need grad input please

Ok--there is someone on the main board trying to find out info on vitamist. http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/messageboard/postdetail/1452895.html?vc=0 I posted my thoughts and someone else has responded that I shouldn't knock it til I tried it because his labs are great. His surgery date was 7-20-05 Do any of you have any advice you can offer the original poster? Thanks

Lynda, What their labs are showing is their storehouses right now. We hold about 3 months worth of nutrients in our system. It is after the first 3-4 months that we start really using thoses storehouses up...ever wonder why the hair starts coming out at about 3 months? then we supplement and supplement so it stops at about 9 months? here's that 3 cycle that I talk about all the time to my group, but anyway, tell them to show you their labs at one year out.... Vitamist is ok for short term, I wouldn't recommend for long term, but is better than nothing... Darlene

Fantastic Reply Darlene - I didn't know that but it explains a lot. I was told vitamins need to lay in our intestines in certain places to be absorbed - hence the B-12 sublingual, because we no longer have that part of our intestine where it's absorbed. I was also told that the chewables being in small pieces when they hit the intestine are more redily absorbed and that's why most new post ops are put on chewables-that and the size difference in swallowing a pill. I think the vitamins in mist form are a waste of time - I was told just because someone advertises on OH, doesn't mean they're endorsed by Obesity Help. Thanks.

My doc told me that our "pre-surgical" storage of vitamins can affect labs up to a year -- and longer if we were "healthy eaters" and took vitamins before surgery. Beyond a year we are relying on the vitamins taken in post surgery (food and supplements). Deb

I wouldn't want to chance mine, as I know I was not a healty eater and took vitamins.....if I was a healty eater I probably wouldn't have needed the surgery..... Now all docs are different, and all people are different....so by telling me that my labs and such should be good for a year, as blonde as I am, I wouldn't take anything for a year....have to remember he is working on my stomach, not my logic.... Now, if they did labs on Ice cream in the system, bread, etc....I would be in great shape.... Darlene

I read your post over there and agreed with you completely - I can't understand how someone can think that misting something in their throat is going to replace a good multivitamin especially when we don't absorb all that well to begin with. It's like spraying nose spray up your nostril to treat a corn on your foot - kinda defeats the purpose for me. Just wanted to say thanks for your reply - I hope they thought twice about buying them.

Is it not the same as nasal sprays? we absorb them, same as spray mists in mouth. I still do childrens chewables, but I do know that the Vitamist is used by many with fine results. Please keep in mind that there is no one size fits all vitamin. Many people have written up things about Isotonix also, there are those that swear by them, same as VistaVitamins and Bariatric Advantage. Vendors will tout their products, it's their job... I say try them all and find what fits you...not cause joe blow told you good or bad. Good vitamins don't have to be expensive.... Darlene (wearing my suit)

Lynda , I take a prenatal 2 x a day .. And use Vitamist . My labs are awesome . Do I contribute it to Vitamist .. who knows .. All I know is what could it hurt . We all know that absorbtion is the key here .. and depending on your surgery type as to how much . I did not get mine from OH .. I was introduced to them at my support group meeting . I do find that 8 quick sprays when I am feeling sluggish.. perks me up . Not sure if it is the Vitamist .. but what can it hurt . So in saying that ... I will spray and take my Natals ... Hugs Natalie

Natalie--I think what you say is key--you are using it to supplement your other vitamins. I just don't think they should be used alone--let me restate that--I wouldn't trust them alone for ME. I really wanted to see facts from them and they were not able to produce them and I still haven't seen any. Have you?

Lynda, Hang in there! I agree totally with you. BUT, I have a twist to this topic that I need to ask. When I had my WLS 4 years ago, my surgeon (Vanderbilt specialist) initally told me to take Flinstones chewable vitamins for the first 3 months. I did, although those are the most foul things I have EVER had! Then I was allowed to take "grown up" vitamins. So, I have been taking One-A-Day for 4 years now. My blood work is pretty good. I am anemic and my potassium dips periodically, but otherwise, I fall within the "ranges" on the low end. Here is the dilemma. This has happened twice lately. (Thank God we can talk about this stuff here). I have noticed my vitamin, fully intact, in my stool. I am soooooo sorry if this grosses anyone out!! I am concerned about this. If it takes 3 months for labs to show a decline in levels, then maybe there is trouble down the road for me. I guess I need to know if there are vitamins out there for WLS folks that are quick dissolving. I loath the chewables!! Any suggestions???? I am off to school, see you this afternoon. Cheryl