How much iron does everyone take.  Long term.  

I am in basically the same boat.  I am 13 years out and up 35 lbs.   Did anyone write you back about some great ideas?

I'm 7 years out too as of 7/8/2015.  I'm considered a lightweight.  My doctor's goal was for me to lose 85 lbs.  I lost 70 lbs. the first year and never got to his goal.  I was so pleased with how I looked, being able to shop in the Misses dept. and being off all meds except thyroid that I didn't really try to lose any more.  My surgeon provided a lot of information prior to surgery but I didn't get the message that after that honeymoon period, you have to watch your weight just like anyone that hasn't had surgery.  My thinking was I had the surgery, didn't eat large meals so I was no longer going to gain weight.

WRONG!!  Over the years I've regained 12-15 lbs. and haven't been able to get it off.  One issue I had was grazing.  So, I put a stop to that.  I still have snacks but it's part of my overall day's food intake.  

Now, I would like to get the goal my doctor set which means losing 12-15 lbs. of regain plus 15 more lbs.  Some days I think I can and most days I'm really discouraged and feel it's not possible.  I'm thinking about going back to the surgeon although I won't actually meet with him, I will see the dietician and the exercise guru.  My PC has my blood work checked every year.

Your input would be appreciated. 

I usually post on the VSG forum, but I need a little help.  DH (Mike B) and I are further out and at goal, and we want to keep it that way. We have participated in, and co-led (for the past year) a support group since we were pre-op. Now, we are in Aurora and we need the accountability of a support group. If you know of one, please let us know.

Taking vitamins post op is a requirement. You absolutely need to take them or you will suffer consequences. It may not happen immediately, but it WILL happen. You will become weakened, bruise easily, your bones will become porous, you will become unable to think properly and confused. You could suffer serious issues that are irreversible such as heart failure. Don’t mess around with this. If you are going to have the procedure, be compliant and do it properly or don’t do it at all.

I personally take Vita4Life products and that’s all I require. I’ve been taking them since my surgery 6 years ago and I’ve always had excellent labs. I’ve never had deficiencies, but I’ve also always been compliant. Here’s my routine:

• Multi-Standard (1 in the morning, 1 at lunch, 1 at dinner, 1 at bed time)
• Calcium chelate (can be taken with iron due to chelation) (3 times per day)
• D3 (1 in the morning)
• Sublingual B-12 (1 in the evening)