Vitamins?

I have been reading alot of info about vitamins..when to take them, how etc..but in case I have to order from the states and then pick up myself from the border town, I want to get prepared before my big day. What kind did you buy and from where? There are quite a few sites that sell "bariatric" approved ones but how do you know which ones are the best and the best price? And are the bariatric ones really necessary..maybe something locally would do just as well?

(I guess I need to do a bit of  a search on our vitamin requirements after) And I have seen different requirements from different doctors so what did you start out with? Did you or were you allowed to take liquid ones? That seems so much easier than crushing and swallowing pills?? Off to do more research but thanks to all!

i get mine at walmart.i dont order the ones from the states as they are expensive and i would have to drive across the line to get them.its just easier to pick up them at walmart or shoppers,hope this helps

Just normal one-a-days or something with more to them? did you always do that..even right after surgery?

I take the caltrate chewable - chocolate flavoured...yummy!(I had RNY and Laura approved these and she even gave me coupons!). I also take a Centrum chewable. I would probably be fine with the regular Centrum but I bought so many chewables (they were on sale so I stocked up) that I haven't switched yet. I kind of like the taste! I also take B12 (sublingual...under the tongue) and 1000 IU of vitamin D. That's it. Oh yeah, and Iron (ferrous glucosate).
I was taking basically the same amount before my surgery...a multi-vit, vid D, iron and calcium. The only thing that's different is I've added the B12 (and the calcium and mulit-vit are chewable).
I've heard other people complain that all the extra vits for RNY patients are a hassle, but it hasn't made any difference for me. The subligual B12s are a little pricey but I didn't notice a huge price difference in the States.

I didn't crush anything...started my chewables about a week after surgery. In my opinion, the 'bariatric' ones aren't really neccessary...neither is an hour drive to the border to save a few bucks!
I usually buy my vits from Superstore or walmart...the B12 is from Shoppers (It's a bit harder to find the sublingual...Superstore is always out when I check).

I take centrum chewable for 50+ as it has more good stuff..  I know some dr's reccommend pre natal ones for the same reason.  I also take the b12 sublingial, vitamin d 2000 mg ( i was on it before the surgery )

I am able to take my normal meds now as well.  I got the ok for them a few days after surgery.

 through my plan it is recommended to take a prenatal vitamin, 1200-1500mg of ELEMENTAL calcium citrate , in doses of no more then 500- 600 mg at a time, and to take it with vit d. i need iron as a pre op so i know i will need it post op aswell, and carbonyl iron was recommended due to absorbtion and constipating factors also ive heard to take it with vit c, to help it absorb. my plan suggests, extra vit d and b12 as needed. i will  have to get complete labs done every 3 months to make sure all my levels are good, and adjust accordingly. some people need extreme amounts of b12 , iron or vit d, just to get their levels normal, if thats the case i know personally i would order these high doses through vitalady in the states, id rather take 1 pill compared to 10, but im talking really high doses here. also this is what i know about rny, so im not sure its the same with vsg. really the best indicator will be your follow up labs. start with the basics, and add in what you need, and keep adjusting until your levels are "normal".
 you can definatly find your supplements locally, i ordered calcet creamy bites, and bariatric advantage chewy bite from the states to try. i had heard they are a nice way to have a "treat" while taking in your calcium. and yeah, they are yummy!! if i can afford it i would like to keep that up, but its not out of need, just personal taste. really watch the liquid calciums here, most are carbonate, and you will need citrate. i am told i can start my vitamins at 2 weeks post op, i can swallow pills, i am told i wont need chewables, but that scares me, lol, i guess we will see! i will also need to take my psych meds while in hospital, because i cannot go without them, my surgeon said that would be fine, but those a pretty normal sized pills, actually pretty small compared to the multi vits .
hope this helps,
niki 

Thank you so much you guys..seriously how am I going to remember all this? I guess its just so much to absorb all at once and now that its real, I have to pay attention..no more skimming through posts!