Need nutritional/vitamin help-4 yrs post op

I am 4 yrs post op and originally lost 137 lbs, started exercising regularly, playing tennis and training for a 180 mile bike-a-thon.  I injured my back the end of 2009 and was not allowed any exercise until recently and have gained back about 20 lbs. But I am listening to my body as far as exercise goes. Before my surgery, I met with a nutritionist 1 time who only gave me information for diet and activity immediately following surgery. I find myself not only craving, but also absentmindedly eating junk (chips, candy, pizza, etc).  I don't get dumping syndrome unless I consume large amounts of sugar or highly acidic citrus. I have a VERY stressful personal life which has resulted in 5 hospitalizations for ulcers (2 of which I was in ICU and had to have blood transfusions)- the doctor says my ulcers are 'stress induced'. I also went through a period of heavy alcohol consumption for 2 of those 4 years (completely alcohol free now, but I know it stretched my pouch). During my pre-op consultation, I was simply told to eat right, exercise and take plenty of vitamins and that I would have to crush all vitamins and pills larger than the very tip of a very small eraser. I do all this faithfully, but find myself constantly feeling more tired when I wake up, fatigued and lethargic, lack of energy, irritable (EXTREMELY) and very forgetful. I take the following vitamins daily along with prevacid for my stomach:
Centrum Multi-Vit
B12-1000mcg pill
Stress B-Complex
Biotin- 1000mcg
Iron-60 mg
Acai Berry Supplement

Diet consists of whatever I'm fixing the family or nothing at all, and NO I'm not drinking my protien shakes anymore since I am now lactose intolerant after my surgery. I have difficulty processing red meats, but I eat a lot of poultry and fish.

I drink plenty of fluids though (although the first 24 oz is my morning coffee).

Does anyone out there have a basic eating plan and a list of the minimum vitamins/supplements I should be taking?  Please don't suggest I go see my doctor or a nutritionist as I am not currently employed, have no insurance and my husband just started a new shutdown job which provides no benefits.

First off, you've come to the right place asking for help.  Secondly, alcohol does not stretch your pouch but it can lead to cross adddictions and add unncecssary calories to your daily intake so I'm glad you are alcohol free.

I'm 3.5 years out from RNY and at goal so let me tell you what I do:

Vitamins:
WM version of adult Centrum (Swallow it whole-I don't crush any of my pills)
Sublingual B-12-2500 mcg/day (your's is probably plenty)
Super B complex
Zinc-50 mg day
Vitamin C-one chewable daily (500mg I think)
Citracal Petite Calcium (MUST be citrate, not carbonate) 2 every day.
Vitamin D-2000mcg/day
I do not take iron cuz my levels are good.

When is the last time you had you labs done?  They should be done every 6 months.

I eat approx 1200 calories a day.  I focus on LEAN SOLID PROTEIN so it keeps me full longer.  In order to lose weight, go back to the basics-WATER-at least 64 oz a day.  No drinking for 30 min after meals, solid protein first, avoid slider foods that get digested too quickly and don't leave you feeling full.  CLEAN all the JUNK out of the house-if it's around, you'll be tempted.  I keep a snack basket that contains snacks that are 100-150 calories each and PLAN them into my day.  The key is to plan your meals, log your food and be accountable for everything that goes into your mouth.  Back to basics...you CAN do it.  (Hope this helps).

Great response Stephanie...it's good to see you are doing so great!  Happy Day!

Stephanie is giving you great advice!! I had my surgery the same day she did (diferent hospital!) In order to decarb your system and help you get back to basics the 5 day pouch test has had very positive feedback from those who have done it including me. Just google it, start on a Monday and go for it!! Carbs can decrease your energy unless balanced with protein. You also may try upping your iron and drink less caff or increase your water, drink 1 additional ouce of water per ounce of caff you drink and you should drink at least 1oz of water per gram of protein you eat . Helps prevent kidney stones! They hurt like a biotch!!! You can find lactose free protein drinks check out Vitamin shop.com and I think worldwide pure protein drinks might be lactose free but not sure! Eggface .com has fabulouse recipies and meal plans to!

Join us here on the accountability thread everymorning done by Paige, it will help keep you just that...accountable. Let us know if you have any other questions! Oh, BTW, please excuse my spelling I am really tired tonight !!

 

Meggie