Protein and vitamins

I cut back on my vitamins because the doctor told me that I didnt need them anymore that My gastric bypass surgeon, and since then I have been have energy problems, so I went back on them and this is week two. I am not falling asleep anymore and I was doing that in the middle of the day. So my question is that should I be still drinking protein shakes and also bars. How much is too much cuz i want to avoid gaining weight. I actually want to lose more. thanks stacy

Hi Stacy!! It's been awhile. How are you doing? I just saw my surgeon a few weeks ago. I was told even prior to having the weight loss surgery that taking protein, vitamins, and calcium and iron supplements would be a lifetime requirement. He told me to always remember that our bodies are not the same as before the surgery. I guess it also depends on the type of surgery you had. I had the lap rny and because our large intestine has been bypassed our bodies will always have a problem absorbing enough nutrients to sustain us. That's probably why you felt tired. I had lap rny on January 10, 2005 and still take 2 multi-vitamins, l protein shake (50 grams of protein), 2 iron, 1.500 mg. of calcium, and 2 B-12. We really need these in order to maintain a healthy body. Hope this helps!! God Bless and have a great week!!! Aloha, Pat

Thank you Pat. I will go and buy the protein for my shakes and continue my vitamins. You look great! Best wishes and huggssss. Stacy

greetings stacy i, too, was told that the vitamins are a life-time commitment. i still take the same vitamins i've been taking since i had surgery. i still eat protein bars and drink the shakes too, although i believe if you get in enough protein with food, they would not be a requirement. i just LIKE them! best to you! deb -266 (and in ONEDERLAND!)

Stacy, My surgeon told me that taking multi- vitamins & B-12 would be a lifetime commitment and if I wasn't willing to do that, I was not a good candidate for gastric bypass (RNY). I've been faithful taking them and on my own & with my nutritionist's advice I have added calcium, iron and a few others (zinc, biotin, Vit. K). I recently switched to Bariatric Advantage chewable multi-vitamins (orange flavor) and Bariatric Advantage chewable iron (passion fruit flavor) and my labs are fantastic! The Bariatric Advantage are supposed to be more readily absorbed & have more bioavailability than regular ones. Seems to work better for me. My surgeon prefers that we get our protein from food, not protein shakes or bars. However, I do supplement with shakes or bars occassionally, depending on how my day has been. I include them when I record my food on FitDay.com so I can stay within my daily calorie "allowance". That is how I've prevented weight gain so far. Good luck & hang in there. You can do it! Vickie J.