I love this place (this website)....

This morning I have been able to research the following:

- pros and cons of Flintstone chewable vitamins

- protein bars

...and as a result, I'll be changing out my chewable vitamin option once I've used up my current container of FCs to the Bariatric Advantage chewables...as I am not even two (2) weeks out from surgery, I figure that my body is using its own stores of those vitamins and whatever the deficiencies in the FCs won't have much of (if any) impact just yet...

I return to work on the 23rd and so I'm starting to plan meals to eat while at work and snacks to eat during my commute (1 to 1 1/2 hrs) to and from (2 hrs) my office. It looks like it will be the Quest protein bar that will provide at least one or two snacks and perhaps even a meal on occasion...

Thank you to the veterans who have already done the heavy lifting!!

 Congrats, seems like you are really committed to the program. Enjoy every lb of sucess that you achieve.

 Congrats on your weight loss!

I'm waiting to have surgery, so I'm researching like crazy. LOL That's just how I am. Anyway, I've found this site to be a great resource. 

BTW, Quest bars are delish!

My only back to work tip for you is not to try something brand new unless you've tried it on your day off first. I agree with you about this sight too. The vets that are several years out are very helpful and the support every gives is amazing. I would never post swimsuit pictures on my fb but on here I feel everyone knows where I've been and how hard it is.
Congrats on your surgery.

Oh, absolutely...given the distance that I drive, it will do me absolutely NO GOOD to eat something new, react badly and then have to leave and go home...nuh uh...

Thanks...weighed myself this morning (weekly ritual, now) and no change from last TUE...still only 9 lbs lost...making note only for purposes of logging my weight on a regular basis...but, as ****rogirl said to me earlier, this is the time to establish new, healthy eating habits, realistic expectations, and a better outlook...so that is what I'm doing...

 I love this site, too.....I gave it to the people at the last Support meeting; as well as www.myfitnesspal.com; so you can log your eating/drinking & exercise & that helps me stay accountable. I look forward to the surgery for the reason that I want to start on my journey to a new Brenda. SO are you saying that the Flinstone chewables aren't what our bodies will need; why you are wanting to change to Bariactric Advantage chewables? I am researching like crazy to make sure I do the right things for the greatest results. And am always interested in things I need to do. Please share and thank you ahead of time for the response. Good luck on your journey and getting back too work. How long were you out of work, after surgery?

It is my understanding that once the weight-loss really begins, the Flintstone chewables won't provide enough of the iron needed not just for health but to prevent the onset of pernicious anemia and ricketts...for now, for me (less than 2 weeks post-op) and probably for the next two weeks, the Flintstones chewables serve the purpose...but beyond that the body will need more than what Flintstones chewables provide.

My last day at work was MON 2 APR 2012 and my surgery was on WED 4 APR 2012.

I was discharged from the hospital on the afternoon of FRI 6 APR 2012.

I've been on an FMLA LOA since MON 9 APR 2012 and will return to work on MON 23 APR 2012. So, I am still off work for this coming week.

FYI: Iron-deficient anemia is different than pernicious anemia. LOL Pernicious anemia is caused by B12 deficiencies.  I know--there are quite a few anemias we need to be aware of. 

As for Flintstones, I know my surgeon recommends them for the short-term (first 6 weeks), but then wants his patients to switch over to something better (BA, BF, Centrum, Celebrity, etc.). I got some BF chewables for the short-term, so we'll see how that goes. Glad you were able to find the info you needed! 

Glad the site is useful.

Yeah Quest bars would prolly be a meal for you. In fact, half of one would probably be a meal.

Have to say I really like your attitude !! Congrats on your weight loss. I've gotten more information from the people on this site than I ever got from the 6 hours I spent with the surgeon and his staff. I'm still in the pre-approval stage with just one more month to go before they can resubmit to the insurance company. Keep up the good work !