Surgery June 2 - Few final pre-op questions!

[ohclementine 9]

Finally got word on insurance approval for my surgery. Yay! I'll be joining you all a week from tomorrow.

I'm trying to make sure I'm prepared once I get home. I was told that while on the post-op liquid diet I would need a chewable, liquid or otherwise crushed multi-Vitamin and that once I move to the soft foods stage I'll start all the other Vitamin and mineral supplements.

Question 1: While on the liquid diet, would this be a good vitamin choice: http://www.amazon.com/Centrum-Chewable-Multivitamin-Flavored-Tablets/dp/B000RKVS5E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1432565917&sr=8-1&keywords=centrum+chewable

Question 2: I'm trying to order a variety of Protein supplement samples, I know tastes can change after surgery, but what is a good supply to have on hand from the beginning? Is the variety pack from powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury the way to go or will I need more than that initially?

Question 3: Just want some veterans to fact check the other information I was given by my surgeon:

a) Take a Multivitamin that provides you with 200% of the daily value. (typically 2 multi-Vitamins daily, but check label)

Once on soft foods add: calcium citrate, B Vitamins (sublingual b12) Iron and ADEK (dry, Water soluable)

c) Protein Goal = 60, they've noted "it is okay to have more" (though I seem to remember from here the goal is 30=30 days, 60=60, 90=90 and some even go to 100-120? What is your average daily protein intake?)

Question 4: Is it okay to get the majority of your proten from supplements if you have an aversion to meat? I have gotten a lot better at eating meat but I feel like there's no way I'll ever be able to get 100g proten from meat in a day, ever.

Laptop crapping out now, better end this here. Looking for any advice foir the first few weeks post-op! TIA!!

[Djmohr 6,965]

I have had the bypass and so in terms of your Vitamins I would follow doctors orders to a tee. The example Vitamin you posted for chewables are what I used in the beginning. Once I was out of them I went to a small once daily Vitamin.< /p>

Again, follow your doctors orders with the type of surgery you are having.

In terms of Protein, I was told 1 gram for every inch you are tall. For me that is a minimum of 70grams per day. I usually land between 70 and 85. I do not go above that because I have a history of stage 3 kidney disease and too much Protein is hard on the kidneys.

They have you taking more Vitamins than I but I suspect that is because of your type of surgery.

Good luck to you! You are going to do great given your preparation!

[Postop 412]

Question 1: While on the liquid diet, would this be a good Vitamin choice: http://www.amazon.co...entrum chewable

Looks good. I only had to chew a Flintstone’s child Vitamin for the first month or so, but ever since then I’ve been on 2 Centrums (non-chewable) a day. So if your surgeon wants you to start with that then I’d do it.

Question 2: I'm trying to order a variety of Protein supplement samples, I know tastes can change after surgery, but what is a good supply to have on hand from the beginning? Is the variety pack from powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury the way to go or will I need more than that initially?

I never cared for Unjury, but definitely try it b/c many people do. I drank a shake for the first 2 years, postop, as I just couldn’t eat enough. I liked the Myoplex and Muscle Milk shakes. I bought them premade in four packs. That way I never dealt with powders or a blender. I’d buy several different types (flavors) to see what you like. The odd thing is my tastes didn’t really change, postop. I know many people’s tastes do change, though.

Question 3: Just want some veterans to fact check the other information I was given by my surgeon:

a) Take a Multivitamin that provides you with 200% of the daily value. (typically 2 multi-Vitamins daily, but check label)

I was never give a number (like 200%), just that I needed to take 2 multis per day.

Once on soft foods add: Calcium citrate, B Vitamins (sublingual b12) Iron and ADEK (dry, Water soluable)

c) Protein Goal = 60, they've noted "it is okay to have more" (though I seem to remember from here the goal is 30=30 days, 60=60, 90=90 and some even go to 100-120? What is your average daily protein intake?)

I took Iron, calcium citrate and ADEK for the first year. After that first year, ADEK wasn’t enough, so I now take my vitamins separately. Many people don’t even start with ADEK but just go straight to separate vitamins. With the ADEK, you need to watch and see if you’re getting enough, esp. Vit. D.

Most DSers I know don’t do the sublingual B12 as that’s more a RNYer thing. I don’t and never did. However, I wouldn’t fight my surgeon. I do, however, supplement with this. I do it b/c I began to have recall/memory issues a few years out and my team agreed there is anecdotal evidence that Vit. B might help. It has.

I eat a ton of protein each day. My team wanted 80-120mg/day. They thought I should probably be around 100mg/day but I eat a lot more than then, usually. (I eat every couple of hours, generally). Initially, I couldn’t. As I said, I had to drink a shake for the first year b/c I just couldn’t eat enough. In addition, I couldn't follow the 30/60/90 rule. I didn’t get to 50 grams till about 6 months out. We’re all so individual so you just do what you can and supplement till you can eat enough.

Question 4: Is it okay to get the majority of your proten from supplements if you have an aversion to meat? I have gotten a lot better at eating meat but I feel like there's no way I'll ever be able to get 100g proten from meat in a day, ever.

I know my surgeons prefer you eat your protein as soon as you can. Is there any way you can eat more chicken, fish, eggs and just have some meat? But definitely supplement w/shakes if necessary. You don’t want to get low on protein.

Best of luck.