Congrats. You're having major surgery so just follow your surgeon's instructions. The main focus for the first 30 days is staying hydrated and starting to understand the DS. Protein goals are 30 grams per day by 30 days post-op, 60 grams per day by 60 days post-op, and 90 grams by 90 days. You get the picture. It's a learning process. For me, my goal was to get protein from food only as soon as I could because I simply hated the shakes. But back then (16+ years ago) the shakes sucked. There are much better options now.

Vitamins are also a slow and gradual approach. You'll be cutting large vitamins in half, opening capsules, etc. It's a learning process.

I got the clearance to exercise about 3 months post-op. I took 4 weeks off work (because I could) and it was great. By the 4th week I was almost back to normal. I also went back to work part-time for two weeks (again because I could). It really helped because I didn't realize how exhausting it was just getting up, showered and dressed, driving to work, etc. You're also still learning how to eat to accommodate your new insides. You're learning how to snack (IMHO the DS requires constant snacking - but on the DS-friendly snacks - mostly protein).

Hope this helps.

I would suggest taking VSL#3DS, it is the best probiotic I have used. as DSers we have dybiosis, too many anarobes, it has made a day and night difference. I have been on it for many years, it has 900 Billion CFU.

We are all so different. My DS is not your DS, because each surgeon does his own measurements. You might need more (or less). I take these everyday: A,B,C,D,E,K2 (twice)--so 7. I take copper, zinc, and iron on separate days. (iron dose is Mon-thurs; zinc and K1 on Friday- Sunday), and copper just one day every other week-- that adds 2, making 9 daily. (Because of the cardiovascular risk with calcium and atherosclerosis, I have elected not to supplement, based on my family history. I don't advocate anyone else doing this.) My labs and PTH are fine at 13.5 years. Don't do what I do. Adjust based on your labs.

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Please make sure you understand the long term affects of malabsorption and how you are going to maintain your levels for decades to come (considering you are 23), as well as commitment to the DS and the vitamins, supplements, protein, and labs that go along with it (for the rest of your life).