Questions to Post Op people??

I have a few questions about post op. First of all what kind of vitamins are most important to take and do you think I should start taking the vitamins now so they will be in my system? Also, what is the best type of protein powder to take and how do you use it? What kind of diet to you follow for the first month? Also, I've heard someone before say something about getting B12 shots, has anyone had to take those or are the pills okay? I think that is all of the questions for now!!! Thanks for helping me out with the answers!!! Christie

Hi Chrisite, I started taking my vitamins before my surgery at the request of my surgeon. I started out taking Flinestone's Complete. Now I take Gummi Vits and a Pre-Natal Vitamin. No, I'm not pregnant. My folic acid was a little low when I had blood work done and my surgeon told me to add a Pre-Natal vitamin. Everyone's taste is different when it comes to protein shakes. I personally like Vanilla Very Berry and Chocolate Coconut (Protein Delite) from bariatriceating.com. I also like the Matrix chocolate and use it as hot chocolate. The Protein Delite powders have little chunks of the flavors they are called. For example, the Vanilla Very Berry has little chunks of rasberry, blueberry, and blackberry in it. I've never had to have a B2 shot nor do I take a B12 vitamin. But everyone is different and so is their surgeon. Your surgeon will find what works best for you or what you need to take. Good luck and congrats on your up coming surgery. Gina

Christie, We have protein samples for our meeting next week in Baton Rouge! I hope to see you there! I have a few types of vitamins also available for sampling and a list of what vitamins are frequently recommended to RNY patients. FYI I'm not a postop yet, but I am a bariatric acute care nurse and I am the chapter leader for Obesity Help Louisiana (OHLA). You can get the shots, but the once a day sublingual tabs is just as good if you don't like shots Kat

Okay if you have surgery on the 30th or even the 23rd you are going to go to a meeting at the hospital with JoAnna. This will be a 3 hour meeting and you'll need to bring someone with you (who can also understand what you are going to need to do afterwards). I wouldn't bring your son, he is adorable, but this is someplace you really need to concentrate on what you are hearing. They are going to give you a book that will outline the first 4 months of recovery. In it they will have what you can and can't have. Your first 6 weeks are going to be liquid diet. You'll need 85 grams of protein a day. 12-1500 grams of calcium, a b12 shot monthly or 3 pills weekly. I choose to take the shot so much simpler. You may also need extra iron. You'll need 2 vitamins a day. I haven't liked many of the proteins. So we drank gladiator smoothies once a day which were 45 grams of protein. Now I'm drinking a ton of milk a day (8 grams per glass) Also they are very serious about you not comparing yourselves to others...I do it and Joanna doesn't like it too much. As my husband reminds me Dr. O's diet is a bit more strict, but he also has no complications. He has had 1 in 100 anymore questions and I'll answer them plan to be at St. Tammany for about 6-8 hours the day of your preop

hi Christie, hopefully your MD. will tell you when to do the vitamins and which ones, most of the MD's start pre op. The only protein drink i can tolerate is isopure chocalate, mixed with skim milk.. (couldn't tolerate with water, md said ok with skim milk,) it has 50grams of protein in one drink. and also sometimes eat pudding, instone pudding, 20grams of protein each serving, comes in different flavors, can get at GNC. b12 is different with md's also. i do subliqual 100mcg once a week per md. very cheap method, and works.. hope i could put some insight on your questions.. i live in watson, and there are others in denham springs , if you need anything let us know,, im also a nurse,, if that hellps,,, rhonda 293/240/125 2months post op

Christie, I give myself a B12 inj each month. Every three months I have lab work done. This is just the way my doctor works with his patients. Feel great. Bobbie

Hi Christie I am 13 weeks post op, My doctor had me on chewable multi vitamins with iron, two a day and two viactiv's for the calcuim a day. Also give myself a b12 shot once a month. No problems. Last week at 12 weeks he said i could swallow any good vitamin now, no more chewables and so I am with no problems. Do as your doctor advises is the best I can tell you. Good luck Denise 250/209/150