Question:
How does the cost of vitamins and protein supplements compare to the cost of the food

One justification of WLS for me is that I will be saving my family lots of money by not eating snack foods and large portions, etc. Then I noticed a lot of people talking about buying special food, such as protein drinks. What is the final cost comparison?    — [Anonymous] (posted on July 27, 2000)

July 27, 2000
I have found that my food bill is lower. I still buy some things for the kids like the chips and cookies but I dont eat them. I dont buy alot of them. I have found that cuz the food bill is lower I have been able to pay for other things. The vitamins dont cost as much as the food and they last a whole month. I have saved alot of money. I just cant believe how little I eat compared to what I used to eat. I have a five year old that now out eats me. Go figure. It is wonderful. Good luck.
   — Lee Ann B.

July 27, 2000
I found my grocery bill cut by $50/week. I buy Pro Care vitamins which are $27 for two months. I buy Pro Score protein mix for $23 for a 2 lb can. I also buy Splenda sugar substitute for $9.95 for 6 lbs. I'm still saving about $50 a month.
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 27, 2000
The protein supplements are mainly for use while on the liquid phase of the after surgery eating/drinking. THe range in cost from $8 to $15.00 per can but a can will last you a long time because you're only able to hold about 2-3 oz at a time. The vitamins are wither Liquid or Generic Flintstones. I'd say overall I spend less on my food than before.
   — Kathy A.

July 27, 2000
Hi there, There is no cost comparison, when it comes to my life today, I know I am a valuble person, no matter what it costs to keep me alive. And that is a real change in my outlook upon myself. The handfull of vitimins, I take and the food I consume, is no where near what it would have cost my family, with the death exspenses that would have occured, and the doctors visits and things that were wrong with me, from the obisity. Today, I am alive and at 156lbs. from 400lbs, only two years ago, how can I ever put a price on that. I am 58 years old, and love life and thank God I am alive, and He cherishes me to give me the chance to do some work and help others to come to know their value also. Hope my exsperience will help you. Linda
   — Linda H.

July 27, 2000
In the beginning the supplements can be more of an expense because you're not used to buying them. But as someone pointed out, you don't use the protein supplement forever. As for my vitamins, I buy them at WalMart or other type of discount store, and I have noticed that can save me substantially. I don't go grocery shopping nearly as often or buy in as large of quantities anymore which saves a lot of money. Another big difference for me is during the week for lunches. I used to routinely spend $7-$10 per day on lunch and afternoon snacks, and this has now trickled to $1-$3, and frequently nothing at all because I bring the food from home. I understand why you might want to use this as a justification to have WLS to your family. But as someone already said, the biggest justification for WLS is your health. There is no dollar amount to cover that. Best of luck to you.
   — Paula G.