Help Needed! Have Vitamin and protein shakes questions!

Hi Debbie, For protein shakes-I use the same thing as Jan and Melissa R-the Optimum Nutrition (or ON) 100% Instantized Whey-but make sure its the Gold Standard brand-I bought the wrong one the first time around-and it makes a huge difference-if you like strawberry shakes-that flavor is the closest to strawberry milk or shake. I occasionally add real strawberries to it-and its pretty good. The vanilla ice cream is good if you have sf flavored syrups you can add to make it whatever you want! YUMMY!! If you get it at Food 4 Less its cheapest-with 5# tub being the best buy for under $27...the same thing at our local health food store was $55-so it paid to go to Food 4 Less. You can also get it on line for close to Food 4 Less price at allstarhealth.com. I tried the vials-the first part went down okay-but it seemed really concentrated and I had to plug my nose and drink the 2nd part as quickly as possible. I only tried the orange, but like I said-just seemed very sweet and made me nauseated-so you may not want to order a case or anything until you know how you will like them! As far as vitamins-I do the wal mart brand of Flinstones chewables with iron 2x a day, Pepcid AC Complete 2x a day-biotin, vitamin B1,(everyday 1x) and then do the B12 sublingual under the tongue 2x per week-its not too bad really-better to me than a shot-cause I dont like needles-LOL! I have to start my calcuim citrate in the next week, but Mel gave me the new chewable kind-so I will see how that goes- Good luck, Debbie-and it will be so worth it when you get off the ride-at least you have a LOT of friends with you on the journey, huh? Let us know what you end up getting and how you like it- Love, Jan

Jan: Thanks for the info, especially on the vials. Doesn't sound like I would like them. I might order a couple just to try for myself. I also appreciate the information about the Gold Standard. I'm thinking I saw that at Walmart. Gotta check to make sure. Thanks again! Debbie D.

Debbie, I have tried Bio Chem protein and would buy it again. I do want to try Optimum that Jan is on too. What I am doing right now are searches on google to find the best prices. As for Vit. B12, I am interested in the Nascobal nasal spray, but I have a feeling it is going to be expensive. Anyone out there using it? I also have purchased Devrom chewables (internal deodorant) They are good. And Benefiber has chewables that are good too. I too am looking for a good Vitamin. Boy! I am so excited for you, Debbie! Stay in touch and let us know how you are doing! Best of luck and welcome to your new life! I am right behind you. Charlotte kid4ever

Charlotte: Where do you purchase the Bio Chem protein? I remember Dr. H told me about the Vitamin B12 nasal spray but he said he had never had anyone ask for it. Not sure about the price but I would say you are probably correct, it is probably expensive. Exactly what is Devrom chewables that you say is an "internal deodorant"? Sounds interesting! Thanks for the information and I will try and keep everyone posted on my recovery. Debbie D.

Hi Debbie, They do not carry the ON Gold Standard at Wal Mart, wish they did-It would probably be cheaper than even Food 4 Less!! I guess they may in your area-if so, let me know, cause then they just may start carrying it in my area. I have looked in Joplin, Carthage and Neosho Wal Marts and nothing. This is off the subject-but Atkins makes a really really good candy type bar-for those who like that sort of thing. They are called Endulge-but I have had a really hard time finding them lately. They used to carry them at Wal Mart, but dont anymore- Talk to you later, Debbie. Love, Jan

Debbie, From the reading I have been doing some say they have a problem with really horrible odors from letting off gas and bowel movements. I figured I would try them now to see if I could tell a difference. I purchased them from devrom.com. Chewable and taste fine. Some say they work really well and others don't notice an improvement. Anyone else reading this and are using Devrom now, please give your input. Charlotte Butler kid4ever

DEBBIE, I took the Bugs Bunny chewables right after my RNY as they are SUGAR-FREE where the Flinstone's weren't (that was 3 yrs ago though, have they changed??) Once I could swallow my vits per my Dr I switched to a prenatal Vitamin that I buy at Sam's as it has all the B vits and everything else you need. I don't have to worry about getting in my iron so I can't advise on that (have had hysterectomy) I do take a sublingual B-12 twice a week, used to be only once a week till a few months ago, but I think I feel perkier with twice a week. (I get that at wal-greens, but I''d gotten a smaller,better one at Trader Joe's before,in CA) If you go with the B-12 shots, give them to yourself at home, as it's HIGH to get them at the Dr, you have to pay the inj. fee on top of the $4 for b-12, where I work that comes to $41 per injection!! OUCH!! lol Then I also take 3 calcium citrate a day and it's important that you get the calcium citrate combo in order for your new system to obsorb it correctly. The wrong type of calcium supplement will do little/no good. I'd like to encourage more folks to try taking a prenatal vitamin as it will SAVE you money and has most everything you need. Even the MEN can take this. Protein powders...... I had a HARD time finding one I liked at all. In fact at almost 3 yrs post-op, I've only been drinking them for about the last year on and off. I only use the ON from Food 4 Less (initially got them at GNC but too much $$) I love the strawberry one mixed with ice,fruit,low carb yogurt in the blender but don't put the powder in until everything else is blended,then add it just enough to stir it in so it won't get frothy. I also like a choc one now and then just with ice and SF choc syrup and some Davinci syrup maybe. GOOD LUCK!!!! Tami