Question:
Is there another protein supplement like RealMeals that have the

vitamins that we need post-op in them? I am really looking into Real Meals because they have almost all the vitamins in them that we need, and this would cut down a lot on the excess other vitamins that we'd need to take. I am not wanting to pay $50-$60 a month for supplements/vitamins or supplements and vitamins. I work nightshift and am on 4 medications now that I forget to take a lot of the time. I don't see how I can take 4-6 different pills at different times thruout day and eat and drink too. I am on a different schedule every day, and just don't think I could get in everything I need as far as all the vitamins go. I hope this is making sense. I don't want the most expensive thing out there, but want something good in the least amt of pills. The cheapest I have found on RealMeals is $39.99 and I am sure there will be shipping too. RealMeals comes in packs of 20. What do you do about the other 10 days in the month? I think I will be taking the new vitamins from the RealMeals site that are $9.71 a month. They have several nutrients that we need in them. Sorry to be so long winded.... Just trying to make sense of this prior to surgery. Thanks for any and all comments.    — bufordslipstick (posted on January 7, 2004)

January 6, 2004
Just a thought - before I had surgery I was a little overwhelmed at the costs of protein supplements, vitamins, calcium, etc. Guess what?! I was surprised to find that I spent SO much less on food that by the time I bought my supplements and stuff I STILL had money left over! I was amazed. I use Real Meals and their vitamins too and have been very happy with them. Best wishes!!
   — ronascott

January 7, 2004
Hi. I started out with the Real Meals shakes and sucked up the cost. But you still have to mix them and from your schedule you might need ready made drinks. The Atkins Shakes and the EAS shakes are avaiable at Wal-Mart and have 15-20 grams of protein per shake. You can also eat the detour protein bars later on in your recovery and they are also available at Wal-Mart. Check around for different ideas on protein.
   — natjemison

January 7, 2004
Hi. I started out with the Real Meals shakes and sucked up the cost. But you still have to mix them and from your schedule you might need ready made drinks. The Atkins Shakes and the EAS shakes are avaiable at Wal-Mart and have 15-20 grams of protein per shake. You can also eat the detour protein bars later on in your recovery and they are also available at Wal-Mart. Check around for different ideas on protein.
   — natjemison

January 7, 2004
All you need to take is a good multi-vitamin. They do not have to be expensive. I use Unjury protein powder which comes to about $1 a day for one serving. 1serving=20grams of protein. I mix it with 6 ounces of skim milk so I get 26 grams of protein a day which is half my needed intake for protein. I take 1 to 2 calcium pills a day, which for a bottle of 90 was $10 at GNC. Bottle of vitamins cost about the same. You do not have to spend TONS of money to get what you need in. I personally do not like anything about RealMeals. Be sure to do your homework before buying. :) You might even want to ask about RealMeals on the main message board. Good luck!
   — TheresaC

January 7, 2004
$10 a month for vitamins sounds expensive. You can get them on sale at Sav-On/Osco type places for $6 and those usually last at least 2 months for me. I would not rely on the shakes to get your vitamins in. A lot of people don't use them much after the first month or so.
   — mrsmyranow

January 7, 2004
Theresa C, What do you mean about asking about the Real Meals on the main msg board/Screen (not sure which word you used) - I don't understand?? I don't want to overdose on vitamins/minerals, but I know we need calcium, iron, multivitamin, b-12 and have read on this msg board that Michelle Curran feels that we need dry vitamin K,D, and E (I think). I really have a lot of respect for Michelle, as she is a long post-op and is very knowledgable and a great source of info to many. In taking all of these vitamins, the iron needs to be taken w/Vit C, the calcium has to be taken 2 hrs after meals 2-3x every day ect..., sublingual or shots of B-12 and on and on. It would be easier if I worked days, but I don't. I just want to take everything I will possibly need to stay healthy and have my labs good after surgery. Thanks for all of your responses and you all are a big help!! I am getting excited. My journey is about to begin.........
   — bufordslipstick

January 7, 2004
Rebecca-- I also used RealMeals and like it. I don't understand your question about what to do the rest of the month after you've used the 20 pack. It would be just like anything else..you get more. As time progresses you MAY not need to supplement your protein all of the time because you'll be able to eat foods higher in protein and more volume...thereby getting more protein through foods & using less protein supplements. Please do not be fooled into thinking that just because you like something pre-op that you'll like it post-op also. There have been far too many people who've had a drastic change in likes/dislikes to make that assumption. Ready made drinks are great for convenience, but I have yet to find one I like at all. I worked shift work for 15 years so I know what kind of strain it puts on your schedule & your body's clock. It is still very possible to make your protein drinks at your job IF you have the facilities available to do so. It may require some finagling on your part, but it is definitely do-able. You just have to make the committment. Please do NOT beat yourself up for not being able to do things 100% right 100% of the time. It is important to follow the rules to the best of your ability & be honest about it. I do not get in 100% of my protein in EVERY SINGLE DAY...but I do pretty darn good and it has become part of my routine. You will be amazed how your life will change as long as you stay committed. Please don't expect WLS to be a cure. After reading your profile, I think you are well informed about the conscious lifestyle changes that will be necessary. You will do great! Just keep thinking optimistically & working toward what's best for YOU! Take care!!
   — Diane S.

January 7, 2004
My dietician recommends Nestle NuBasics. You get 9 grams of protien and 250 calories and 33 grams of carbs. It might sound like a lot, but if that's your only intake, it should be OK. This is what we have to live on the first 2 weeks after surgery. I have Kaiser insurance and they sell NuBasics in the cafeteria for $14 a case. It's pretty good tasting, too. They have chocolate, strawberry and vanilla and also an apple or berry juice drink. I hope you can find something that works for you.
   — NewJoolz

January 7, 2004
Hi there! I dont think that it would be easier to take your vitamins if you worked days. I think you should take them at night - when you are awake at work - just as you would if you worked day shift. Trust me, you dont want to take multivitamins and then try to sleep! lol...at least that doesnt work for me! As far as the posters comments on posting a question on the message boards abouy real meals - I think that has to do with the large amount of controversy on this website about realmeals, their claims of success, and dishonesty in advertising....at least that is what I have read over the last few months. I am only 3 weeks out and this really is not that complicated. My doc doesnt have us taking calcium until at least 3 months out. You just can not take large pills for a good amount of time after surgery - your new tummy can not handle it. So, all meds and vites will come in stages. Relax and enjoy the ride. YOu will be lucky if you can get a whole protein shake in - in the beginning. Everything in stages and the stress is decreased! Good luck!
   — MissKimberly

January 8, 2004
I have used Real meals for the past year and love them but you still need to take vitamins while drinking the shakes. I also have found them at Vitamin Shop so no shipping costs and 42 dollars and change for 40 shakes. That is actually less than many shakes out there. I use half a pouch per serving for 30 grams of protein per shake. I swear by them as I have lost all of my weight in a year and never plateaued. Lap RNY 1/15/03 277/156/150ish
   — Carol S.

January 8, 2004
Thanks for all of the great answers and also (Carol) for where to get Real Meals cheap. I am just trying to get things in order prior to surgery and having last minute jitters about doing EVERYTHING correctly. IT's nice to know things will come in stages so we'll have time to get the kinks knocked out!!
   — bufordslipstick

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