Supplements.

Hey guys.  I haven't been on here for awhile.  Life got crazy real quick for a long time.  But I'm back.  I went from 497# to 315# or from a 5XL shirt & 60 waist to a 3XL shirt and 50 waist.  My op was back in March 2007.  Anyway I've been off my supplements for a couple of months and forgot my routine.  So I was wondering if someone could help tell me how often to take those iron, calcium citrate, b-12, and protein shakes again.  I know to take the b-12 right when I get up but I forget the rest.  =| Zed

Welcome back to the board Zeb.  Whether you've been on-track or not, you've managed to get some decent results thus far.  One certainly can't complain about losing an average of 18+ pounds per month.  So, congratulations to you on your loss so far...clearly the surgery is working as designed, but it will only get you so far.  The rest is up to you! Okay, enough kumbaya!   Now I'll step up on the soapbox.  Zeb never again should you ever let yourself get into the position where you've "forgot" your routine.  Supplementation is not negotiable under any cir****tances which is something all surgeons and their programs stress.  What you'll find here on the board is several variations of protein and supplementation - but regardless of what the fellas are taking or the amounts, the one thing that's the same for everyone (or at very least the overwhelming majority) is they take them EVERYDAY.  It's a lifelong commitment. What do I use daily: 100 - 150 grams of protein (up to 200 grams during heavy weight training) Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) Zinc & Magnesium (sometimes separately, sometimes in ZMA form at night) Biotin Calcium Citrate Multi-vitamin - high potency (twice daily) The zinc, magnesium and biotin is personal preference - the rest are according to surgeons guidelines. In addition I self-inject B-12 once every two weeks.  I also drink energy drinks typically on workout days for an extra boost and most of these are high in both B-6 and B-12.  Excess B-12 will be expelled during urination. The best advice I can give you is to call your surgeons office.  Every reputable bariatric program provides it's patients with a listing of supplements and suggested amounts prior to and after surgery.  Last, in addition to the protein and supplements the best way to maximize results is regular fitness routine.  Proper supplementation and exercise (a combination of cardio and resisitance) will raise your metabolism to optimum levels that will help you sustain your weight loss and get you to goal. Best wishes! Cards Fan loseSMART!  loseSTRONG!

Yeah, What CF said… My only difference from his regimen is I also take a Poly-Iron 150 4 days a week, No additional Biotin (my Multi-has it) and I only inject the B-12 once a month. My Calcium Citrate has a mega-D dose with it too. I also take a NADH /Carnitine / Acetyl-l-carnitine, (in combination), a Coenzyme Q10, and an Alpha-lipoic acid.  These I take 3 days a week. Super Lab-work, and great energy for over 4 ½ years. I rely nearly completely on food (meat) for my protein, and rarely supplement with additional protein except some SlimFastLowCarbVanillaCream in my coffee. I’ve seen to many folks over the years who started missing their vitamins also start having problems. It’s like the Nike ad- “Just Do It!” Best Wishes- Dx