Basic Day 1 - Forever Supplements Question - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

MissKeaton · 08-01-2009, 02:37 PM

hello everyone!

I've decided to take the leap, and begin my new healthy life!

I've done a lot of research, asked a few friends that have had gastric bypass, and lap band, but I cant find a specific answer to how long protein supplement drinks will be used, what kind should be used, and all that good stuff. I cant do my surgery till December so I havent gone to the dietitian yet. So I was hoping that I could get some info/suggestions on that ( I hate going in blind ). Also what vitamins/pills are taken every day. I do know that my doctor says I must take a multivitamin with iron, vitamin B-12, calcium, and flax oil. Are yours the same, how often/much?

I really appreciate it!
Have a blessed day!

poet_kelly · 08-01-2009, 02:56 PM

You'll need to use protein drinks until you are able to get all of your protein from food. In the beginning, you just won't be able to eat large enough amounts of food to get enough protein in. You need at least 60 grams per day, and some docs and dieticians recommend more than that. You may reach a point when you are getting enough protein from food, or you may always supplement your protein intake with a protein drink. I'm nine months out, and I still use a protein drink most days.

The recommended vitamins includes two multivitamins a day. These should be bariatric vitamins. Many people use chewable vitamins. My doctor said they are better absorbed, and also especially in the beginning big vitamin pills may get "stuck" going down. Some people just take Flintstones vitamins, but that is a BAD idea. They don't contain nearly as much of the vitamins and minerals you need. Your best bet is to use a vitamin specifically designed for bariatric patients.

You need a calcium supplement. There seems to be some question about how much calcium you need, but about 1500 mg per day is standard. You need calcium citrate, not calcium carbonate. Some people just take Tums, but that is another BAD idea, because it is calcium carbonate and as such is not very well absorbed.

You need a B12 supplement. My doc also recommends a B complex. Some also recommend iron, but my doctor only recommends iron if your blood tests show your iron is low.

Kelly

Corrine · 08-01-2009, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MissKeaton

hello everyone!

I've decided to take the leap, and begin my new healthy life!

I've done a lot of research, asked a few friends that have had gastric bypass, and lap band, but I cant find a specific answer to how long protein supplement drinks will be used, what kind should be used, and all that good stuff. I cant do my surgery till December so I havent gone to the dietitian yet. So I was hoping that I could get some info/suggestions on that ( I hate going in blind ). Also what vitamins/pills are taken every day. I do know that my doctor says I must take a multivitamin with iron, vitamin B-12, calcium, and flax oil. Are yours the same, how often/much?

I really appreciate it!
Have a blessed day!

Page 7 of this document gives the current vitamin and supplement recommendations. The whole thing is worth a read: http://www.asbs.org/Newsite07/resources/bgs_final.pdf

My multivitamin of choice is from Celebrate (it's a chewable - 2 daily): Bariatric Vitamins | Celebrate Bariatric Supplements | Bariatric Surgery & Nutrition

The only other one I would recommend is Bariatric Advantage: www.bariatricadvantage.com/

The benefits (apart from meeting our requirements) is that both have multivitamins that are iron free. That means that you can take your calcium citrate at the same time (calcium inhibits the absorption of iron).

I take my iron (with vitamin C) just as I'm going to bed so I know it'll have plenty of time away from anything else to do it's thing.

A B12 sublingual is another must - you can get it from Walmart, Walgreens GNC etc. etc.

Calcium citrate comes in many forms. The current recommendation is for 1500-2000mg/day. I use Celebrate's chewables but Bariatric Advantage have a good selection too. It's just a matter of taste.

Iron - carbonyl iron seems well tolerated and again, Celebrate and Bariatric Advantage have those.

A B-Complex was optional with my bariatric unit - I chose to take it daily.

I don't take flax oil - I use flax seed (grind it myself) and I also take omega-3, probiotics and a few other things like lutein (for macular degeneration), COQ10, L-Carnitine etc.

I'm getting on for 2 years out and still use protein drinks (mostly 1 a day).

I work best on around 100g protein a day but as a non meat eater, that isn't always possible to do. Protein drinks are great when you're exercising - I have 1/2 of one prior to a workout and the other 1/2 afterwards.

MiladyB · 08-01-2009, 04:01 PM

I basically stopped the protein supplements when I could get an adequate amount of protein from regular food. I'm over 3 years out and I will occasionally do a supplement if I've been too busy to eat or don't feel well enough to eat a more dense protein food.

In regards to vitamins I take the following. Some of the doses are higher because of a trend towards potential deficiencies.

AM:
1 Celebrate Bariatric Multi-vitamin (chewable)
500mg (3 tabs) Calcium Citrate (Celebrate non-chewable Calcium Plus)
2000 IU Vitamin D (Dry D3)

Lunch:
500mg Calcium Citrate

Supper:
500mg Calciium Citrate
1 Celebrate Bariatric Multi-Vitamin (chewable)

Bedtime:
90mg Carbonyl Iron
500mg Chewable Vitamin C

I do not take an additional B12 because Celebrate has B12 in their multi-vitamin. The amounts in their vitamin have proven to be enough for most patients. It may need to be added in depending on lab results.

Here is the website for Celebrate (Bariatric Vitamins | Celebrate Bariatric Supplements | Bariatric Surgery & Nutrition) My multi-vitamin, Calcium and Vitamin D are all from Celebrate. The Carbonyl Iron I get at drugstore.com Online Pharmacy - Prescription Drugs, Health and Beauty, plus more. Its made by Sundown.

When it comes to protein supplements you will want to look for protein drinks that are 100% Whey or Soy Protein Isolate. The important word is ISOLATE. If it is not Isolate or is a combination of Isolate and Concentrate, I personally wouldn't go there. The Isolate is the most absorbable and has a complete amino acid profile. Vitalady has samples you can purchase. One thing to remember though, is that often your taste changes after surgery. Something that tastes great before surgery may not fly after. Just don't stock up on large amounts of protein supplements. The other thing is that some people develop a lactose intolerance after surgery so they may not be able to tolerate certain protein supplements.

MissKeaton · 08-02-2009, 07:48 AM

You all are my new best friends!

Thank you so much! You answered more questions in less time than i have in a week of researching. I'm sure I will have plenty of questions in the future, so a BIG Thank You!!!

mistymee · 08-02-2009, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MissKeaton

You all are my new best friends!

Thank you so much! You answered more questions in less time than i have in a week of researching. I'm sure I will have plenty of questions in the future, so a BIG Thank You!!!

Well, if I had to say pick just a couple of people here to be friends with.. you sure did pick the best! Lots of very good information there.

Welcome to TT!