Is anyone else in here having surgery on Monday with Dr Aranow???

I was just curious as my surgery is late in the afternoon. Well it is at 12:40. I was also curious to know if I am supposed to be taken any other pills NOW other then what I am. I am taking 2 flintstones completes , 1 B complex and that is it.. When do I start the calcium and HOW MUCH of it?? What kind do you all find the best??? ANY help is very appreciated.. Lisa

I was never told to take a calcium supplement. My nutrionist suggested that I take Centrum chewable multivitamin. That works well for me, since I am one that never remembers to take medication everyday. Thank God that I don't have to. Not sure how many grams of calcium are in Centrum. I was instructed by my dr to drink water for only necessary medications that morning of surgery. Check with your doctor.

Hi Lisa, I take a Viactive Chewable Vitamin(Chocolate) along with a Chewable Calcium (CVS brand) in the morning and another calcium chew in the afternoon. I use liquid B-12 and liquid vitamin E that I get at GNC. They have a sale every month during the first 7 days of the month. All this was after I had my surgery. Just used regular multivitamins before surgery. I take the Vitamin E for my skin, seeing as it goes thru a few changes as the weight falls off. Ask your doctor what he suggests you take. Good Luck and be well, Julio

Hi Lisa, Check the booklet that Elina gave to you that says "Diet Stages and Nutrition". Here's what mine says: ********************************* Stage 3, Start: usually 3 days after surgery Duration: At least 2 weeks as directed by surgeon Vitamins: start multivitamin w/ iron and a vit b12 supplement. Must be chewable or liquid form only to avoid blocking the outlet of the pouch and for better absorption. 1. Children's or Adult chewable multivitamin w/ Iron. Look for Flintstones Complete, Centrum Junior Complete, Centrum Adult Chewable or generic equivalent (minimum 12mg iron or more per dose - check label) Take one adult dose dose two times a day morning and at night. 2. Vitamin B-12: liquid or sulingual (under tongue) tablet: Find at GNC, health food store, etc. Take 1000mcg Vit B12 PER WEEK. *** Stage 4: Puree/Soft Protein Foods Start: usually 2 weeks after surgery as directed by surgeon Duration: 4 weeks - as directed by surgeon. Continue multivitamin/ B-12 and she told me I could add a B-Complex liquid/chewable at this time. **** Stage 5: Progressive Soft to Maintenance Diet Usually 6-8 weeks after surgery Vitamins: Continue all vitamins and begin Calcium plus added Vitamin D. CALCIUM CITRATE is better absorbed. 1200-1500 mg a day. Citracal Ultradense + Vit D caplets (crushed or dissolved in water/crystal light - do not drink sediment at bottom of cup) Twin Lab Chewable Calcium Cirate + Vit D: Life Time Liquid Calcium Magnesium Citrate or generic equivalent. Take calcium in divided doses of 500-600mg 2-3 times a day for best absorption. FYI: Calcium citrate is less gas forming/possibly better absorbed than carbonate form. ************************************ I just ordered the TwinLab chewable Calcium Citrate and have to pick it up today. I don't think crushing the Citracal that I have will be tasty... But, don't start it until you're cleared to state 5, soft foods. Start the other vits when you get home from hospital. Good luck for a completly uneventful surgery on Monday. Maybe if I can make it to the support group meeting Monday night, I'll pop in and say hi to you. You'll probably be out of it, and if you don't want company, just say so. Just thought I'd show my face for some support! Here's to you on becoming a BIG LOSER! (I love saying that!) regards, paula