supplements

Hi all, Yes I am awake at 2:30 AM.  I can't sleep so I figured I would post and ask you all about something WLS related....supplements

Have any of you tried the Champion Pure Whey Protein Stack protein powder?  I have been hearing a lot of good reviews of it and I know Teri H said she loves the banana scream, but I just want to know if anyone else likes it before I buy some, or if you recommend another protein supplement.

Also, since for some of us, the intestines are bypassed and do not absorb fat soluble vitamins, where are you all getting the dry vitamin A,D,E, and K?  
 I have seen it on bariatric advantage and vitalady's websites, but I wonder if there is another cheaper way to find it. 

Hi Jennifer,

I have never used the protein powder you mentioned however, I am still in the process of trying to find at least one that is somewhat enjoyable.  One that I seem to be ok with Syntax Nectar Chocolate Truffle I got a huge jar of it at the Great Earth Vitamin Store when I was post op.  I tried Unjury and wasn't crazy about them however, the unflavored one you can add to foods.  I recently bought some samples that someone on OH  told me about from Vitalady and I was not impressed with the packaging they came in plastic bags with typed labels that looked like I could have packaged them and sent them (bottom line not professionally packaged) looked like someone getting a big jar of protein powders and taking baggies and filling them and then selling them on the internet.  

I have done well with the EAS Advantage ready to drink Chocolate and Strawberry they are a little more expensive but good to have on hand especially to take to work.  My suggestion would be to try some samples from Bariatricadvantage.com or another site before putting out money for a large jar and not like it.  As far as cheaper I have not found any cheaper they are all pretty expensive however, when you buy a large jar for about 30-40 dollars it lasts awhile.  I am still struggling with the protein and fluids however, each day I am trying more and more. As far as vitamins you can purchase them anywhere . My nutritionist recommends the Bariatric Advantage vitamins I just ordered some.   Sorry I  wasn't much help with this but as I said this area has been a struggle for me.

Good Luck,
Terri

Hi Terri,
I have heard it is good but have not yet tried the Nectar brand.  That will have to be the next one I try.  I know what you mean about the baggies of powder.  I got a few of those to and threw them away feeling like it was unsanitary since it didn't come sealed.  Yuck.  Thanks for the tips!

Jennifer, My all time favorite is Health Wise Protein Hot Chocolate. I put it in my coffee every morning.  The key to vitamins is finding one you really like too. I am farther out then you but I use centrum silver chewables and Walgreens brand comparable to Centrum chewables. Ask your Dr. I highly recommend Bariatric Advantage Calcium. I buy the chocolate. They are really good.  hope this helps. See you lighter. Joanne

Thanks Joanne,
I have heard the same thing about those chocolate calcium tabs.  I hope to not to ahve to take chewables for an extended period though.  I prefer pills I can swallow, like right now as a preop I take Citrical petities and just drink water and they're gone with no weird taste. 

Hey Jennifer,
I haven't tried that brand of powder.  I've been pretty happy with the Body Fortress Protein Powder.  It's Whey Protein and it comes in Chocolate and Vanilla.  I get a huge jug from Walmart.  I'm not a big chocolate person, so I only buy the Vanilla.

I also get almost all my vitamins from Walmart.  Centrum, One Source Prenatals, B12, Vit D, Vitron C Iron and Folic Acid.  I stocked up on Citracal Creamy Chews from Rite Aid about 3 months ago since I knew they weren't making any more.  Not sure what I'll do when those run out.  I haven't felt the need to purchase exclusively from Bariatric Advantage or Vitalady, etc.  My levels are fine, so I don't think it really matters.  Perhaps someone else will disagree with me, but my surgeon has not raised it as an issue.

Not exactly directly related to your question, but in case you or others are aware, I had my PCP write a letter stating that all vitamins and supplements were a medical necessity, for the rest of my life, due to WLS.  I sent this to my Flexible Spending Account and I am able to be submit those expenses to my account.  Since the account is established pre-tax and you can submit receipts and include tax, you save about 25% in the long run.

Sorry for rambling!!

Thanks Taya for the Flex account info.  That is great to know!  Yes I like the vanilla Body Fortress too, except for the smell so I drink it with a lid on the cup. 

I'm not so sensitive when it comes to some smells, so I've never noticed that it has a smell.  I make a protein shake with soy or almond milk, frozen banana, splenda and any other fruit I have laying around.  So, usually, I only smell the banana.  Let us know how that other one is if you try it.

Oh to me thay all have a certain smell, but that's ok.  I like your shake ideas.  I didn't know there wa such a thing as almond milk.  Yum.