Question:
What vitamin can I take that is not chewable? I want to swallow a pill

I am 7 weeks post op and very sensitive to any artifical sweetners. Anything with them seems to make me gag. I need to swallow a vitamin---I have not had any and I am worried. I also am eating very little, just looking at food makes me full and queasy! I am concerned about not getting protein. Help!    — sherylc (posted on July 25, 2004)

July 25, 2004
Check out Vitalady.com As for swallowing a vitamin, be very very careful and make sure that cut it up into very very small pieces before swallowing. I got a cut up piece stuck once and it was the most excruciating pain I have ever experienced. Personally, I use the Flinstones Complete chewables. <G> As for protein, I get most of mine from vitalady.com
   — coffenut

July 25, 2004
I take Nutrinate (prenatal - prescription) chewables. They were the first vitamins I could tolerate. I think they're great.
   — jengrz

July 25, 2004
I started on regular vitamins at 4 weeks out. No way was I taking chewables. They stain my teeth. LOL. I took whole calcium pills after the first week and was fine.
   — mrsmyranow

July 26, 2004
Centrum, One-a-Day, Swiss Herbal, Jamieson and store brands. There are many multi-vites to choose from at your local stores like wallmart, target, drug stores and health food stores, GNC. You don't have to order on-line. Read the labels and compare ingredients/milligrams, the list should include minerals and iron as well as vitamins. I don't think there are any artificial sweeteners in regular swallow vites, they would not be necessary since you won't actually 'taste' them. They should not be time released or heavily coated. You should get a full set of lab work on your blood at the end of week 8 to see if you need additional supps like b-12 shots, extra iron, potassium. For protein, the unflavoured shakes made with milk or water are probably your best bet for the first few months until you can 'eat' your protein requirements. With unflavored whey protein, you can add mashed fruit, sf flavours from Davinci, coco powder and spenda, sf applesauce and cinnamon, mashed peaches and a pinch of cloves or a drop of vanilla. There are so many things you could add to protein, use your imagination and don't worry about a few calories from fruit. Fruit is not evil, it's good for your body. If you use a blender for your protien drinks, they could be like a 'slushy' or a 'frosty' depending if you use milk or water to make them, don't forget the ice. :)
   — mary ann T.

July 26, 2004
Go to Walgreens and get their in-house brand of Multi-vitamins plus iron. The bottle has 365 tablets and they are the perfect size to swallow. They were only $7.99 for a year's supply.
   — Savanah26

July 26, 2004
Just wanted to let you know that there is a sugar-free chewable vitamin. I take Bugs Bunny Complete, it says sugar free right on the box. It comes in a blue box.
   — stacjean

August 11, 2004
I am also about 7 weeks post opt and cannot tolerate sweetners. I'm taking Centrem Plus and I'm cheap. So I've decided when it's time to take them, cut them in half and swallow 1/2 each with water. Seems to be more bearable.
   — so2luv