Pre-op suggestions?

This one is for those of you who are post-op.  Is there anything we should know ahead of time as far as food, supplemental preparation, etc.?  By this, I mean prior to surgery--I have iron and (had) Vitamin D deficiencies courtesy of carrying twins.  I was on Rx Vitamin D for over a year, then prescription prenatal vitamins and FeSol for about 2 years after I had the girls.  

I had a ROUGH c-section recovery....e coli infection and incision reopening while still in the hospital, was nearly re-hospitalized because of it, so I'm trying to prepare myself for this (although the incisions are signifcantly smaller, I seem to be prone to post-op infection).  

Any suggestions would be GREATLY appriciated!

Thanks!!!

My Vitamin Regimen:

B Complex sublingual (1.7 mg riboflavin, 20 mg niacin, 2 mg B6, 1200 mcg B12, 30 mg pantothenic acid)
1/2 multivitamin
400 mg calcium citrate w/500 IU vitamin D
2000 IU vitamin dry D

1/2 multivitamin
400 mg calcium citrate w/500 IU vitamin D
2000 IU vitamin dry D

1/2 multivitamin
400 mg calcium citrate w/500 IU vitamin D
2000 IU vitamin dry D

1/2 multivitamin
400 mg calcium citrate w/500 IU vitamin D
2000 IU vitamin dry D

1/2 multivitamin
400 mg calcium citrate w/500 IU vitamin D
2000 IU vitamin dry D

135 mg carbonyl iron
1500 mg vitamin C

I wait at least 2 hours in between each dosing.  I also have a bit of OCD and that's why I only take a half of a multivitamin at a time.  I keep my daily vitamins in one of those 7 day pill containers.  This makes each container have an equal number of pill in it, except the one with my iron and vitamin C and Tylenol.  It's a sickness, I know. 

After RNY, B12 MUST be taken in injection, sublingual, or nasal inhalant form.  It requires binding to an enzyme called intrinsic factor (IF) in order to be absorbed.  IF is secreted in the part of the stomach that was bypassed.  Therefore it is inaccessible to the RNY patient.

DO NOT take calcium and iron within 2 hours of each other.  They are both absorbed using the same cellular receptor sites.  The receptor sites like calcium better, therefore the calcium will be absorbed and the iron will be excreted in the feces.

DO NOT eat or drink any of the following within 2 hours of taking iron: dairy, eggs, fiber, tea, coffee, red wine, grapes, or spinach.  They each contain substances that bind with the iron.  The iron will then be excreted in the feces.

DO take the CARBONYL form of iron.  It does not have as many GI side effects as does the ferrous sulfate form.  Feosol offers a carbonyl iron that is 45 mg pure iron that is available at your local grocery or pharmacy.

DO take vitamin C with iron.  It enhances the absorption of iron.  If iron upsets your pouch, take it with a meat snack.  This will buffer the pouch and and enhance the absorption of the iron.

Calcium should be taken in divided doses NOT to exceed 500-600 mg at a time.  The body just cannot absorb more than that at a time, no matter your WLS status. 

Calcium CARBONATE is not readily absorbed by ANYONE, no matter their WLS status.  As someone who has had WLS, we really should be taking calcium CITRATE.  It is better absorbed.  I take Citracal Petites.

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I wouldn't stock up on protein shakes and powders just yet.  After surgery things just plain taste different.  Actually, most things taste like ****  You can go to some of the different web sites that cater to post-WLSers and order samples of protein powders.  That way, you can try them in smaller quantities after your RNY and then buy the ones you taste buds like.

Also, I would increase your protein, vitamin C, D, and E now, also your folic acid.  These are all important in the healing process, so if you have a history in that area, get a jump on imcreasing those levels now.

Sharyn,

Thanks for posting the vitamin regimen. But, is that what you taking for the entire week or did you post all your vitamins for a single day?

You mention sites that cater to post-WLSers for protein powders. Where can I find a list of those sites? And, is Slim Fast considered a protein powder or should that be avoided after surgery? That's one of the brands listed on my pre-op diet but don't know about using it after surgery.

The clinic is also indicating that it's not a good idea to just stick with a liquid diet after surgery. Are the protein powders just a single meal replacement or a couple times a week usage?

Have been doing the C, D, and E for several months. Should I increase even more before surgery?

I realize you're not my Dr. and I appreciate your info. Just would like another opinion from someone who has been there. 

Ha, that's my DAILY vitamin regimen.

Try www.bariatriceating.com for some protein powder samples.  They will send you a mix of flavors and brands in single servings.

In the beginning, there is no way in hell that you will be able to get in the required 60-100 grams of protein per day.  That's why you have to supplement with a protein drink of some kind.

Personally, I still drink one SlimFast low carb shake per day.  Even at 6 years post-op I rarely get in enough protein through food alone.  Plus, it's a quick and easy breakfast for me, since I'm not big on breakfast.  I'd rather drink coffee. 

I'm not a doctor, but I am a nurse and I've "been there, done that."

Thanks so much for the link and the info. I really apprecate it.

But, I think I'd get full just taking your daily dose of vitamins. Guess I'll have to work up to that.

I was just thikling the same thing....