Getting my post-op questions out of the way

Hey guys, Well, it'll be here in exactly one week. I will be on the losing side forever. Now that the date is fast approaching, I will be going shopping for my post-op regiment. I have the list of food that Dr. Duncan gives you, i.e. broth, Jell-O, sugar free popsicles, etc. I do need a little help with the vitamin/nutrition supplement side. I don't really know what to look for in a protein supplement. Since I will be on clear liquids for the first few weeks of the diet, what type of protein supplement should I take, one that can be diluted in water? I know that in the subsequent weeks I will fix milk based protein shakes. Also, what are some types of multi-vitamins that you recommend? I am leaning towards Centrum Chewable. Any help that you guys can give would be, and is always, greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!!! Joe

Good Luck Joe, Close your ears women, The great thing about being a guy is we lose weight much faster. I found the sugar free popsicles were and are still a life saver when I want something sweet and easy on the stomach. For vitamins I do Flintsone chewables (3 times a day) and chewable calcium (2 times a day). For protien I am drinking ZOIC. It is only 110 calories but 25 gm of protien. The vanilla is alright but the chocolate is really good. Be sure it is cold from the fridge and don't put ice in it. I have only found it at Kroger so far. I have one at Bfast and one before bed. I am 4.5 months post and have lost 98 lbs. One of the biggest keys is I don't try to cheat and I exercise. Good luck and email me anytime with questions. Jeff

Thanks SO much for the info. And you know what, I had heard that men lose weight faster than women. I didn't know if it was factual or an old wives' tale! Thanks again!!! Joe

Hey Joe, I've already starting taking my viatims and supplements, The dietician said it takes 6 weeks to start a habit so I've sarted now! I get everything I need from Wal-Mart!! I work there so It's convenient!! I take 1 Multi-vitiamin(equate brand), 2 Calcium Citrate(CitraCal), 1 B-12 (SpringValley) and Have a bottle of the B-12 Sublingual (Rexall, very cheap!!), I also take 1 iron pill, and for my protein drink I use the WheyProtein mix ($8.67) mixed with the Carb Countdown Milk- together they provide 40g of protein and it tastes great!!!!But yeah, I found everything at Wal-Mart and everything is pretty inexpensive!!! If ya have any questions feel free to ask!!! Good Luck, I'm so excited for you!!!!!!!! Carrie

Thanks for the info Carrie. I will most definitely be shopping a good bit at Wal-Mart after seeing some of the prices at GNC! I will definitely keep in touch and contact you with my questions!~! Thanks again!!! Joe

Joe, I am still pre-op but I will share some of my notes that I have gathered from others. I think the Centrum chewables will be a good choice. I believe they are made with a nutrasweet. Some people dump off of Flintstones as they are made with sugar. Many post-ops become lactose intolerant so you may want to test the waters before you invest too heavily in a milk based mix. I have ordered protein supplements from bariatriceating.com I ordered the pineapple vanilla and a orange pinapple flavored one that was really good. I mixed it with water. I have read lots of people mix these flavors with crystal light's new sunrise orange flavor. She also has flavorless protein that you can mix in with pudding, soups, chili, etc. Also, I hear that your taste will change so I think you may have to experiment a little bit. Good Luck!! And post as soon as you are able! Tonya

Thanks Tonya, I have read/heard about the lactose intolerant thing post-op. I am hoping that I WON'T be lactose intolerant, but whatever happens, happens. I had heard the same thing about the Flintstones chewables. I taked to a lady from Albany who said she threw up for a few days and couldn't figure out why til she took a look at the Flintstones. Needless to say she cut that out of her diet!! I'll keep in touch and I have updated my profile, so you may want to check it out. I put alot of information about my recent Dr.'s appointments. Talk to you soon and thanks again for the info!!! Joe

Hi Joe, For protein, the wellness center at Atlanta Medical Center suggested Isopure..It's on the clear liquid regimen. As for vitamins etc. a lot of the people at Dr. Duncan's office take Bariblend. Dr. Duncan also HIGHLY recommends juice plus (capsules or chewables) which has all the fruit and vegetable requirments in them. He says it is very important to consider these for the antioxidant effects they have which will eliminate the free radicals released with rapid weight loss. It will help prevent the "aged" look that some people have following surgery. MY wife and I started the Fruit Plus about a week ago and have been on a generic vitamin for several weeks. We also started fish oil capsules for omega 3 which according the the nutritionist, will help prevent hair loss. Lots of luck to you! Vince

I think I'm going to open the capsules up and put them in my food/drinks for a few months. For as much money as I shelled out for this stuff, I'm going to use what I've got and order the chewables. Thanks for the info!!!!! Joe

Hey Joe, Your day will be here before you know it. I would recommend a flinstones Complete w/ Iron especially for after surgery and a calcium citrate vitamin. As far as the other vitamins and supplements i was informed once you go for you blood work if needed then they will inform you of other supplements you need to get in. A tip is to bring gas- ex chewables I already have mine. I hear you will be in pain from all the gas in your body after surgery. Good luck with everything, Katrina