I’ll update you here.

Canned spray cheese – not one of my staples, but I my family likes this in a storm so I do buy it

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables – I notice not much mentioned about fresh fruits and vegetables. These store well at room temperature. I suggest purchasing items in small quantities which would get you through the first few days. Much of the time, fruit in particular need a few days to ripen. So that’s a perfect choice. Wash and dry thoroughly and store at room temperature.

Protein Bars – As you can see, I’m a Quest Girl!! I ALWAYS have Quest Bars at the Ready!

Jerky –  honestly not one of my favorite things, but I do have a few brands that work for me such as Epic,

Tuna, Salmon, Chicken, Sardines, Vienna Sausage, Canned Meats, Soups –  be sure to check the sodium and fat content

Canned Beans – Goya, Iberia, Aldi’s Organic Brands are all great choices, either regular or low sodium, beans are a fantastic source of protein and fiber

Refried Beans – I love Trader Joe’s Brand

Nut Butters –  peanut, almond, cashew, to name a few choices. There’s a ton of nut butters on the market. Just check the label to be sure you can store at room temperature after opening

Nuts – your favorite choices

Sugar free Jelly, Preserves

Unsweetened Applesauce

Pre-made Jell-O, Pudding – shelf ready, not purchased from the refrigerated section

Pb2 – what’s great about having this on hand is that it mixes so well with protein powder

Crystal Light, other sugar-free flavor packages

Chicken Broth – Unsalted

Steel Cut Oatmeal Packages

Hummus packages

Crackers – lite or whole wheat – I try to find crackers with a low overall carbohydrate content and no high fructose corn syrup

Bread – I normally select 100% whole wheat with no high fructose corn syrup

Tortillas – whole wheat

Fold it wraps –great wrap instead of bread

Non-Food Item Necessities

Medications –  Bariatric Vitamins (remember your B12 I take Nascobal, Vitamin D, Calcium and Iron)

CPAP Machine other medical equipment

First Aid Kit

Pain Medication – I use Tylenol products, especially Tylenol Arthritis

Bug Repellent, Sunscreen

Manual Can Opener

Shaker Bottle – to mix your protein shakes. I suggest have a few of these on hand. I have 2-liter size bottles for water and 2 shaker bottles to mix my protein shakes. Be sure that your shaker bottles have the little agitator which will help prevent clumping. I use the Jaxx Shaker Bottles that came with my Food Storage Unit. This shaker bottle is the best! I don’t get clumps when I mix my protein powder using this bottle.

Zip Lock Bags –in assorted sizes – these come in handy for storing your open bread, or your important documents, photos, etc.

Bleach – I’m sure this on the main preparedness checklists, but I didn’t see it and really needed bleach when my home was flooded years ago.

Paper towels – Another basic essential but I didn’t see it on the list and just wanted to be sure to mention it here.