Confused on Vitamins (Pre-op)

So this question has been posed in many different ways by many different people on many different boards and I believe that is why I am so confused.

I am Pre-op still but I am starting to take a multivitamin per my Options program through Kaiser. They recommended the Centrum Chewables and that was from the nutritionist that taught the class that day. I couldn't find it in the store at first so I got a regular one and when it is over in about 5 days I am going to start one that I can use pre-op and post-op. I figured that a regular one was better than none in the meantime. I have not had a meeting with a surgeon or an official 1 on 1 meeting with the nutritionist but I wanted some input before hand.

What multivitamin is best for post-ops?? Bariatric advantage, Centrum, Bariatric Fusion???

What type of Calcium is the best?? Carbonate or Citrate (I think it is Citrate but not sure)

What type of protein is the best? Whey, Soy, or Collagen (heard collagen was the worst)

I just got a sample pack of protein samples and a lot of them have the collagen type of protein... So what is a girl to do??

Thanks for all of the input in advance. I am sure once surgery day rolls around I will be more prepared but right now this is overwhelming. BTW I probably have about 5-6 months or so before surgery.


Nathalie

Ooh nice question. *takes notes*
Since I am in the same boat with you I shall learn with you. I start my classes (options via Kaiser) tomorrow. I take just a normal Muliti right now but I would love to know what these's people have to say.

Yay for starting your classes. I just had to ask this question since I have seen so many different things out there and got all confused today. :)

I don't  do anything chewable, except for my vitamin c and b-12.  I take 2 multivitamins a day, iron once a day, calcium citrate, 2500 mg a day and I was told I needed a vit d, 1000 mg a day because I have osteoporius.(sp) Everyone is different, some people can't swallow pills, I prefer pills and what is good to take if you can take pills, is try and find your vitamins in gel caps, that  melt better in your body.

Good luck, DIane

Thank you for the response. I will be sure to keep this all in mind. I never thought of vitamins in gel caps... I will have to look into that. Thanks again.

I used Bariatric Advantage in the beginning.  Now I don't as I don't have any problems swallowing pills.  Now, any cheap multi will do for me.  Right after surgery though, chewables will be easier. I found Bariatric Advantage to be the best tasting. And don't forget your sublingual B-12.  Once you have surgery it is the only way to get B-12 into your system.  You will not absorb B-12 in your digestive tract.  Iron is also an issue for many people.  I had low iron counts before surgery and it just got worse after surgery.  My body does not absorb iron.  I have to have iron infused intravienously.  Hopefully you won't have that issue.

Calcium should be Citrate.  We do not have the acid in our pouches to allow the carbonate to work.

Protein is a bone of contension with many.  There are those who say if you don't use  Whey protein you aren't doing protein.  Yea, well, ok, my doctor had all his patients on Soy protein supplements and I swear by them. I lost 250 pounds using them.  I still use them.  I don't like the taste of most of the Whey proteins.  The soy proteins are much tastier and also as far as I'm concerned much easier on the pouch.

Hope that helps you out some.

Stephanie

 

What brand of protein supplements do you use? I totally forgot about the B12. I am going to have to write a list of everything I need to take every day so that I dont forget. :)

I'll PM you with that info.  The "police" would probably pull my post if I put it here.

Stephanie

LOL !! Thanks I forgot that this is the trouble makers board. 

I went through the Options class as well. They told us we should take chewables.  Coming straight from surgery and per one of the surgeons at Pacific Bariatric in San Diego. I can swallow pills. 1 at a time. Allowing time for the pill to go down.
Although at the present time, I am taking: a fiber-tab 625mg, a calcium citrate (has Vit D, magnesium, & zinc), a multi-vitamin (Pac Bar recommends you use OneSource Vitamins, avail at Wal-Mart, and other drug stores), sublingual b-12 2500mcg, stool softener 100mg, biotin (to minimize hair loss, there is a controversy with this) 5000mcg. You can add or delete from this list as needed.
Prior to surgery, I was instructed to start a Vitamin C supplement 500mg, and to stop after surgery. I also took a Centrum multi-vitamin, biotin, and a sublingual b-12, during my classes. As every individual is different, I urge you to check with your class leader on what they recommend for you.
Whey protein is the best. It is good to have samples of the protein supplements, but know that your tastes will change after surgery. I found that out firsthand today. People had warned me, but it was hard for me to fathom, until I tried my protein today.
You are going to do great. Knowledge is power. Continue to post your questions and all the wonderful people on this board will answer. I never found the friendship and support as I have on this board. Go to the gatherings if you are able, you will make some very special friendships.
Good luck to you Nathalie! As I have offered in the past feel free to pm me. I am here if you have questions or just want to talk.

Big hugs, love, & friendship,