Help Please- 4 Week Post Op Vitamin Intake Question

[niknak]

I am still in recovery mode from surgery(Oct 6th), and have been focusing these last 4 weeks primarily on getting my fluids in.

Eating has been slow to go for me because my pouch is fussy and protein shakes etc that I liked before surgery make me ill now (eating a spoon or two mostly of pureed foods/soups, tuna salad, etc)

My question is regarding the boat load of vitamins we have to take.
I got the list from Vitalady and acquired all of my vitamins that are needed, and they are ready to go, but there are so many.

Did you ease your way into taking all these vitamins- like we do with the protein requirements? Or am I supposed to go full throttle on vitamins? I am barely meeting my fluid intake requirements and some of these pills are giant horse pills which I am afraid to swallow at this point.

Any and all advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Niki

[OnMyWay2Thin]

Hi and welcome!

You sound like you are doing well, keep up the good work. I couldn't use the same protein drink after surgery, it was way too bloating. I had been using Pure Protein. I now use Isopure ready made Grape Frost. Not only does it work with 40 grams of protein but it's like having a treat because it's like a light grape kool aid drink. The downside, it's a little pricey. I ate many little things throughout the day at your stage. I couldn't get much in at all so you are on the right track. You'll be surprised how that will change in another month or two.

I was told to ease into the vitamins. At first I just did some chewable multi-vitamins and dry vitamin D, then I added B12. I then added the calcium and, just recently, added iron. I'm waiting on lab results to see if I should add some more dry vitamins. I can now take the horse pills and all the other things I take no problem and I'm almost four months out of surgery.

Good luck with everything, it will get better,
Kelly

[bboop]

AS OnMyWayToThin said, ease into the vitamins.

You should be trying and doing 30 grams of protein in 30 days, 60 grams in 60 days, then 90 in 90 days. Now that includes your protein shakes. As your tummy heals you can get some protein from animal protein, but I would suggest you mash it up to begin with. I wouldn't eat any complex carbs unless you have room...which I doubt you will for up to 90 days. Start with dark meat, which I happen to loathe, so I made a broth and mashed up chicken breasts in it. Some people can't tolerate chicken to begin with...if this is the case then try pulled pork, again mashed up - you get the picture. You won't be able to eat but a bite or two that's fine wait and then try some more when you tummy says, I'm hungry.

It sounds boring but really it's not...just keep your focus on protein and hydration. Remember to sip and walk, sip and walk.

Sounds like you are progressing nicely. Try the simple vitamins first...wait on the iron...it does tend to give people trouble in the beginning. I don't want you to NOT take iron, just wait a bit. Start with your multi and calcium...then add vit D. Then you AKE vitamins...see what I mean? Don't rush to take them all at one time.

[jpcello]

Nov 4, 2014 14:15:01 GMT -5 niknak said:

I am still in recovery mode from surgery(Oct 6th), and have been focusing these last 4 weeks primarily on getting my fluids in.

Eating has been slow to go for me because my pouch is fussy and protein shakes etc that I liked before surgery make me ill now (eating a spoon or two mostly of pureed foods/soups, tuna salad, etc)

My question is regarding the boat load of vitamins we have to take.
I got the list from Vitalady and acquired all of my vitamins that are needed, and they are ready to go, but there are so many.

Did you ease your way into taking all these vitamins- like we do with the protein requirements? Or am I supposed to go full throttle on vitamins? I am barely meeting my fluid intake requirements and some of these pills are giant horse pills which I am afraid to swallow at this point.

Did you have the DS or RNY? I ask because you mention your "pouch". DSers do not have pouches. We have perfectly normal (albeit smaller) stomachs.

Take your time with the vitamins. Start with some of the smaller ones and work your way up. Maybe try one of the bigger ones. If it works ok, then great. If not, wait a few days and try again. 

[niknak]

jpcello, I had the DS, so it is a sleeve not a pouch.
(It was a revision from my gastric sleeve that my former surgeon botched up.)

I will take the advice here and ease into the vitamins. Thank you.

Appreciate everyone's input!