Question:
Vitamins/Calcium/Etc --Too Many Choices--Need Help
I have 1.5 weeks till my surgery date. I have been researching vitamins and understand that I need a multi w/iron, B12, calcium, etc. Could somebody please help me narrow down where to get all this? I have found Isotonix (website doesn't show formula, only discusses great absorbtion, of what?), VistaVitamins (I have to take 8 capsules? ack! and the reviews say it tastes terrible), Vitalady (but I need to buy 8+ bottles of different stuff?), or go to Wal-Mart and buy it all separately? I would really appreciate anyone's experience on what you take and where you get it. A simple program is all I'm looking for, thanks. — Laura B (posted on October 8, 2005)
October 8, 2005
My surgeon and nutritionist swears by this
http://www.walgreens.com/store/product.jsp?CATID=301120&navAction=jump&navCount=0&id=prod403359
Specially formulated for use after bariatric surgery.
Natural and artificial flavor.
USP.
Instructions
Suggested Use:
OptiSource Dietary Supplement provides nutrients for persons after
bariatric surgery.
Thoroughly chew 1 tablet 4 times daily.
For optimal absorption, take each tablet separately with food.
If you are pregnant or nursing a baby, contact your health care provider
before using this product.
Ingredients
Sugar , Calcium Carbonate , Dextrose , Dicalcium Phosphate , Magnesium
Oxide , Dl-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate , Gelatin , Natural Flavors ,
Artificial Flavors , Starch , Citric Acid , Yellow 6 Lake , Magnesium
Stearate , Ferrous Fumarate , Talc , Silicon Dioxide , Mono &
Diglycerides , Zinc Oxide , Ascorbic Acid , Sodium Ascorbate , Aspartame ,
Niacinamide , Lactose , Sodium Hexametaphosphate , Calcium Pantothenate ,
Manganese Sulfate , Vitamin A Acetate , Acacia , Pyridoxine Hydrochloride ,
Cupric Oxide , Sorbic Acid , Folic Acid , Riboflavin , Thiamine Mononitrate
, Sodium Benzoate , Cyanocobalamin , Cottonseed Oil , Chromium Chloride ,
Phytonadione , Biotin , BHT to Preserve Freshness , Potassium Iodide ,
Cholecalciferol , Sodium Selenate , Sodium Molybdate , DL-Alpha Tocopheryl
, Wheat Gluten , Calcium Stearate
Nutritional Facts
Serving Size 1 tablet
Servings Per Container
Calories
5
Calories from Fat
Amount Per Serving % Daily Value*
Total Carbohydrate 1.0 g 1.0% %
Sugars 1.0 g % %
Vitamin A 37.0% %
Vitamin C 15.0 mg 25.0% %
Vitamin D 25.0% %
Vitamin E 417.0% %
Vitamin K 40.0 mcg 50.0% %
Thiamin 375.0 mcg 25.0% %
Riboflavin 425.0 mcg 25.0% %
Niacin 5.0 mg 25.0% %
Vitamin B6 500.0 mcg 25.0% %
Folate 200.0 mcg 50.0% %
Vitamin B12 125.0 mcg 2083.0% %
Biotin 75.0 mcg 25.0% %
Pantothenic Acid 2.5 mg 25.0% %
Calcium 250.0 mg 25.0% %
Iron 7.5 mg 42.0% %
Phosphorus 50.0 mg 5.0% %
Iodine 37.5 mcg 25.0% %
Magnesium 100.0 mg 25.0% %
Zinc 7.5 mg 50.0% %
Selenium 17.5 mcg 25.0% %
Copper 0.5 mg 25.0% %
Manganese 0.5 mg 25.0% %
Chromium 30.0 mcg 25.0% %
Molybdenum 18.75 mcg 25.0% %
Sodium 5.0 mg 1.0%
— Janice Poole
October 8, 2005
No mystery for me. I got a multi-vitamins at the market, a B12 sublingual
at a drug store, and calcium chews. That is the required. I also take
other supplements from the health food store that I took before WLS. No
need to get any super expensive or go through torturous rituals to find the
vitamins you need. Missy
— Missy H.
October 8, 2005
My doctor suggested Building Blocks Multiple vitamins. They are engineered
for bariatric patients. You take 3 per day. You would still have to take
calcium citrate. You can get these vitamins online, my DH believes he
orders them for me at BuildingBlocks.com or you can Google it. Wishing you
lots of luck! Sheila
— Sheila D.
October 8, 2005
Hey Laura... Good luck on your journey, and God Bless!
I started out with 2 flintstone chewables in the AM and 2 more in the
Pm..... 3 calcium chews a day, and B12 under the tongue once a week. It is
also important to take a protein suppliment ... I used PROSTAT... added it
to my protein shakes...... protein is the main ingredient that will help
you heal faster, and more successfully.
Please email me if you have any further questions!
Much luck to you!
Angie
— angelina1970
October 8, 2005
No biggy I get b-12 shot once a month from doc, multivits free from the
health department, and my calcium, vit c walmart, my iron I order because
it is the special amino iron. Walmart is definatly the cheap most decent
place I have found. Best Wishes on your journey.
— Shell G
October 8, 2005
I get all of mine at Walmart. I do sublingual B12, 3 generic
multi-chewables for kids and 2 calcium chews, Viactiv. All my lab work has
came back great each time I get it checked. Good luck!
— Gina T.
October 8, 2005
My doctor told me to take flinestones with iron. I have found that the
target brand with iron tastes much much better and they are cheaper! Also,
I am supposed to make sure I get all of my calcium in or I have to take a
supplement. I was told that B12 I didnt have to worry about until 6 months
out when they do my bloodwork. The doc said that your body normally has
enough stored to help you the first 6 months.
Good Luck
— *Malena* M.
October 8, 2005
I know a lot of people have different suggestions. I just get my vitamins
at Wal-Mart, tried and true. I take a multi-vitamin like Centrum, not
chewable, though I used to take chewable. I take Calcium citrate, not
carbonate, citrate is what is important, also not chewable. I had taken
CoQ10 enzyme for optimal good health, only have to take for 6 months (and
my 6 months is up now). I take sublingual B12 1,000 mcg three times a week.
Also, I take vitamin C given to me by a friend, chewable, though not a
priority. Several online sites sell vitamins, VitaLady is one. Bariatric
Advantage has all chewable vitamins, supposedly easier to absorb, though so
far my values are all good with the non-chewable. I wish you luck in your
journey.
Karen
— KRWaters
October 8, 2005
I know a lot of people have different suggestions. I just get my vitamins
at Wal-Mart, tried and true. I take a multi-vitamin like Centrum, not
chewable, though I used to take chewable. I take Calcium citrate, not
carbonate, citrate is what is important, also not chewable. I had taken
CoQ10 enzyme for optimal good health, only have to take for 6 months (and
my 6 months is up now). I take sublingual B12 1,000 mcg three times a week.
Also, I take vitamin C given to me by a friend, chewable, though not a
priority. Several online sites sell vitamins, VitaLady is one. Bariatric
Advantage has all chewable vitamins, supposedly easier to absorb, though so
far my values are all good with the non-chewable. I wish you luck in your
journey.
Karen
— KRWaters
October 8, 2005
Hello, I am 4 yrs post-op right after surgery my surgeon had me taking
SUGAR FREEE childrend chewable Vits. After I was back on reg food I too a
multi womans 1 a day and bought them right at walmart. Later down the road
my Dr. Put me on Prenatle vitamins...Wich have everything in them... My
suggestion is to ask doc to put you on Pre-natl Vits. I have take ONE of
those a day for nearly 3 yrs. and my blodd levels are still fine.
Your WLS Friend
Conijo Michalko
375/140/160
— Jo_Michalko
October 9, 2005
Hi:
I am almost 2 years out and hated to take all those vitamins and than my
doctor told me about a multi-vitamin made for gastric bypass patients and
all you have to do is take 1 chewable four times a day and that is it!
Everything you need is in those 4 chewables! They taste like oranges, not
real bad taste and not at all chakie. Actually I look forward to taking
them now. The cost is $24.99 but if you added up all the vitamins and
minerals you would have to buy seperately it would be about the same or
even more depending on where you bought them at. I shop wal-mart and it was
a couple of dollars higher than these are. I would never go back to cutting
up pills again!!!!!!! My labs results have been perfect while on these. So
good luck to you!
I am copying what it says about it below............
Specially formulated for use after bariatric surgery.
Natural and artificial flavor.
USP.
Instructions:
Suggested Use:
OptiSource Dietary Supplement provides nutrients for persons after
bariatric surgery.
Thoroughly chew 1 tablet 4 times daily.
For optimal absorption, take each tablet separately with food.
If you are pregnant or nursing a baby, contact your health care provider
before using this product.
Ingredients
Sugar , Calcium Carbonate , Dextrose , Dicalcium Phosphate , Magnesium
Oxide , Dl-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate , Gelatin , Natural Flavors ,
Artificial Flavors , Starch , Citric Acid , Yellow 6 Lake , Magnesium
Stearate , Ferrous Fumarate , Talc , Silicon Dioxide , Mono &
Diglycerides , Zinc Oxide , Ascorbic Acid , Sodium Ascorbate , Aspartame ,
Niacinamide , Lactose , Sodium Hexametaphosphate , Calcium Pantothenate ,
Manganese Sulfate , Vitamin A Acetate , Acacia , Pyridoxine Hydrochloride ,
Cupric Oxide , Sorbic Acid , Folic Acid , Riboflavin , Thiamine Mononitrate
, Sodium Benzoate , Cyanocobalamin , Cottonseed Oil , Chromium Chloride ,
Phytonadione , Biotin , BHT to Preserve Freshness , Potassium Iodide ,
Cholecalciferol , Sodium Selenate , Sodium Molybdate , DL-Alpha Tocopheryl
, Wheat Gluten , Calcium Stearate
Nutritional Facts
Serving Size 1 tablet
Servings Per Container
Calories
5
Calories from Fat
Amount Per Serving % Daily Value*
Total Carbohydrate 1.0 g 1.0% %
Sugars 1.0 g % %
Vitamin A 37.0% %
Vitamin C 15.0 mg 25.0% %
Vitamin D 25.0% %
Vitamin E 417.0% %
Vitamin K 40.0 mcg 50.0% %
Thiamin 375.0 mcg 25.0% %
Riboflavin 425.0 mcg 25.0% %
Niacin 5.0 mg 25.0% %
Vitamin B6 500.0 mcg 25.0% %
Folate 200.0 mcg 50.0% %
Vitamin B12 125.0 mcg 2083.0% %
Biotin 75.0 mcg 25.0% %
Pantothenic Acid 2.5 mg 25.0% %
Calcium 250.0 mg 25.0% %
Iron 7.5 mg 42.0% %
Phosphorus 50.0 mg 5.0% %
Iodine 37.5 mcg 25.0% %
Magnesium 100.0 mg 25.0% %
Zinc 7.5 mg 50.0% %
Selenium 17.5 mcg 25.0% %
Copper 0.5 mg 25.0% %
Manganese 0.5 mg 25.0% %
Chromium 30.0 mcg 25.0% %
Molybdenum 18.75 mcg 25.0% %
Sodium 5.0 mg
And here is the website to buy it from. There is no shipping charges.
http://www.walgreens.com/store/product.jsp?CATID=301120&navAction=jump&navCount=0&id=prod403359
— [Deactivated Member]
October 9, 2005
Hi I am JoAnn, I had my surgery June 1st 2005 and I am doing wonderful:) I
had the RNY done. I take two chewable flinstone vit a day and two chewable
surgerfree tums a day for calcium. That is all I ahve to take now. I did
have to take protein for teh first several months but now i am able to eat
all the protein I need. I used designer whey for protein, it does not taste
bad at all. You can get it at most GNc stores. Good luck with surgery:)
JoAnn
— tweetyjo64
October 9, 2005
I have been getting ready for my surgery also and after much research and
general trial and error have found that either the flinstones for kids ( 2
to chew a day) or Centrum Chewables( 1 to chew a day) for my vitamins and
then Caltrate chewables as I am a rarity with osteoporosis. A good
sublingual B-12 and Zinc in lozenge from works great too and I get all of
this from walmart for a pittance compared to many other places, Just some
ideas for you. Peace and blessings for your WLS and your life changes..
— jstplainwyrd1956
October 9, 2005
I was given a list by my support group leader before my wls...hope this
helps:
POST GASTRIC BYPASS
Vitamin Regimen - BASIC plan
(Add to this based on your particular lab work)
30g of whey protein supplement, made in water, 3 to 5 times per day, no
milk, no sugar.
AND 64 oz of water - minimum
This vitamin schedule is just a suggestion. You can take them any way you
wish as long as you follow the rules listed below. Since the rules can be
complicated, many people wanted a good place to start. That is why this
schedule was created.
For the first 5 weeks, you should be taking your vitamins in liquid or
chewable form. At 5 weeks you will be able to change to pills. It will
then be a good idea to put the vitamins in a pill case for the week. Then
you can see what I have taken, or if you have missed something. A good
pill case has removable sections for 7 days.... 4 sections for each day.
These are available at most pharmacies.
AM: 2 iron (25 mg each) Ferrous FUMERATE, Carbonyl iron, or elemental
iron
Vit C (1000mg) ascorbic acid
MID-DAY: Calcium CITRATE (500mg) with Vit D and Magnesium (250mg)
Vit E (400IU E - DRY)
1 multi-vitamin with minerals
EVENING: Calcium CITRATE (500mg) with Vit D and Magnesium (250mg)
Zinc (50mg zinc gluconate, chelated)
1 Vit A&D (10,000 IU Vit A & 400 IU Vit D3)
BEDTIME: Calcium CITRATE (500mg) with Vit D and Magnesium (250mg)
1 multi-vitamin with minerals
EXTRA: 1 sublingual B-12 daily (cobalamin concentrate)
or monthly B-12 injection - 1cc
B Complex tabs daily, especially for added energy
— SJWendy
October 10, 2005
I use a childrens multi vitamin with iron and a tums with calcium 2x a day.
Prevacid for my stomach lining and of course my pretien. Once a month B-12
shot too. Good luck with your surgery>
Cheri
— destiny98c
November 1, 2005
I KNOW THAT THIS IS WAY AFTER YOUR SURGERY DATE, BUT MY DOC SUGGESTED
EITHER THE FLINTSTONES WITH IRON OR THE NEW CENTRUM CHEWABLE FOR ADULTS,
GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR NEW LIFE!!!!!
— genie J.
Click Here to Return