Out of Pocket Costs....

I don't know off hand how much I spend in supplements, but it's hard when some bottles last a month, some just over 3.  Depends on the brand you need, and the quantity you buy.  Some mulitvitimins bothered my tummy, so I can't use those.

As someone said, Thrift Stores become your best friend while you lose the majority of your weight.  And don't buy a lot at any one size until you have stablized.  You grow out of clothes quicker than kids do.  And you can get good stuff at Thrift Stores or clothing swaps (sometimes held by support groups).  Or online yardsales such as kijiji.  Oh, and be prepared to change shoe sizes.  You lose weight everywhere.

Cathy

I can't wait to change shoe sizes!!!!  Even when I was thin my feet were largish (size 10).  I'll be so thankful to be able to shop for normal shoes again -- this is a HUGE nsv that I'm waiting for.

Thank you so much for your replies.  I thought it would be pretty much even out in my mind because I wouldn't be buying the junk anymore etc. Plus way less food. I need to get a Costco membership for sure! 

If you are a Costco member you can buy most of the Vitamins you need there and they will last you a lot longer than 1 month. I just bought a container of Multi-Vitamins it has like 360 pills for like $15.00. It may cost you more up front but less in the long run. They also sell Premier Protein Shakes which I was found the most tolerable so far they are 26.99 for 18 shakes and they only come in Chocolate. Hope the information was helpful.

I find my food cost have went up too, more meat which is much more expensive and veggies too. All together our expenses have increased by 195 per mth. My iron alone is 60 per mth.

I used Premier protein for the first few months, but I didn't eat a whole lot else so the cost was moot. I don't eat fast food anymore, that was very expensive and overall my food costs are down even though I eat much more fresh product, good quality meats, eggs and nice cheese now. Costco is my friend for the majority of my supplements as well. It's good to be aware of the different costs but I think overall it should not make a significant dent in your budget.

vitamins do not cost me a lot. I am over 2 years post op and my levels have always been quite good (aside from my folate and B12 being high at 2 years) Easier to take less vitamins than try to compensate by taking more lol.. I buy a big bottle of adult advanced equate brand vitamins, big bottles of calcium citrate (Rexall has them often at buy one get one FREE so I stock up) and vitamin D3 (which is VERY cheap at Costco - maybe $8 for 2 bottles of over 100 - i could be wrong on the price and quantity though)... on average I bet it costs me $10/month for vitamins. 

As for protein supplments, other than the initial case of premier shakes I bought newly post op, I do not supplement protein. I get it from real food (lots of chick, beef, fish, cheese, etc...)