Surgery date set...nervous & excited!

I looked up the BariLife vitamins and read as much as I could about what they contain - which I suspect is more than you did. I can also now take a good guess at who your surgeon is, and while he has an excellent reputation as a surgeon, he is also known for promoting (kindest word I could come up with) these products.

First, the whole concept of having a DS patient take the same stuff as a gastric bypass patient, just more of same, makes no sense. The specific vitamins we need are not identical to those needed by someone with gastric bypass. It's NOT just about the amount, it's different specific vitamins. Just to give you a couple examples, gastric bypass patients need to heavily supplement B12 and sometimes other B vitamins, and we generally don't. As everyone is telling you, our needs vary, but I have not yet needed B12 after 9 years with a DS. Yet these vitamins provide a generous amount of B12. On the other hand, with the DS we need very large amounts of Vitamin D, and someone with gastric bypass needs about what a "normal" person needs because they don't malabsorb the fat soluble vitamins like we do. So the measly 3,000 units in each dose of BariLife will give you a paltry total of 9000 units daily.

Everyone I know with the DS, both on OH and elsewhere, takes a minimum of 50,000 units of dry D daily. Personally, I have had to go up to 100,000 units daily to get my PTH going in the right direction. Maybe you will only need 50,000, but for sure you will get into trouble with just 9000 units daily.

The best light I can put these vitamins in is that maybe they are designed for and work well for someone with gatric bypass, which is far and away the most common bariatric operation performed, and therefore the largest market for bariatric oriented vitamins. They are not going to work well for YOU. Val put it very well, that you will be just fine for a few months and then your levels of fat voluble vitamins will tank.

Get smart! Get the separate D, A, and K now before you get into trouble. The idea of taking only 8 pills daily sounds lovely, but it will get you into trouble. There are just no shortcuts when living with the DS. The DS will give you the best possible weight loss and best possible resolution of almost all comorbidites, but it comes at a price, and that's the nutritional needs. You just can't compromise on this and get away with it.

Larra

Thank you. I'm definitely researching. I am very aware there is no miracle vitamin or easy way around the vitamins especially since my life depends on it.  I met with the nurse practitioner,yesterday. She did not discourage BariLife but gave me tons of info on other ways to get what I need (she even mentioned VitaLady). She, also, said that everyone will find what works for them. Bottom line is keeping up with labs and get the vitamins you need.  I would much rather take tons of vitamins and be healthy than take tons of meds for comorbities and be unhealthy. I am fortunate not to have pre existing health conditions due to my weight but if I did not make a change now it is was I was headed for.  I really appreciate all the advice and info from the DS vets! 

Welcome and congrats.

Since you mentioned BariLife...sounds like you are a Boyce or Williams patient. (Knoxville, TN). If so, listen to the vets NOT the NUT. BariLife IS crap and all it does is LINE the pocket of Mrs. Boyce who is the CEO of BariLife. Of course they will push that one, after all, it makes money for them. Btw, I am a Boyce DS'er, over 4 years out and I use the Vitalady regimen. I watch my labs like a hawk. My PCP pulls mine.

Your labs will be fine for a couple of years on that but not much past year 2/3. After that you run out of what your body has stored pre-op.

An all in one "bariatric" vitamin is 99% guaranteed to be LOUSY for a DS'er. We do NOT want you to fail...and yes, things will be fine for a few years but it will not stay that way. They also recommend low/no fat and after healing that is HORSE HOCKEY. And I also do not count calories...I count grams of protein/fat/carbs...about 100-130 grams of protein, 120-150 grams of fat and since I count all carbs, about 100. I lost all my excess, maintaining a 110% weight loss. And just got my labs pulled last week...and yes, I got a hard copy...mine are excellent.

PLEASE listen to the vets when it comes to vitamins/how to eat after healed.

You guessed it.  Thank you.  Definitely, taking the all the DS vets advice.

It is really sad that patients know better then docs how our bodies work after surgery.  I agree.  Vitalady vitamins are the best, althought you can find some of the same vitamins cheaper on Amazon with no shipping.  Her calcium is still the best out there.  300mg elemental calcium caltrate in 1 pill.  And be greatful when you see those oil slicks in the toilet, you really know the surgery is working.  I still get them 11 years out when I eat the wrong kind of food like even a few potatoe chips.  One thing I regret is I changed from the calcium with magnesium and went for the straight calcium.  Now my magnesium is low. And now another pill.  Listen to others who have been though the srgery, recovery and life thereafter.  I think we normally have the best advise.

Thank you so much for this forum post. I am likely going to go with the Vitalady regimen, however i was just wondering whether anyone has tried the vitamin patches from patchmd.com? Have they worked, which ones do you use?

Thanks for all the help in advance!

Today is the big day.  I know you are excited, scared, petrified.  but possibly at ease knowing your are just starting on a new journey in your life.  Embrace this choice you have made.  Follow directions.  Live life to the fullest.  Pick up NEW healthy habits.  You will be amazed what tomorrow will bring.

God Bless.  He has led you to the decision and will be guiding your surgeons hands.

Thank you so much!  Yes, I'm going through all those emotions. I can hardly sleep but I know that this day is start of a better life.  I'm the 1st surgery of the day so I have to be at the hospital very soon.  

I have been switched!  Everything went very well.  I have been up walking since 2 hours after my surgery.  Drinking 1oz of water every 15 minutes.  Today, I start the protein and G2. Even though I am tolerating the water, as soon as it hits my stomach it feels  like a gas pain or a gargling feeling it my chest (assuming esophagus). I'm surgeon will be in around 6:30a so I will let him know that.  I'm sure it perfectly normal but I would rather been safe than sorry. My nurse are awesome!  One of my nurse had the DS about 7 years ago. It's very comforting she know what I'm going through.  I will keep you posted.

Thanks!

Excellent!! 

Keep walking and sipping...walking and sipping..as much as you can.