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Claudette Very nice turnout last night I was nice to meet everyone. I had a great time, it sure helped me to hear everyones experiences. I know everyone is different but it gives me some insight as to what I may experience. I am glad for all the info I can get. I did want to ask about what vitamins I will need to take post op? I look forward to next month's meeting, by then I should be post op and on the losers bench. Again my hats off to you and your staff for a great job. Alan

Hi there Alan, I wanted to chime in on the vitamins post-op... B12 - twice monthly injections - promotes healthy metabolism, aids in the conversion of foods into energy, and is a BIGGIE as far as overall ebergy levels. I began with once monthly injections and moved to twice monthly as I became more active. B12 is your friend!!! Thiamin (B1) - once daily - proper metabolism of carbohydrates, aids in digestion and also promotes nervous system function Calcium Citrate - 2 tablets twice daily - ensures adequate calcium levels for strong bones. Be sure you use citrate - absorbtion is an issue with WLS'rs and calcium carbonate is not easily absorbed. Multi-vitamins - 2 tablets twice daily - believe it or not I'm still taking Flintstones chewables. Why? Because my labs continue to come out normal with no deficiencies. The other nice thing about these...they're cheap compared to the astromical prices some folks spend on vitamins to get the same result. Biotin - once daily (5000 mcg) - for protein and fat metabolism - boosts energy and promotes health of hair, skin and nails Zinc (chelated) - once daily (50 mg) - also good for hair, but also helps with growth hormone function and proper regulation of insulin by the body Hope this is helpful! Best wishes sir! Please drop me a line if you need anything! I unfortunately am unable to attend support group meetings due to other obligations, but am always willing to lend an ear or helping hand to anyone who cares to ask. Cards Fan Springfield, MO STEP OFF THE SIDELINES AND GET IN THE GAME!

Claudette, Great meeting last night. Tom even enjoyed it so I don't think I'll have a problem getting him to accompany me. It would be a long drive by myself, especially at night. Thanks again, Huera

Hi Marilyn! Tim and I really enjoyed meeting you and Tom at group! I hope Tom continues to come so that he and Tim can talk "fishing". I'm so thrilled you both enjoyed the group. I thought it went super well! Look forward to seeing you next month! ClaudetteK

Good morning everybody, What a great kick off of the Circle of Friends Support Group. I was enjoying the time so much, I couldn't believe it when it was time to end the meeting. It went sooo fast. And that was with everyone choosing to bypass the break and keep going right on through. There was so many more subjects that we could have hit upon, but we'll just have to save them till next time. I know with the open format, each meeting is going to be different and it will keep it fresh and interesting for us all. I know this meeting is not going to be the same ole' same ole' everytime. It was so good to meet people for the first time last night, as well as see some old friends that I hadn't seen in a while. When we come together for a meeting like that, we all have so mu*****ommon right from the start and there is never a lack of things to say. Plus, we have some surgery dates coming up soon for some that attended, so we'll have more on the post-op side next month. We'll be praying for you as your dates get nearer. Alan, as a patient of Dr. Hodges.....I can tell you what instructions for vitamins I was given at the time I had my surgery in May 2004. Calcium Citrate..... 1200 - 1500 mg a day Vitamin B-12 sublingual ....twice a week Multi Vitamin with Iron.....twice a day Be sure your calcium is the calcium citrate. It was really hard for me to swallow a pill and keep it down on the start so I used the chewables and still do. Remember that your body can only absorb 500 mg of calcium at a time, so take your calcium at 3 different times throughout the day. Also, remember to take your calcium and your Mulitvitamin with Iron 2 hours apart. The Iron and Calcium don't work together. (I was about 8 weeks out when Claudette broke this news to me, and I had to change my schedule around with that. That was something that they didn't tell me in the information I got, so that's another time that Claudette helped me out) Now with all that being said......remember I was the first one to have the surgery at St. John's and lots and lots of bugs were being worked out of the system as they were trying to get their feet on the ground at the time.....so they may or may not have changed what they tell you to take....so it might be a good idea to check and make sure they are still giving the same instructions. Claudette, thanks again for your leadership of the Circle of Friends.....There was such a need for this new group. I can't wait to see how it will evolve. You did a great job and we knew you would. Gosh, now we have to wait a whole month to have another meeting. I'm already looking forward to it. Everybody have a wonderful day. Glenna

Glenna Thanks for the info I know it may be different for me, but I just wanted an idea on what to take. Thanks Alan

Alan, my doc had us using the bugs bunny chewables first off. They are sugar free. And also, I recommend taking Gas-X to the hospital. Everyone's different but the gas pains can be bad after surgery and it WILL help tremendously if you are an unlucky one! I used it! Great to meet you! Tami

Claudette, Thanks for the lovely meeting last night. You and the other losers are such an inspiration to all of us. I loved the open format and the chance for everyone to interact. I'll be there next time unless I'm out of town or something drastic comes up. Hugs and love Lana