Protein Shakes and Vitamins...HELP!
My surgery isn't until Sept 16th, but I'm the kind of person who panics about things and likes to have everything figured out well in advance. I met with the NUT once and she gave me a brief overview of what life will be like in terms of nutrition after the surgery and said they didn't want to overwhelm me with information and would give more details at another appt closer to surgery but this doesn't work for me. I'd like to start planning now but I don't even know where to start. There is so much information on here about protein shakes and vitamins that I'm even more confused than before. There's protein shakes, protein bars, and flavorless protein powder. Not sure where to begin with that. Also wondering about vitamins. Are they standard or do they test your blood after surgery to tell you what you need? I've seen bariatric vitamins and just regular chewable vitamins being recommended. If anyone has advice on how to sort this out i would be very appreciative.
What is important about shakes is that, in the beginning when your tummy is healing, they are one of the easiest ways to get in your protein requirements. Drinking shakes also helps you get in much needed liquids. I use Complete nutrition VCore. 20 grams protein per serving. Mix it with ice, water and sometimes cocoa or PB2 in a rocket blender. Scout around and try a variety- some you will like- others, blehhhh. Be careful to check calories , carbs and added sugar. Stay away from those that have a lot. Should be able to find protein 20 g. for at or under 120 cal and 5 carbs or so. About the vitamins- Because our diets are restricted ( esp. in the beginning, it is hard to get in all the nutrients we need. Some of us do not have enough intrinsic value , or tummy size to absorb B12 and need to supplement that also. You will need to take vit. supplements for the rest of your life. There are many good ones out there. I use Bariatric advantage and a sublingual B12. Hope this helps. I think you are wise to learn all you can before the surgery. Good luck.
goal!!! August 20, 2013 age: 59 High weight: 345 (June, 2011) Consult weight: 293 (June, 2012) Pre-Op: 253 (Nov., 2012) Surgery weight: 235 (Dec. 12, 2012) Current weight: 145
TOTAL POUNDS LOST- 200 (110 pounds lost before surgery, 90 pounds lost Post Op.diabetes in remission-blood pressure normal-cholesterol and triglyceride levels normal! BMI from 55.6 supermorbidly obese to 23.6 normal!!!!