Found my way back here...nearly 13 years later I

Hello to all, I had my gastric bypass surgery over 12 years ago and I literally lived on this board the year or so leading up to my surgery. This board was a life-saver and an invaluable resource to me during that time. I thought I would re-surface all these years later to offer my services, share any insights I may have gleaned over the years. I do believe I have tried nearly every pill, powder, meal plan imaginable. 

Now I am ridiculously healthy, happy, medication-free, supplement-free, & pain free. I posted a bit of story on my page and I'm open to answering any questions you may have.

Hi - I read your page and congrats on doing well.  Did I read correctly- You are not taking vitamins and are not going in for your annual blood work??

Thank you. Yes, that is correct. I do not believe in supplementation unless  you are deficient and then only for a short period of time. I get all the nutrients I need from my food and my juice plus concentrated food capsules. I do my plant-based protein drinks once or twice a day. They are definitely a part of my lifestyle now. 

In the early years, I supplemented because I thought it was necessary and was constantly low with my iron and/or B12.  Was cold all the time and my hair was weak and thinning. 

I did my research on supplements and realized I wasn't absorbing them anyway.  But, since maxing out my fruits & veggies daily, no more issues with any of that. I donate blood regularly and my iron hasn't been an issue in years. I don't have insurance so I don't get my bloodwork done but 'before' I always felt bad, rundown, etc. I always knew when I was low. Now, hair, skin, and nails are great and my energy is insane.

Great job on the weight loss & maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I'm just curious that if you don't get any bloodwork done how do you know that you're not deficient in anything? It just seems like waiting till you feel something is wrong means that you waited too long. 

I can understand your thoughts on that. Keep in mind I am nearing 13 years out, I always knew 'before' when something was amiss and I'm very in tune 'after'. I stopped supplementing when I did still have insurance and my blood work was perfect. I have periodic markers like when I donate blood and/or plasma and when I need my birth control renewed, etc. there are little checks. I'm always spot on. I'm not advising anyone to not supplement. It is just my belief that whole food, primarily plant-based is a better way to go. Who can argue with more fruits & veggies?  

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe regular blood tests do not cover vitamin deficiencies.  I thought that was something you had to request specifically.

Also, thiamine deficiency causes brain damage and you will not notice symptoms until the damage has already been done.

You don't believe in supplementation.

The ASMBS does.

Personally, I'll follow the beliefs of people who've been to med school and (collectively) treated hundreds of thousands of patients.

Thank you for expressing your opinion. 

"Smilezan's opinion differs from professional recommendations" is a fact, not an opinion. Still happy to share though :)

Pardon my mistake.