Dr. Ariel Ortiz at the OCC

[Andrea Barnes Douglas 25]

Im at a lose I will be having surgery soon on feb 5th however I don't know what Vitamins to chose. Is it ok to just take a multi vitamine? and vitamine C and D ? Im confused as Im in Canada and we don't have the ones that the clinic is asking me to purchase. Also the protien shakes.. is it ok to have low car low fat and high Protein say 18 grams?

[DroppinLikeItsHot 52]

Following this threat.

[DroppinLikeItsHot 52]

Thread*

[DroppinLikeItsHot 52]

It got rescheduled But I found that the shakes aren't too awful for me if I load them with ice. I'm still struggling with the carbs. How are you going with that?

[Kindle 8,667]

Im at a lose I will be having surgery soon on feb 5th however I don't know what Vitamins to chose. Is it ok to just take a multi vitamine? and vitamine C and D ? Im confused as Im in Canada and we don't have the ones that the clinic is asking me to purchase. Also the protien shakes.. is it ok to have low car low fat and high Protein say 18 grams?

I researched gastrectomy Vitamin deficiencies and it turns out Vitamin D, B12, Iron, Calcium, folate and zinc are the top things found to become deficient within the first 10 years postop. I basically customize my vitamin supplement based on research findings and my own bloodwork. I started out taking a whole food based Multivitamin (personal preference over synthetic vitamins), calcium citrate, iron, Vitamin D3 5000iu, and B12 500mcg sublingual. My 3 month labs were perfect. My 6 month labs indicated my iron and calcium were high so I stopped taking the calcium and iron supplements. My 12 month labs still showed slightly high calcium, high folate and everything else normal. My PCP wasn't concerned about either of the elevated levels. I will repeat bloodwork again in 6-12 months.

 

If you want to keep things simple you could start with OCC's own vitamins. VITALEPH is a complete Bariatric vitamin that you can order from them. I'd also add in a sublingual B12 or give yourself B12 injections because we can't absorb B12 in our intestines anymore. According to my PCP, Even non-surgical patients are often deficient in Vitamin D so I'd add extra of that, too. Start there and make changes to your supplements as needed based on bloodwork. There really is no one size fits all since we all eat different things and metabolize differently and have different nutritional requirements.

 

As for protein, look for the highest protein, lowest carb you can find. Fat doesn't matter. Look on line. If Nashua Nutrition ships to Canada they offer sample sizes of dozens of different protein powders. Vitamin Shoppe is another good online store. Also look at body builder supply places. Do you have GNC's? There are a lot of options available with at least 20-30g protein and 0-5carbs.

Edited January 10, 2015 by Kindle

[mduffield 252]

Greetings from the newest sleever! I went in bout 230pm(yesterday.) and was awake and in my room by 4! Once again OCC has amazing staff and medical attention. I could not be more thrilled. I have some gas pain, and that is all. No a once of nauseas either! So glad to have the surgery party behind me and moving forward today in my new life! Yay!!!

[mduffield 252]

Sleeved with dr Ariel Ortiz yesterday!! Feeling and going great. Gas bubbles here and there but nothing majorly painful. Can't recommend this clinic STRONLY enough. He IS the best!

[kcleveland 15]

Greetings from the newest sleever! I went in bout 230pm(yesterday.) and was awake and in my room by 4! Once again OCC has amazing staff and medical attention. I could not be more thrilled. I have some gas pain, and that is all. No a once of nauseas either! So glad to have the surgery party behind me and moving forward today in my new life! Yay!!!

Congrats!!! I'm so happy everything went smoothly!

[slvrsax 301]

I used Dr. Ariel Ortiz a year ago. I cannot say enough good about OCC. Dr. O. is fantastic, as are his associates Dr. So and Dr. Martinez! I had a wonderful experience and would do it again 10 times over. Not one single regret. Started in a size 24, a year later now in a size 10. Go for it, you will not regret your decision. Good luck!

[Kindle 8,667]

Check out the thread "Dr. Ariel Ortiz and Obesity Control Center" in the Mexico and self pay subforum. Everything you ever wanted to know about them. I had my VSG a couple days after slvrsax and I, too, can't say enough good things about the entire OCC crew. 110% satisfied with my surgery, recovery and results!

[Jill Pill 61]

Congrats to all those sleeved ! My day was 1/5 w dr ortiz at OCC ! Loved everything !!! I want to tell everyone i have had no difficulty at all i feel amazing ! The hardest part is you must must must be careful w what you are drinking and taking in the calories can add up so fast! Also Vitamins in capsules you csn break open are very handy !!

[BShelmet 5]

Oh NO! Why did you get rescheduled? I'm going to try your idea with the ice. Still struggling with carbs - UUGGHH!

[BShelmet 5]

LOL - this is what happens when you read post at 5 in the morning. LOL..I went back and read your post your consultant got rescheduled NOT your surgery date. Glad I caught that!

On a side note - I know I have got to kick it into high gear with this diet. I have heard mixed statements on the weight loss - some say your surgery will be cancelled and others say they still do it. I would hate to get their though and have him say sorry not today. So I have set the date for 1/28 no if's ands or buts. just going to start and that is that :-)

[Kindle 8,667]

LOL - this is what happens when you read post at 5 in the morning. LOL..I went back and read your post your consultant got rescheduled NOT your surgery date. Glad I caught that!

 

On a side note - I know I have got to kick it into high gear with this diet. I have heard mixed statements on the weight loss - some say your surgery will be cancelled and others say they still do it. I would hate to get their though and have him say sorry not today. So I have set the date for 1/28 no if's ands or buts. just going to start and that is that :-)

I have read two posts about Dr. Ortiz not doing surgery if you didn't lose your preop weight. You need to buck up and just do it...we all have gone through it. You want to give yourself the best chance of a safe surgery and easy recovery. Try finding Protein Drinks that you like and vary the flavors so you don't get bored. I'm a year out and still have a Protein smoothie everyday. Syntrax Matrix, Syntrax Nectar, Un jury, muscle milk, Spirutein, BSN Syntha6, Raw Fit , Raw Protein, Premier, and some of the Jay Robb flavors all tasted good to me. Isopure, Bariatric Advantage, Bariatric Fusion and Designer whey were all gross. Flavors vary from chocolate, vanilla and strawberry, to lemonade, citrus, cake batter, chai tea, coffee, and banana (to name a few). I also used mio drops and Torani syrups to add even more flavor. (Dreamsicle, Carmel red velvet cake, chocolate English toffee, piña colada, Irish cream, cherry lemonade, etc).

 

As a change from all the sweetness, I also mixed unflavored Protein Powder in many different broths....chicken, hot and sour, tortilla Soup base, etc. And the green veggies allowed on the preop were a life saver. I ate a ton of spinach, Brussels sprouts, lettuce with flavored vinegar for dressing, and the tomatoes and mushrooms we were allowed. They wanted me to lose 12 pounds and I ended up losing 22. Yes I was hungry, crabby and had headaches, but it's only two weeks and just a drop in the bucket as far as the road that lies ahead for you. Just commit and do it! It's all worth it.

[BShelmet 5]

Thank you Kindle - you seem to come when I need that swift kick in the rear. You are correct though = I just need to buck up and do it. The end result is so worth it!