Question:
Is it a good idea to start taking vitamins, protein & B12 before your surgery?

I will be having surgery May 28, 2003 and have already started taking vitamins, B12, and protein drinks. Will this help my body in the healing process after surgery if I am already taking them? I am hoping that it will make my body just a little healthier and maybe not have some of the problems I hear about-like hair loss, etc.    — Toni W. (posted on April 4, 2003)

April 4, 2003
The vitamins sure won't hurt, but protein has to be replaced daily. You can't store it up.
   — SarahC

April 4, 2003
Actually, I've heard that there are surgeons who recommend their patients use protein shakes as pre-ops, in the belief that they'll heal up better from having used the protein shakes. I'm a protein shake believer, having had another (non-WLS) surgery at four months post-op which I'm sure I recovered from much faster because of my protein shake regime (can't prove it though, of course). I think it's a great idea that you're getting your vitamin and protein regime in place now, even though you may need to make some adjustments as a post-op for tolerance, texture, taste changes, etc. later (or not!).
   — Suzy C.

April 4, 2003
Yes, you can protein load. Many docs are recommending it these days. We "knit together" better with a good load of protein on board. You can surely take a multi and up to 2000mg vit C. Unless your B12 is low, there's not really any benefit in taking it now, but no harm, either. The other thing to check is your iron level. If it's on the low end of normal, a low dose of non-ferrous sulfate iron (taken with C) can also give you that "edge" in healing.
   — vitalady

April 4, 2003
What did your surgeon and dietician say when you asked them before posting this question?
   — dianehanson

April 4, 2003
I've been taking my vits since the very day I had my consult...just got my b-12 tho....It can't hurt to go in as healthy as we can get....Go for I say...Jamie
   — Jamie M.

April 4, 2003
I doubt many MOs are undernourished... Just look at the volume we can eat. In all that we cant be missing too much. But taking vitamins pre op is good if they make you sick. They always made me ill and I avoided them. Had tough time getting used to them as a post op. I should of done it pre op.
   — bob-haller

April 5, 2003
Hi, I am pre-op and taking my vitamins, b-12, calcium, vit C and drinking more water and trying to cut out caffeine and carbonated beverages - My thoughts are that this can't hurt and it will make the adjustment to post op that much easier as we are starting a habit.
   — laura J.

April 5, 2003
I agree that you should start talking vitamins now. Bob, don't forget, many people become MO because of poor eating habits, and UNHEALTHY foods...In addition, lots of MO people, including myself (before I had surgery)..I didn't eat crap, maybe once or twice a day, and not that much at that...it was the years BEFORE that made me MO. Anyway, YES, take vitamins, it won't hurt, and good luck with your surgery!
   — thekatinthehat