Pre oppers... please count up the cost! - ThinnerTimes

Godsblessedme · 05-07-2008, 01:42 PM

Ok this has really been affecting me and i feel i gotta say it. I see quite a few people on here lately stating that for economic reasons they dont take their vitamins nor protein nor other things. Let me say that before you have surgery you have to be committed to the success! That said, vitamins are among the greatest commitment! They are NOT optional and yes they are pricey I spend about 300$ every 3 months for VITAMINS alone! But again its not optional. They are for LIFE! If you are not one that can afford this then maybe you need to actually think about the surgery. Vitamin deficiencies are very serious and in MOST cases irreversible. I've learned alot in my nursing classes about the deficiencies and why the heck would people NOT take them.

Also, protein! NO its not just to prevent hair loss! Come on and think, proteins are broken down to amino acids which aids tremendously in the healing process, metabolism's and so many other things. Again on protein i spend about 60/month on protein and its NOT an option. And another 25/month on my special fiber because i have diarreah that is just riddiculous! That obviously wasnt planned but it happened. You know if you really want this surgery you have to be willing to follow the surgeons instructions not gamble on the fact you cant afford the pills / protein take the approach "maybe nothing will happen to me" ok but more than likely it WILL.

I'm sorry but i had to get it off my chest this surgery is serious and instructions shouldnt be taken lightly and i wanted to let preops know that there IS a cost that will continue for ever

Crie · 05-07-2008, 01:56 PM

Good post!

Especially from a pre-op point of view. I look at it like this when I sit down and rationalize the money i'm spending even pre-op getting ready for after surgery...

If i went to the local mexican restaurant for dinner tonight.. I alone would probably spend 20 bucks. In one day I can EAT more cost than it would be for a 30 day b12 supplement...

ground beef is 2.50 roughly a pound. I could probably eat that mixed into rice or spaghetti, hamburger helpers, etc. One of my protein sample packs was 1.99.

I think for someone like me that is a big eater and liked to eat out a lot.. this is going to save SO much money, even after considering the cost for the vitamins and supplements. My LIFE is more important to me than buying that new car which is snazier than the one I have and has another year left to pay on it.. it's all about choices. If you're going out and spending the weekend at a club or bar.. you just partied away a month worth of keeping yourself well.

soon2bthin · 05-07-2008, 01:59 PM

Exactly what Deb said!!!! Great advice for anyone considering this surgery.

Godsblessedme · 05-07-2008, 02:01 PM

and forgot to add that i didnt "work in" that my husband my income would walk out on me after 2 months post op but i CANT forgo the the vitamins just because that changed. as said my LIFE is too important to just say oh well...

karen4656 · 05-07-2008, 02:04 PM

I've been taking a multiple vitamin and calcium for seven years. It is an expense but it's very important. I haven't had my consult with the surgeon yet but I'm trying to eat more protein now too. I know I lacked some protein in my diet.

Protein supplements are important as they help you to heal. I found some protein powder at Walmart that was relatively inexpensive.

The money you will save on food postop will more than pay for these essential components of good health. If you are seriously thinking about this surgery, commit now to vitamins and protein supplement. You don't need to use the protein all the time but you do need the vitamins.

Zenomia · 05-07-2008, 02:09 PM

Excellent point!

I think a lot of people forget once they get further out from surgery just how important keep up with your vitamins is. If you get enough protein in your diet, then there is no need to suppliment, but are you getting enough?? It's not a bad idea to log your food intake for a few days every 4 months or so, just to be sure your on track for fluid and proteins.

Vitamins though, Deborah is 100% right! This is not something we should
BLOW OFF! Getting supplimentation BACK on track after the fact is very, very difficult. Iron, Calcium, and B12 seem to be the ones that are the culprits if there is going to be a problem. Calcium is especially important to us women over 35!!!! As a bypasser we have a huge increase in the chances of getting osteoperosis than our un-bypassed sisters. Please girls, we did this FOR our health...let's not sabotage it before we even get to enjoy it!!

TAKE THOSE VITAMINS!!!!

(This is what happens when you have so many from the medical field - even us bloomers eigh Deborah, who are super gung ho on health and healthy living!)

Godsblessedme · 05-07-2008, 04:56 PM

Quote:

This is what happens when you have so many from the medical field - even us bloomers eigh Deborah, who are super gung ho on health and healthy living

haa Zen i knew you would agree (shoot i just finished my anatomy/physiology class so i just HAD to remind about the dangers of no vitamins) And i never would have found myself preachin about staying healthy (who AM I)

Grammy O · 05-07-2008, 05:08 PM

Thanks Deborah!

I too don't know where people get off thinking that they don't need to follow the LIFELONG consequence of the bypass surgery!

As a pre-oper my self, I am well aware of what needs to be done after surgery. People just don't think and like you said, they think "nothing will happen to me". What a JOKE!

Anyway, thanks for posting this. I've read the other post you are referring to and the first time i read it I said out loud, "well Duh!, what the hell were you thinking?" Not you but you know who.

Thanks again, keep posting and good luck with your WL journey!

MiladyB · 05-07-2008, 06:54 PM

Ohhhh....I LOVE watching you nurses-to-be flex your medical muscle!!

Deborah....I echo your feelings 100%!!!!!

We owe it to ourselves to realize we are all worth doing this right...and doing it right means taking our vitamins for the rest of our lives. The scary thing about the B-12 deficiencies especially is that once you have neurologic damage it is permanant!

...my question has to be how much is your life worth? I personally feel it is priceless.

mommy_to_two · 05-13-2008, 06:29 AM

This is a serious consideration when deciding whether or not to even consider the surgery. I don't think enough people think about these things. Also, think about the time you MIGHT have to miss from work. If you get complications, you will need to recover. That means missing work, and again contributing to financial strain.

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