Question:
I am 8 weeks pre-op - I started vitamins today, is that ok?

I started taking vitamins today in preparation for surgery. First of all, I was wondering if this is a wise decision and if it will make a difference and how soon after surgery does one start taking vitamins? I went to Vitamin World and bought their brand of Children's Chewable w/ Calcium. I was wondering if this was a good brand to stick with plus, use before and after surgery. Here's the label: http://www.vitaminworld.com/scripts2/htmlos.exe/003337.3.3845272682800026401? Also I bought CAL-MAG BORON...Here's a link to the label: http://www.vitaminworld.com/scripts2/htmlos.exe/003337.8.3890856349300026401? And lastly, I bought EASY IRON-Iron Glycinate. Here's that label: http://www.vitaminworld.com/scripts2/htmlos.exe/003337.11.3877480086600026401? Just wondered if these choices sound good OR if there is something else I should be taking. All advice and recommendations are appreciated! >^,,^< Thanks Everyone!    — Kim W. (posted on April 16, 2003)

April 16, 2003
If I were you I would check with the surgeon because there are some vitamins that they don't want you to take prior to surgery.
   — Sharon T.

April 16, 2003
I'm assuming the children's chewable is a multivitamin? Usually they're all okay. Many people take flinstones right after surgery or centrum chewables, then switch to a pill or stay with it. Although it contains calcium, you will still need to supplement your calcium intake, especially b/c that calcium in the chewable is more than likely carbonate. WLS post-ops need to take calcium citrate b/c it is the best absorbed and should take 1500 a day. You also might need to supplement B12, as many of us do. B12 injections are the best form or sublinguals, b/c B12 pills do not get absorbed very well. But ask your doc, and he can tell you as only he knows your bloodwork and what possible deficiencies you may have. Goodluck to yoU!
   — Lezlie Y.

April 16, 2003
When I started with the practice diet at The Wish Center here in the Chgo area part of the program 8 wks before surgery is to be taking daily supplements. I take a multi with iron chewable or after surgery (May 7th) I can use a liquid multi, and I also take a calcium citrate with lunch and dinner. All this helps get your body in the best physical shape that it can be before surgery. I will then need to take the same vitamins for the rest of my life. So, yes your decision is wise. Good luck. >^..^<
   — ChristineB

April 16, 2003
I was told that Centrum is the best multi-vitamin, Wal-mart sells Centrum Liquid you take 1 tablespoon daily it cost around $9.00 for 8oz.
   — latrishanickle

April 16, 2003
I can't imagine that taking vitamins pre-op would hurt - a lot of people take vitamins every day. As a post-op, I took Flintstones with Iron (chewables) til I was 2 months post and then started taking one prenatal vitamin twice a day. I get the Spring Valley prenatals from WalMart. My surgeon prefers prenatals because of the higher concentration of iron in them. And he says that the generic brands from Wal Mart are just as good as the more expensive vitamins.
   — Patty_Butler