Question:
Post-op vitamin/;mineral requirements...I've heard protein shakes

provide enough of your daily requirements for vitamins and minerals post-op. Is this true? I've talked to a few people who swear by Real Meals protein shakes. Is there anymore people out there with similar experienc with Real Meals and how did you do? Was it enough for vitamin/mineral requirements? How did you feel after using the shakes? Any hair loss, saggy skin, tiredness, etc.? I'm pre-op for December 6th, 2002.    — Debra L. H. (posted on November 11, 2002)

November 10, 2002
I have been using Real Meals for the last couple of months. At five months post op my hair had started falling out and me weight loss had slowed down to just about nothing. As soon as I started the Real Meals my hair stopped coming out, the pounds started melting off again, and my energy went through the roof. I still take a multi-vitamin along with the shakes everyday. I have no sagging on my arms or legs, my stomach is a little on the soft side but it does not sag. It is not bad enough to even consider plastic surgery. I have seen some pictures of other people that their stomachs really hang at 7 months post op.
   — Marie I.

November 11, 2002
Go check in the product reviews under the nutrition forum. There are some other people that have tried it and posted reviews. It is listed under Healthy N Fit (the company that makes it) Here are the links (people have listed it under two categories) http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/product-detail.phtml?pid=527 http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/product-detail.phtml?pid=545 I know that you emailed me and questioned me about it. I still use it and it has worked great for me. I do still take a centrum vitamin everyday too. I am at goal in less than six months, no hair loss and no sagging skin. So either it is working or I am very lucky!
   — Linda A.