Good Morning. Now, about your vitamins

They are non-negotiable.  Can I hear an Amen?

They are your security blanket for a healthy life. Yes?

They may be where you get most of your nutrition since we as WLS patients malabsorb and mal-digest. Right?

What are they to you...other than a PITA? lol

Have a great Friday, y'all!

--gina

One thing I've learned over the years is that health is everything!  I've not missed a dose of my vitamins since surgery and had started a routine even before.  I'm afraid that I could easily slip into fatigue from the consequences of not taking them, and I hate that feeling.

AMEN, Sister!  If staying healthy means taking a few pills a day for the REST OF MY LIFE ... I can do that.  And it was understood before I had my surgery that vitamins are a mandatory part of my post-op life. 

Kay

Love my vites, my nails are long, my hair is coming back into shape and my skin seems better (my rosacea has diminished) and I knew coming into this that my vites and I were in for a life long relationship.
Now the only real PITA is the prescription iron! lol Thank goodness for miralax!

I don't know if I was off them for long enought to really even notice when they took me off for surgery, but I sure did miss them.  They are such a part of my routine now and there is some odd comfort in seeing my BIG weekly pill box all stuffed with good stuff.  Every morning, every night and my calcuim chew and B12 right here at the computer.  Works for me.

AMEN.
Love the "security blanket" comment, Gina.
Taking my vitamins reminds me I'm not taking insulin anymore.

Thank you Gina...

I have recently begun taking my calcium again.  I quit taking the full amount, or not at all, for most of last year.  I have never been able to resolve my constipation issues - not with softeners or Miralax.  I have to give myself enemas or take laxatives.  Several months ago, it had to be digitally removed.  So...i just quit taking calcium.  This issue weighs heavily on my mind all the time. 

I have started again because my teeth became sensitive all of a sudden.  I am going to have a really serious conversation with my surgeon about this.  Maybe I should see a gastroenterologist.  I just don't know.  I'm good with my other vitamins, but have never been placed on any iron supplements.

I have the same problem and boy it can make life miserable!   It's a little better since I got my gall bladder out but I still struggle.   I tried the Miralax and it did'nt work for me either.  I was taking a Colace every day but then I switched to the Walmart brand and I don't know what's different about it but it actually works for me and it is super cheap.

What is the name of the Walmart brand.  What is Colace?  I've seen the name but am not familiar with it.  I'll try it...I'll try anything.  I worry I am becoming dependant on laxatives and enemas.

Colace is a stool softner and this is the brand name. There are many generic brands. Look for products that say, "docusate succinate." If constipation is a major issue, you should probably take a couple/day, on a regular basis. It is relatively inexpensive and doesn't have the stimulant quality that laxatives have. Also, glycerin suppositories are helpful and better than enemas. Magnesium Oxide has been recommended to take along with the calcium and there are some formulations that contain it (see Vitalady for one).

Constipation is a PITA, but it can be dealt with effectively. Much better to use stool softners, Mag Oxide, and suppositories than to lose all your teeth and/or develop osteoporosis.

Check with your PCP, who probably deals with this on a daily issue. This isn't really an issue for the surgeon.

Gail