Supplement Question

I have been reading lots of posts over the past few months about supplements, etc.  First I guess I should say I am in awe about how much info you all have about your labs and supplements and how much info you're willing to share - so THANKS from a newbie.

I know my surgeon's requirements seem to be different from others. I often see long term DSers say not all surgeons give the best DS nutritional info ... Which I totally understand. My question isn't so much 'what do I take?'  It's how do I do this on my own - like make adjustments to his recommendations - and yet go in for my lab work every 3 months and when he asks me what I've been taking - admit that I didn't follow his orders?  He has been doing the DS a while and I do think he's a good doc, but when I see the difference in pills most are taking, compared to his list, it just makes me wonder.   Has anyone else had to deal with this or do you just not go back to your surgeon for follow up?  My PCP is definitely not DS educated. :)

I am just two weeks out from surgery. 

Thanks!!!

I had my surgery almost a year ago so I am certainly not an expert BUT that being said I found the people on this site have a tendency to be much more educated . I lean a lot towards the info given here. My labs have always been pretty good with the exception of one or two things being slightly low and I adjust accordingly. My surgeon doesn't question how much I take of anything- just wants to know that I am being compliant in taking the supplements. Do what you feel is going to work best for you and adjust as you go along. Everybody is different in their requirements. Your body will also let you know when things aren't quite right so question it and stay on top of it.

vitalady.com has a list of recommended supplements for each surgery type and she also sells pre packaged kits to get started.  She is a wealth of information as far as supplementing goes and many successful DSers follow her recommendations.  Most will buy her starter pack and then adjust as needed as indicated by your labs.  If you have a hard time understanding your labs I am sure she or someone here is more then happy to help you translate.  

As far as what to tell your surgeon, of course be honest with him but if he gives you advice that you feel is dangerous as far as supplementing goes, don't argue, just smile and nod and take the advice of people who have a great deal of experience and information  on this subject.  Most who take vitaladys schedule have stellar labs.

I take more than my surgeon recommends and when he asked me about it, I told him I've done my own research as I take serious responsibility over my health. While some items may be more than he recommends, I would rather start on the higher end and back off as indicated by my labs, then try and make up a shortage.

Now, at my checkups, I give him a list of what I am taking (along with all the dosages) and my lab result spreadsheet that shows my labs from five years pre op to current. He says, "Good!"

Be confident and knowledgeable. Your surgeon will have more respect for you (and will worry about you less down the road).

Also, if I miss a dose of Vitalady's schedule, its not the end of the world. If I miss a dose of a minimum supplement schedule prescribed by the dr, it could lead to trouble if done too often.

I understand your surgeon is very strict but you can either choose to do it his way or do it accordining to Vitalady and you own labs. We'll help you tweak your supplements and teach you to read labs. Most surgeons would rather you trend down before adding something; we like to be proactive and supplement before things trend down and bring labs up to optimal. I did things my surgeon's way the first few months before I knew about Vitalady....we jus****ched my labs start sinking. I finally, finally got him to agree to let me go on Vitalady's plan as long as I brought my labs to him. Now I just go over them with his dietitian and she fully supports Vitalady's plan. They love my labs! lol

--gina

links:  http://www.gblcreations.com/Resources/Gina/VitaLadysLabsandT argets_11-2009.doc

http://www.gblcreations.com/Resources/Gina/ProgramDRNY_ERNY_ BPDDS3-2010.pdf

http://www.gblcreations.com/Resources/Gina/ProgramChewable2- 2010.pdf

 

 

I ended up taking a lot of additional vitamins than my surgeon listed. The Doctors I saw didn't have a problem with that as long as my labs were good. Mine, at least seemed to have no problem with more as long as none of my levels were out of whack.

My surgeon wasn't aggressive enough with vitamin recommendations.  My PCP, on the other hand, at first tried having the nurse call me, and I argued with her, so the PCP started working with me directly.  She was curious and enthusiastic to learn more about the DS, so we consulted together looking at labs and compariing them.  I would point out things trending down and what I think I should be raising.  She would offer some of her knowledge of interactions.  We had a good partnership.  I can only hope to find someone similar where I'm living now.