Considering DS for my surgery. Question about vitamins...

 

Hi there.

I think it's important to get a realistic picture of what things will cost (without counting on sales and/or avoiding protein shakes), and to make sure you can afford the higher end of what things cost if that's what you need to get.

A nice, round figure that I use for myself is $125 in vitamins and $75 in protein powder per month--$200.  Some months more, some months less.  If you have a copay or other out-of-pocket for labs and other related costs, factor those in as well.  Expect to run labs every 3 months in the first year, and every 6 months thereafter.

You won't know if you need protein powder consistently or not until after surgery and after you start running labs.  There are people like me who eat a more-than-sufficient amount of protein by mouth, but who have to supplement with shakes still to keep protein levels up.  

There are some links in my signature that may be helpful to you as you start to do more research.  My best to you!

 Yes, Puritan.com.  I always look for sales because over time it's all quite expensive.

Different people need different things.

Labs are very expensive.  Some need a lot more than others.  I have mine done once a year and I had them done twice in the first year.  And so far that's it.  No problems.

The labs cost @ 2k.