Question:
HELP! MY SURGERY IS 2/19: WHAT VITAMINS AND PROTEIN SHAKES DO I USE?

Hi! My surgery is in 10 days.. and my Surgeon recommends Centrum Liquid for vitamins. I've know there are sooo many out there. I was wondering what ones are the best immediate post-op? Also, what about protein shakes? What's the best ones? Where do I get them? Any info would be helpful.. thanks!!    — Deena C. (posted on February 9, 2003)

February 9, 2003
Hi Deena, First of all, Congrats on your upcoming surgery!! Sounds like you are a bundle of pre-op nerves. Don't worry, everything will fall into place as time goes on. I just knew I would mess this up but I am 6 months out, down 90 lbs and doing great!! I use OPtimum Pro Complex shakes. They have 270 calories and 55 grams of protein. I order mine from the internet. You can get them at GNC but they are nearly double the price there. My surgeon didn't have me start them until I was 2 wks out. Email me if you want, I will be more than happy to help you any way I can. Good Luck!! Sharon
   — Sharon1964

February 9, 2003
My surgery is tomorrow and I have been doing the protein shakes for awhile now. My surgeon's office has the best. But also i have found one I REALLY like at Walmart. It is called EAS Advant edge. and it comes in strawberry cream, and two kinds of choclate. The chocolate is fab. I put peanut butter and a little banana and a little coolwhip in mine. They are yummy and in a four pack for about 5.86. You can also order samples from www.vitalady.com to see what you like before you drop a lot of money on something you might not like. She is also a great source for post-op vitamins and soooo reasonably priced. Hope this helps. also remember your calcuim must be calcuim citrate not carbonate. Good luck on your surgery!
   — Delores S.

February 9, 2003
good luck with the surgery! i am 6 weeks post op and take 2 flintstone vitamins daily (chewable), 4 tums, and i add pro cell to my yogurt or soup each day. i could not tolerate the shakes. good kuck!
   — nan K.

February 9, 2003
I use ProCel too, on occasion. I've also used UpCalD. What I like about them is that they really don't have much flavor. They can be mixed into Crystal Light, watered down juice, etc. without affecting the flavor. Something to keep in mind, though, is that everyone's taste is different. What I absolutely love, you may hate. The other thing is that what you like pre-op you may find disgusting post-op. One of the suggestions I would have is to order some samples from vitalady (www.vitalady.com). The samples are one serving's worth and are fairly inexpensive. That way you haven't invested a whole lot. You can try them after your surgery and then order more of the ones you like.
   — garw

February 9, 2003
Deeana, I know how you feel! Before my surgery I went nutso (and broke!) making sure I had everything I would need post op. I had the bpd/ds, so I even had to order some vitamins online (ADEKS-expensive), I ordered protein sample packs from vitalady.com. Well, to make a long story short, for the first few weeks I could not take anything but a multivitamin (small one-a-day). I'm on blood thinners and still can't take my ADEKS, and I still CANNOT drink/eat protein powder - just the smell grosses me out! 10yrs ago, I used to live on protein shakes! Anyhow, the moral of my story is: get the things you need in small amounts (i.e., don't buy the jumbo box-even if it is cheaper!) - worry about the other stuff after you are a few weeks out. I do recommend the sample packs from vitalady.com, atleast you won't spend a fortune and waste it! GOOD LUCK!!! Anne f / bpd/ds 11/11/02 Dr. Husted -55lbs
   — Anne F.