Getting There !!!! Finally !

If you're determined to follow their guidelines, please keep an eye on your labs and watch for downward trends yourself. All they look for is if you're range for "most people". Please watch your iron serum, ferritin, hematocrit and hemoglobin. If these markers start trending down, you'll need to address it with an iron that malabsorbers can absorb not the grocery store variety. Same thing with vitamin D3, A, K and E. You'll need the dry variety and not beta carotene for the vitamin A. Even if you don't agree with us now, please remember.

--gina
 

Thanks Major!!

 

 As for the calcium I had heard one tip in particular when I was early out that really helped me. Get the cinnamon favored chews, break them up in a baggie and carry it around. Snack on it like mints - helped me to get them down and helped with the ketosis breath. 

Glad to hear you are feeling better. Moving on in the next stages of the diet is so amazing. I never thought I would die for puddings and yogurt!! But when you can't have them, they are wonderful additions!

Glad you are starting to feel better.

Here is the schedule that I use for vitamins:

As soon as I get up I take my Iron (Bariatric Advantage Chewable)

Around an hour later(after my shower):
  1 Bariatric Advantage Multi Vitamin(Chewable)
  1 Dry D3 (Bariatric Advantage)
  1 Milk Thistle(Liver issues)
  My Allergy Pill

Two hours later - usually around 10 - 10:30 - 2 Bariatric Advantage Calcium Chews

Two hours later - usually between 1:00 and 2 - 2 Bariatric Advantage Calcium Chews

Two hours later - usually between 4 and 5 - 2 Bariatric Advantage Calcium Chews

At night right before bed - 1 Bariatric Advantage Multi Vitamin(Chewable)

This was kind of the schedule recommended by my surgeon. 

Once you get your schedule and do it for a while, it will be second nature.  The only time I get off track is when I'm on vacation and just don't keep up with the time.

I put my pills in a weekly pill container on the weekend and I'm set for the whole week - except the calcium chews - All this stays out on my counter next to my bag that I take my lunch in to work.  So it is grab and go in the morning.

Linda

Thanks for all of the advice and suggestions about the pills and vitamins.  I purchased a 2 week xlarge am and pm pill container at walmart for $5 and that truly helps to see exactly what I need to take everyday and I don't have to fiddle with the bottles and all that Jazz.   I absolutely trust my surgeon and he is adamit about vitamins and I will be going for a follow up to check levels.  However I am a little nervous that I am definitely getting the right amounts of vitamins.  I purchased all of my vitamins from Bariatric Advantage.  I have the calcium , iron, and mulitvites.  I was told not to start my iron due to constipation which we are trying to combat.  Any suggestions with that?  I am really starting to feel great.  And I am so happy I went through with it. I can't wait to get my wind back up so I can start going back to Zumba.  I have just been upgraded to the Stage 3 diet and I am overjoyed at blenderized eggs, cheese, beans, and tuna.  I am amazed at how I am not hungry and have to make a concious effort to make sure to get my protein and fluids in. You guys are so awesome! I feel like so much of this is really figuring out on your own.  I feel like I would be going through so much trial and error and I am so happy to have you all as a resource.  I am not as sick and nauseous in the mornings so I have been able to get my meds and vitamins down with no issues.  I am still learning how to sip and not take too big of gulps and bites so I don't have that uncomfortable feeling.  I will be happy when I have that down. 

Thanks 
Tiffany