Vitamins, minerals, and protein, OH MY!

I'm in the process of reading everything I can to prepare myself for RNY this winter. The one thing that is stressed repeatedly is the importance of taking supplements for the rest of your life. I'm curious about the different ways that people get their vitamins, minerals, calcium, fiber, and protein -- there are so many different products available (liquid, chewable, food add-ins, etc.) Is there a way of keeping track of your protein to make sure you are getting at least the recommended 60 mgs.? Do you have bloods drawn periodically to ensure that there are no deficiencies? Are these questions annoying?? (Sorry!)

Hello.... My surgeons office supplied a list of vitamin suggestions... so hopefully yours will too.... and one key thing, that I am faithful with, is having blood work done yearly.... I would never want to put that off, just in case something is low, we can stay on top of it. My iron, selenium and calcium and vitamin D have all been low before.... so the surgeon makes suggestion for that also.... I do take multi vitamins daily, B-Complex daily, B-12 Sub. once a week.... Good luck in your journey!!! Mike C.

Hi Mike -- Thanks for your good wishes. After reading your response, it occurred to me that I am really jumping the gun here. I'm sure the surgeon's office will supply all of the necessary information when the time comes. My consult with surgeon, nut, & psych isn't until 9/23. Sometimes, the way I deal with nervousness is to absorb as much information as I can, so I won't be faced with any "surprises." I think I need to just slow down and breathe, and trust that everything will fall into place exactly the way it's supposed to (easier said than done sometimes)!

Hi Joanne, I have to follow up with my surgeon (that includes bloodwork) every 3 months for the first year and then once a year forever. She gave me a list of supplements to take. My protein minimum is 75 gr. All of these are chewable: Multivitamin - 2x a day Calcium - 4x a day Iron - once a day Sublingual B12 - every other day You can use Fitday.com to track your food. It gives you a breakdown of protein, carbs and fat. I find it very useful (when I do use it). Rachelle

Hi Rachelle -- Thanks so much for the Fitday.com site and for sharing your vit/min/pro routine. It's good to know what to expect. Take care -- Joanne

I would just say to start taking your vitamins now so you are used to it afterwards and so you have some stored up. I take 2 chewable multi, 6 chewable calciums/w D, subling B12. I have been on potassium (which is nasty whatever form it is in) and Biotin to help with the hair and nails. I find the chewable is basically easier for me to do. The biotin is in a gel cap and is a powder. Best of luck on your surgery! deb v