Question:
Want feedback on vitamins and time to take them.

A few years ago I was depleted of iron, so my PCP put me on prescription iron and B12 shots. After taking that iron for several years, my liver developed blisters, so had to stop taking that. I am DESPARATE to find out exactly what kind of vitamins post-op WLSer's are taking AND how/time they are taking them. Thanks!    — Betty Todd (posted on January 5, 2011)

January 5, 2011
I take a chewable multi from Bariatric Fusion - 1 four times a day. I also take a sublingual B12 from Bariatric Advantage - 1 in the morning. Then there is the chewable iron from Bariatric Fusion 20mg - 1 in the morning. To be fair, I am about 15 mos out and still drink protein @ least twice a day. I use protein from Baritric Advantage, 1/2 banana ( for texture and potassium, ice, and often vitamin water zero (still more vitamins & minerals) all blended -- YUMMY but the protein has a lot of the vitamins & minerals in it. Yet with all this, I too am iron deficient. My doctors have run every test known and it seems that, in my case it has nothing to do with how much iron I get (I get plenty) but since the surgery there is something preventing me from absorbing and using it. I am going on scheduled infusions to treat the symptoms. -x- jen
   — Jeanette Hagar

January 5, 2011
Im not sure were you live but if there is a trader joes around were you live, they carry a protein shake that will help you alot with not only protein intake (45g of protein per shake)but it will help you with extra vitamin intake...if you have been dealing with this iron issue for a while and from the looks of you it you have been, you might have to start having iron infusions in order to help with this problem....dont let it go any farther talk to your doctor and start them as soon as you can...my sister in law has been on them for years already and they help her tremendously...good luck
   — Jovanna P.

January 7, 2011
I am pre-surgery and had a very recent consult with the dietician. The iron issue did come up and here's what she recommended for me, "Citri-Cal (generic, small tablets, cut into fourths) 1.5 tabs 3 times per day Centrum Chewables (NOT Silver - it has no iron) 2 tablets AT NIGHTIME The acid in the Citri-cal prevents the absorption of the Iron is why they are not to be taken together. Bariatric Advantage is an awesome supplier but less expensive items can be purchased from Sams, Costco, and Wal-mart that are equally effective. For example, Spring Valley B-12 Sublingual dots." Thought I'd get this posted while the info was still fresh. :-) Hope it helps!
   — Ruthie D.