Question:
what type of vitamins should I be taking now? Surgery date is May 6

   — Dawn V. (posted on April 13, 2002)

April 13, 2002
Hi, I'm a pre-op who is still waiting for the initial surgical consult. The paperwork I received from my surgeon's bariatric program just says to increase protein and take a multi-vitamin (as well as exercise, quit smoking, deep-breathing 2xday). Since they didn't suggest any particular multi-vitamin I went to Wal-Mart and got One Source for Women. It's a high potency multi-vitamin with a few herbs, I believe similar to Centrum. They're less expensive and I do feel better since taking them for the past month. Otherwise, since you are now nearing the post-op phase, you may just want to invest in the sugar-free children's chewables you'll need. I've read in the library here that some people prefer the Bugs Bunny chewables over the Flintstones. Just make sure they are sugar-free! You'll also want to get some calcium citrate (like Citrical). Even though the calcium comes in large tablets, it seems most post-ops recommend cutting them in 1/2 or even in 1/4's and spreading it out through the day. Hope I've been some help. Otherwise, I am sure the library will offer a multitude of suggestions. Good Luck and Best Wishes on your upcoming surgery! - Anna
   — Anna L.

April 13, 2002
Be VERY CAREFUL with taking vitamin supplements before surgery! Some can cause a predisposition to bleeding (especially Vitamin E). I would definately ask your surgeon what he/she recommends. I was advised to stop ALL vitamins a week before surgery. Some herbs are also known to cause bleeding or perhaps complications with anesthesia. The anesthesiologist explained this to me at my pre-registration. I did, however, focus on really upping the protein the week before surgery. I would suggest this to ANYONE! :) Protein helps the healing process and one's protein level will inevitably drop in the first few weeks post-op before one can really take enough in to balance out. So, I would caution against taking vitamins/herbs but focus on staying well-hydrated and getting a LOT of protein in! Good luck to you! All the best, (lap BPD/DS January 25, 2001: Preop: 307 lbs/bmi 45 now: 180 lbs/bmi 26),
   — Teresa N.