Question:
I need a guide line to follow...

I am still pre-op but I am researching protein suppliments and vitamins. I really need to know what is a good guide line ie. how many carbs, calories, sugar grams, fat grams, etc should I consider as my base line? And for the vitamins I have no idea where to start. I currently just take a multivitamin, however it will be way to big after surgery and I've heard of the drops, however, it seems that most people are taking several different things. I'm keeping a spread sheet with all the information in it so please pass on any advice you have. Thanks. mk    — Michelle K. (posted on February 23, 2003)

February 23, 2003
Michelle.....here is what I take...1 multi-vitamin daily..started off with 2 flintstone chewables, and can now swallow a regular adult vitamin, like centrum...I also take 2 calcium citrates daily, once in the am and again in the pm. I also have to take a B-12 shot once every 4-6 weeks. My doctor says the shot is the best way to get the most of the vitamin B-12. Every doctor is different on what they want you to take. My doctor is a Mayo clinic doc, and I had my surgery at the Mayo hospital in Phoenix, Az. I trust him completely, and feel that with the name and reputation, I am in great hands. Oh, and my surgery was Dec. 11, 2002, and down 45 lbs so far, and feeling wonderful!! Good luck to you on your journey!
   — teresa H.

February 23, 2003
I'm 4.5 months out and I take the following supplements - 2 multivitamins per day - never with calcium - it inhibits absorption of iron, 2 vit C per day, 1 iron pill per day, 1 b-complex, 1 hair and nail vit, 1 coromega (fish oil), 1 sublingual B12, and 3 500 mg capsules of calcium/magnesium and Vit D at intervals of about 2 hours in the afternoon/evening. For food, I keep my carbs to 30-60 gm per day and avoid sugar like the plague (including milk). I get 70-90 gms of protein per day - 60 gm from protein shakes (2 per day). I don't monitor my fat grams or calories. I take as much in chewable form as possible.
   — JoAnn B.

February 23, 2003
Hey there. At the beginning you should take 2 flinstones multivitamins, 3 tums with calcium, 1 iron pill (get the coated ones/trust me) a day and a B-12 sublingual once a week. I am 3 months post-op and this is what I do: 1 One a day women multivitamin, 1 Coral Calcium pill which has 1500 mg of calcium and I also take 1 iron pill (coated). I eat between 500-600 calories a day and some would say I am nuts but at 3 months that is all I can really eat. Fat grams is anywhere from 15-20g per day, Carbs between 25-50g depending on my day but most of the carbs come from veggies and salads. Bread, pasta and potatoes get me very sick. Loved them pre-op. Protein, I try for 60 a day if I am lucky by having my protein bar and I really try to eat shrimp, chicken, cheese, turkey etc. Even my burgers are made from chicken or turkey chopped meat. They have lots of protein in them. I also love those Boca burgers, chicken veggie patties and egg beaters rather than regular eggs. As far as sugar is concerned I stay away from it. Only if it says sugar free is when I will buy something depending on the fat grams also. Splenda or sweet n' low are good sugar substitutes, so stick to them. Good Luck to you. If you need anything further e-mail me.
   — Regina C.

February 23, 2003
I'm pretty structured in what I take. I hit the basic 8 that RNY malabsorb, but at this time, the doses are customized to my latest labs. I do protein shakes (my doc insists &* it's my prefrence), iron that is NOT ferrous sulfate form with vit C (any); if you never touch a Tums it'll be too soon--they can really do us some serious damage, stick with calcium CITRATE, 2000mg. Personally, I use a capsule and a pwder now. Vites, A, D, E & zinc. I'm not a chewer or lozenger person, so my B12 is by shot. I am testedd accordingly, study my labs and tweak. I want maximum thin, maximum health. I avoid milk & sugar, but that's all. I eat small portions of normla foods. The first year was 6 one oz meals per day. After the first week or so, the swallow pills went just fine
   — vitalady

February 24, 2003
Some of it depends on which surgery you're planning on getting. There are different malabsorbtion rates with different surgeries - or even different rates between the subcatagories within a type of surgery (between distal and proximal RNY, for instance). So, have your chosen your surgery/surgeon?
   — Julie R.