What protein powders, vitamins, etc.?????

Hi All! I have not been scheduled yet, but should be within the next 4-6 weeks. I keep reading about protein shakes, powders, drinks. Just wondering where do I find these? What are some of the names or brands? What types of vitamins, B12, iron, and calcium is needed? Where do you get them? What about medications? How do you take pills???? Will my surgeon help me with this information? I know everyone here is very helpful and I check message board almost daily. Thank you for all of your assistance! Bless you all!!! Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Brenda

Hi Brenda I am newly post op, I got my protein shakes from bariatriceating.com there is also vitalady.com (I think). You can buy samples so that you don't have to buy large quantities and then find you don't like them. Also, don't taste test before surgery, I have found my tastes changed and things I liked pre-op didn't work post-op. I take a sub lingual b-12 and regular iron/calcium. I take flinstones chewables. I bought the vista vitamins but I really cannot stomach them. I have to crush pills until 3 months post op. Good Luck Brenda, it is not an easy road but it is well worth it. Keep us posted and letus know how you are doing and when surgery is. Tina

Hi Tina: Congratulations!! You are on the losing side! Thank you for your response. I just have so many questions. I am reading the book by Barbara Thompson which is informative, but I am just not sure where to find these things. I will not test anything before surgery as you suggested. Thanks!! I will check out the sites you gave me for the shakes. Have a wonderful journey. I will post my surgery date as soon as I get it. Again, thank you! Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Brenda

Hi Brenda, Did you have to go see a nutritionist in order to get approval? I did. She gave me a couple of handouts on what to eat, plateaus, etc. Can't say that it was a much information as I would have liked. However, she does offer nutritional classes...pre and post op. You might want to touch base with a nutritionist. Might be out of pocket but I think it's worth it. Deb

Brenda- It can be VERY confusing I know!!!! As for me, I take a Centrum chewable once a day. I also take calcium citrate with vitamin D and magnesium. It has to be calcium citrate in order to be absorbed at its maximum for us. Those are huge, I tried swallowing a few before and felt like they were stuck in my throat. I stopped for a few days until I can get to the store (wednesday) and buy a pill splitter and or a crusher. I also take a prescription, triniscon, which is iron, B12, vitamin C, and intrinisc factor. As for protein shakes, I order from vitalady.com. I get the samples. I usually have one per day for bfast when I have to work, otherwise I make egg beaters that give me protein. In the beginning, the first few weeks, try your best to get in protein but more important make sure you are staying hydrated. The boards are great for advice, I read them everyday and have learned sooo much!!!! Janet

Thank you all for the assistance. I will keep all the information in my notes that I have been taking. You are all so great! I feel like I can count on you all before and after my surgery. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Brenda