Vitamins

Having WLS surgery on 8/16/05. I would like to know when you start taking vitamins. The week you are on clear liquids? Or do you wait until you are 2nd or 3rd week when your diet is pureed foods?

I am only 10 days out and I started taking my vitamins / calcium 2x per day (Viactive Chewables) the day after I came home witch was 5 days ago. I also have to take Levenox (blood thinner) for the next 10 days and Prevacid (anti ulcer) for approx 8 months. Since I had an issue with shortness of breath and oxygen going to my lungs I took the liberty of bring the IS home with me I am currently up to 2500 which is normal. Make sure you walk as much as possible immediately after surgery it really does help with the pain and gas. I thank god did not endure any pain just a very high level of discomfort. I had GOUT this week and that was brutal. dr. capella said it shouldnt return . vette

Hi All! Yvette - how're you making out with the Viactive vitamins? I'd like to take those too, instead of the Flintstone chewables - never like them as a kid! I have my pre-op visit with the surgeon on the 18th (surgery is on 8/31 -yeah!!) and I'm planning on asking him about the Viactives. I'd just like to hear it from someone who's going through this about how they are digesting. Thanks and congratulations and best wishes to both of you!

Hi Merril and good luck with your surgery today. After my sugery (VBG), the only vitamin I worried about was B-12. The follow up included vitamin B shots every 2 months after surgery. Now I take a supplement every day with my multi - vitamin. Viactiv also makes a chewable multivitamin along with calcium.

Hi Merril Godspeed on your surgery... you will be in our prayers !! I started immediately upon going home from the hospital. Different surgeons have different regimes, some have clear liquids for a week.. some for a few days... my surgeon had me on clear liquids for TWO weeks... and then pureed foods for ANOTHER two weeks. I also got a whew protein powder RIGHT away and started that after week one of clear liquids for protein. I highly recommend that until you get on your feet you use protein drinks... PROTEIN and vitamins are vital especially to avoid complications. I chew Kirkland (comparable to Flintstones) vitamins, and they have worked well for me. Because of my size (601 lbs day of surgery.. 450 now) I chew three in the morning... three at night. This was my OWN plan that I came up with.. and approved by my surgeon. MAKE SURE you check with your surgeon to ensure your getting all and enough of the vitamins you need. Okay? Godspeed, hang in there.. let us know if you need anything : ) Timmy Ray