What vitamins/supplements are good for post-ops?

Hi! I know that we can use chewable children's vitamins but I hated the taste of those things when I was a child. Do they taste better these days? Should I try some other chewable vitamin? Does the VitaMist spray really work? Is there a chewable source of iron? I think someone mentioned that liquid iron stained their teeth. Do we need prescriptions to get the iron? How do we handle prescription medicines that specifically state "do not break or crush"? I tried the calcium chews and they were chalky tasting to me. Any suggestions on good sources of calcium as a supplement? I'm making my list and checking it twice! Thanks for you help! Cassandra

Cassandra, "Vitamist vitamins" - I am choosing not to trust my health to them. (www.)phoenixnewtimes.com/issues/2004-09-16/news/feature.html "Chewable children's vitamins taste better these days?" - Personally, I am still not in love with the taste, however, I know I need vitamins for the rest of my life after bypass, so taste had to take a back seat to my long term health. I NEEDED to find something that would work for me. At the very beginning, that was children's chewable, then Vistas and currently Centrum Adult Chewable. I am not completely sold on the Centrum Adult Chewables. To check out "my current personal" decisions on my vitamin regime you can find it the following post (likely will change real soon though - I am looking for a better choice in the multi) http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/state-forums/DE/postdetail/13451.html?vc=0 A post I ran across on the importance of vitamin supplementation early on after surgery. A real good read. http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/messageboard/postdetail/865150.html?vc=0 "Chewable iron?" - Kathy (I believe) said she found some great iron (strawberry flavored) at The Vitamin Shoppe. "Meds that state do not break/crush?" - Do not break/crush them - could harm you. Check with your doc or pharmacist before breaking/crushing any meds, even if it does not specifically state on the package. "Calcium Citrate?" - I just found out that Twin Labs makes a good calcium citrate chew - was told it tasted like a sweet tart. I have not tried them yet. Whatever you decide, please, please make sure you get those vitamins in. It is best to start taking your vitamins pre-op to help strengthen your system for surgery. Your vitamins post op are far too important to play around with. They are a must, IMHO. Best wishes, Tammy

Hi Cassandra, I'm using Flintstones Complete. I find that they work the best for me and the flavor is doable. Happy Harry's brand childrens chewable is comparable to the Flintstones and taste good too. I usually use Viactive for calcium. I'm aware of the whole 'which calcium is better absorbed' debate that goes on. After speaking to my pharmacist as well as the nutritionist and Dr. Irgau AND Dr. Wynn AND Brett ( lol the list goes on ) I'm not that worried about it. I did recently buy a bottle of chewable calcium citrate from www.bariatricadvantage.com after trying a sample of the cinnamon flavor at a meeting. Oh they are delish! I would highly recommend getting some. Delivery was quick too and they included samples of some of their other products. I use Trader Joe's sublingual B-12 with folic acid. Not expensive and works very well. As for meds you need to crush, the best person to ask is your pharmacist. They know exactly what's what there and will guide you in that area. They will also work with your doctor to make sure you get the best thing. Linda

Once again, my DE board members have supplied me with wonderfully helpful information. I've written down everything shared and will start taking my vitamins now - to make me stronger and healthier before the surgery. Thanks to all of you!