Vitamins.... I am so frustrated

OK, I have spent so much money trying different forms and types of vitamins, so that I am ready after my surgery. I have had no luck, they are all disgusting. I have tried All-In-One powder, other brands of powder, a few adult chewables, but they taste so horrible I cannot stomach them. They actually make me throw up. I was wondering if anyone every takes gummy vitamins. I give them to my kids and they taste wonderful, they have 1 gram of sugar for each, but I figured if I spread it out through the day and took 4 of them, that may be good. Any suggestions???? What about Viactive multi-vitamins? I take the viactive calcuim now, but I don't know if I can take it after my surgery with as chewy as they are. I do take biotin, b-12 sublinguals and iron. My biggest concern is my multi though. Right now I take a horse pill. They are actaully pre-natals and they are finally almost gone. I need some suggestions. I have hear about Vista Vitamins...... are they any good???? Can I take the capsules after surgery or do I have to have a chewable???? I know so much is posted about this, but I just wanted to personalize it for me. Any help would be greatful. I am already stockec up on sample protein and have one that I buy at Costco now that I drink every morning. I think I am set there, it is just this area that I woudl like a little help. Thanks so much for any advice. Shawn M.

Shawn, Has your surgeon given you any advice on what to take after surgery? I was on Flintstones Chewables until my 3 month visit. Now I am on Centrum Silver. As I am sure you have read over and over before, your tastes will change after surgery, so what might not work for you now may be fine later. From what I have been told by my surgeon's office, after surgery you should only take chewables. To tell if something is too big, the nurse said to compare it to an M&M. If it is bigger than an M&M it's a no go. Michelle

MIchelle, I have my pre-ope testing and my NUT class in about 2 weeks. I am just having a hard time finding something I can stomach. They all seem to taste horrid. I know my tastes will change, however I can't imagine something tasting so bad being good after surgery. KWIM? I know Centrum makes a chewable, have you tried those?? Maybe I can try those and see if I can stomach them. Boy, when I get done my mom is going to be set with vitamins..... lol... she is the one I pass them on to when I realize how terrible they are. Well, thanks.... hopefully I will find something soon. Shawn M.

I don't know if this is an option, but I was taking pre-natals before surgery...prescribed by my PCP. After my surgery, she switched me to pre-natal chewables. My insurance pays for them, so I've continued taking them. They aren't too bad, taste wise, either. I also take viactive calcium. I have been pretty much since right after my surgery. At that time, I could only take one at a time. Plus, they were tasty...LOL! Like a little treat. Anyway, I hope you find something that works for you! Tina

My PCP is pretty cool, when it comes to requests... maybe I will check with her. That will sure cut down on the cost of things since I have Medicare. Thanks for the advice. Shawn M.

I take the Optisource vitamins (by Novartis) that are recommended for Bariatric patients. They are chewable and the taste like Trix cereal to me. They are about $24.99 at Walgreens for a 120 count supply. They used to only be available online on the Novartis website, but now you can get them there. I hope this helps. Take care. Let me know if you need anymore info. Kori

Kori, I will check these out. I know the ones that were the worst for me so far... when I put them in my mouth they were so tropical tasting.... then I bite them and started to gag... LOL.. My mom loves them... go figure.... We are getting a Walgreen's in our town soon too.... I will definitely check them out... Thanks so much.. Shawn M.

My surgeon gave me a prescription for prenatals. I pay a co-pay but that's it. They are a pill so I just swallow it with a glass of water. Also, the Viactiv calcium is calcium carbonate. Your body really cannot deal with this kind of calcium. You should be using calcium citrate because we can digest it. I use the Citracal chewables which are just like the Viactiv but the kind of calcium you need.

Ann, I knew about the calcium citrate vx. carbonate... I just realized this yesterday... but Viactive makes a multi now too.... I wonder if that would work???? I do plan on changing my calcuim before surgery, my box is almost empty.... Thanks so much for the help. Shawn M.

FYI...on the calcium debate. When I asked our surgeon's office about whether to take calcium carbonate or calcium citrate, they said it didn't matter. So, I have always taken the Viactiv (well actually, I take the Meijer brand). My bloodwork has been fine since day one. I know there is a great debate, but I just thought I'd throw my two cents in, even though nobody asked! LOL!