I used the chewable vitamins from giant eagle or walmart. They are cheaper than the vitamin stores. Definitely take a higher dose of iron but you will need a stool softener when you do that. Your vitamins are essential. I did get a high protein shake from gnu. One that is easily digestible and also a high protein drink. You can use skim milk with the shake. It's a good way to get protein in. Drinking the water and drinking the protein will help with hunger a lot. After the liquid part of the diet when you go to soft diet don't overdo the carbs. Sweet pot are better than white. Watch the bread intake also. Peanutbutter on a spoon is good to. It will help with hunger pains. I'm giving you advice based on my mistakes. When you can start exercising. Even if you walk,it's still really good. Good luck to you. Everything will be great. If you need anything else,let me know.

My surgery is Oct 9th and I am so ready....I to am looking for suggestions on what to buy. I have the basics...protein, water, broth, s/f jello

Congratulations to you first of all, I am only 2 months post op so I don't have a lot of experience, but please take your vitamins, and stay hydrated and keep on top of your protein numbers, this has really helped me so far, best wishes

Melissa,

that is so funny that you say that about your iv. I too HATE the needle and digging for veins. I usually pass out. but when I had my surgery on the 9th of sept I thought....ok kara, be a big girl and sit here and let them put this IV in you. so I sat up on the bed instead of laying down. well he got the iv in just perfectly and I was sitting on the edge of the bed all proud of myself. then the nurse came in with the blood pressure cuff. and as the automatic blood pressure cuff pumped up all the blood just drained from my head and I passed out. LOL the nurse said my blood pressure was 40 over something. im not a big girl I guess. im a wimp. so my suggestion to you, is have them lay you down while you have your iv put it. and deep breaths. :) good luck!!

Kara

I had my surgery 9/19. Try jello, sugar free posicles, strained creamed based soups, and I use centrum silver chewable vitamins twice a day, an iron tablet, sublingual b12, and chewable calcatrate with vitamin d. I don't know if this will happen to you, but I became lactose intolerant after surgery and I have had to use Lactaid. It's not bad. Good luck.

Well, i had the same fear about the IV. I won't tell you my whole story but just know it will be totally worth it!

I wouldn't buy that robe - they will give you a second gown to wear as a robe. Why spend money on a robe that will fit you like a blanket in a year???!!!!

finally, on the chewables - spend the money on the good ones!!! i bought walmart brand and they taste like crap! also, you of course need to buy stuff, but don't go crazy. here's a list

cottage cheese - really high protein
greek yogurt - carefully read labels - watch the suger. i don't know if you have Kroger stores in MO but they have a great greek lite with only 6 grams of sugar and 16 protein
canned fruit - to go with the cottage cheese - in water or juice not syrup - you're just going to use a little
soup - read all labels carefully - stay away from the lite and heart healthy - too much sugar.

These were my staples. DH pureed everything to smooth consistency and it was all good.

Word about protein shakes. It took me two and half years to figure this out.

1) walmart sells body fortress Super Advanced Whey Protein with 60 grms per serving (2 scoops). This is a new formula that came out about 3 months ago, i find it actually taste ok, and i am very very picky.
2) buy a blender bottle - its got a spring in it, usually next to the protein in the store
3) put 2 cups of milk and 2 scoops of protein in bottle and shake shake shake.
4) allow to sit for one hour - at least a half hour at room temp.
5) drink

the blender bottle is really amazing at breaking up the protein. allowing it to sit lets all the little grains dissolve so you get more of a chocolate milk texture. You can mix up 3 or 4 of these and put them in some water bottles and store in the fridge - then they are all ready to go anytime! best tip i have!

Good luck !!!

If you are truly scared about the IV, ask if they will use some EMLA cream or other topical anesthetic before the poke. Also, tell them you have been a difficult start in the past and that you are scared. I'm a nurse, so IV's don't bother me, but two of my kids hate needles and pass out at the sight of them. Just let the nurses know and take some deep breaths. Good luck.

Shopping suggestions: sugar free Popsicle's and sugar free jello. They count towards fluid/liquid intake and I found them refreshing on my new tummy.

My choice of vitamin is "Bariatric Fusion". I take 2 with breakfast and 2 with dinner and my blood work keeps coming back normal so I don't need any other supplements.

I wish you all the best!
Sheley

I am 12 years out and was really really good about my vitamins for about 5 years and then I got complacent...and my body and labs paid the price. I no longer absorb iron from foods so supplements (and occasional infusions) are necessary for me. I am now on the following vitamin supplements and I get mine from Bariatric Advantage. I take the Multivitamin with iron capsules...I take 2 in the morning and 1 at night. Do not take iron with calcium...they off-set one another. I also take 2 chewable iron tablets and drink one pouch of PurAbsorb liquid iron in a cup of water with EmergenC to help with the absorption. I take the chewable tablets and the 2 multi-vits with iron in the morning and then the liquid iron with the 3rd multi-vit with iron in the evening. During the day I use one packet of the calcium crystals from Bariatric Advantage with one dropper of Vitamin D3 to help with absorption. I also take chewable probiotics. I get a B12 shot once a month at my primary care doctor's office. Since I have been doing this regimen all of my labs (except for my iron...which is still low but lots and lots better) have been great. It is very important to NOT take the iron with the calcium. During the day I also drink at least 8 ounces of Almond Milk for additional calcium. You can buy the type that only has 30 calories per 8 ounces. I cannot stress enough the importance of vitamins...I stopped them for a while and my body went out of whack!! They are critical...especially for people who have bypasses.

I just had my surgery September 17th. And at about 2.5 Weeks out, I know I made a great decision, and you will too! All of my vitamins and protein shakes are from Walmart. Cheap and good:-) I wish you a speedy recovery and best wishes!!

Thank You for all the suggestions. I really appreciate the support and advice.

I am one week po tomorrow. I find im having trouble gagging water down when i love water. I am using the bariatric vitamins and calcium chew. How do i get more liquids in?

I am having surgery tomorrow and just wondered why there was malabsorption problems. I thought with the sleeve that you did not have that?