paying for bariatric protein shakes and vitamins

I know this is probably a frequent question, but I am wondering if there are any suggestions regarding ways to cut costs for bariatric protein shakes and vitamins.

I'm a grad student right now, so instead of having money I OWE money, big time.  I can only work a few hours a week because of my classes and internship, and the only way I get groceries now is because I receive Food Stamps. The only reason I'm able to get the surgery is because I have a Medicaid managed care HMO, so there is no costs for me, and with all my co-morbidities it's more costly to "leave me fat" than to help me lose weight! However, Food Stamps won't cover bariatric protein shakes, even though they are the major "meal" after surgery and a primary source of nourishment.  Furthermore, Medicaid won't cover such products either.  

The only thing I have found thus far that might help is if I can get a prescription for Fleming Pharmaceutical's "ProBarimin QT" and maybe Medicaid would pay for it because it's medically necessary.  I know it's not the greatest bariatric vitamin and I'd have to take 2x the recommended dose but I don't see how I could afford any of the other bariatric vitamins!  

I did hear from somewhere that Bariatric Advantage has a program to help people get their vitamins - apparently your surgeon fills out a form for them.  Has anyone heard anything about this?

Does anybody know of anything else that might help cut costs or help pay for bariatric shakes and vitamins?

Many manufacturers have programs to help people who cannot afford their products... I would say draft a letter outlining your situation and send it to some of the companies and see what happens.  It doesnt hurt and its a write off for the company on their taxes.  :)  Good luck...

you say you get food stamps... there are some protein shakes that you can get on food stamps  if you go to the USDA web site it clearly explains as long it has a nutrition label and not a  supplement label you can get the protein powder on your food stamps! I found mine at krogers  it is designer whey  protein it has 18g of protein  200 mg of calcium and only 2 g of fat i by mine at krogers it rings up as a cash purchase but if you print the statement from the usda website and show it to a manager they have to give it to you on your stamps that is how i get mine As far as the vitamins I am still working on that myself i usally get some when the drugstores have them onsale buy 1 get 1 free. Hope that helps.

 Carnation sugar free instant breakast  mixed with fat free yogurt fits the bill ... and besides that ..you wont' need much..I save a ton on food now ... check with meltingmama for special deals and samples too... 
Also wall marts protein powder is yummy and super cheap... so be a good shopper and youc can deal with it.