Be careful of Information Overload it can really make your head spin

Overload

OverloadThere is nothing wrong with doing a little research online about your Gastric Bypass Surgery, BUT be careful because you may get Information Overload. That is about the time confusion sets in and you start to question a lot of things.

Now you all know I have had my surgery already and prior to which I did a lot of reading to educate myself on my decision. I spent countless hours reading others blogs (like mine) and watching videos blogs etc… I also wrote a post recently on Gastric Bypass Horror Stories because I looked into all of those as well.

Even though I am living my journey now I still follow others and continue to read. It is comforting to have the support of others who are going through the same thing you are. I also started this blog to help others who may be contemplating the decision or have started the journey too. My goal is to help others just like those who helped me with documenting the ride.

Recently I have joined a couple forums called The ThinnerTimesForum and ObiesityHelpForum which are full of others who have been through or will be going through Gastric Bypass Surgery, Lap-Bad Surgery, Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy etc.. It is a great community of people at all stages of their Weight Loss Surgery. I find it full or information, BUT after being there and reading I find I now have Information Overload and a bit of confusion.

I find it crazy when I read there or pretty much any where how every Weight Loss Surgery Surgeon has a completely different list of guidelines and diet plans coming out of surgery. I mean they can really differ BIG time from each other. The other thing is the guidelines to what Vitamins we should all be taking after surgery. This is where I have been the most confused.

I have read that the Flintstones Gummy Vitamins I am taking (per my Surgeon) are not enough and some of the others I take are also lacking. Why would my Surgeon steer me wrong? I am not sure he has, but it is now in my head that I am not taking enough or the proper vitamins. I will talk to my Surgeon about that, but that is just one of the subjects that is making me say “hmmmm???”.

I am starting to think at some of these forums it is like there are too many cooks in the kitchen sorta speak. While I will still go to them to read and help others I have to tell myself that I have to stick to what my surgeon has given me, BUT I can bring up some questions this reading has told me. I think it is so important to follow the guidelines of your own doctors and if you read something that has you questioning them – then talk to them. That is what I do.

While I love the fact that if you have a question you can go to a forum and ask it and get answers from so many who have been there – just when it comes to the real medical stuff use caution because they are not doctors. I stopped reading about the Vitamins because I was getting a real headache about it and will continue taking what I have, but I definitely will bring it up at my next appointment.

And as I always say – everybody’s story and journey will be different, similar, but different. Always keep that in the back of your mind. That is why my blog is titled MY Gastric Bypass Story. I can only share what I am going through and I NEVER try to give any medical advice, just sayin’

Vitamins I now take after Gastric Bypass Surgery

Vitamins I now take

Vitamins I now takeI thought I would do a quick post talking about the vitamins I now take on a daily basis. Vitamins are so important after Gastric Bypass and these will have to be taken everyday for the rest of my life.

If you are going to be having Gastric Bypass one thing you have heard about is the importance on taking vitamins to avoid vitamin deficiency. See Gastric bypass and other types of bariatric surgery dramatically alter your body’s ability to absorb vitamins, minerals and nutrients from the smaller amounts of food you’ll be eating. The resulting vitamin and mineral deficiencies can have serious medical implications. I am not gonna get all medical on you since I am not a doctor – they get paid the big bucks for that not me.

Also note that every doctor will have different requirements on what it is that they want you to take after surgery – I am only going to be sharing what I take to give you an idea.

It really is not that bad at all. Here is my list:

  • Multi Vitamin – I use the Flintstones Gummies and in true child fashion I look at it everyday to see who I will be eating – just adds an element of excitement to my day – I love seeing Dino – just sayin’
  • Citrical Calcium Gummies – 2 of the gummies equals – 500mg so I chew 6 per day and not all at the same time for a total of 1500mg daily. After these are gone I may change this out for a different brand of capsules, chewable or liquid in a higher dose per serving. Seems like the way I am doing it will get pricey. I will keep you informed.
  • B-12 Sublingual 500mcg – I take one of these a day and it is just a tiny cherry flavored pill you put under your tongue and it dissolves.
  • Biotin – Added in at Week 6 – Helps with possible Hair Loss and keeping my Nails Strong
  • Omeprazole – Added in Week 6 to help coat my stomach (no longer taking)
  • Vitamin D 1000 – I take this due to low Vitamin D levels something I have dealt with prior to surgery

The coolest part about my vitamins is that they are all yummy. It is not like the horse pills that leave a horrific taste in your mouth so I actually look forward to taking them each day. I was allowed to start taking my vitamins daily when I reached the pureed stage of my post op which was at around day 10.

Where did I buy my Vitamins – For me I just went to my local CVS – they always run great deals like Buy 1 Get 1 Free – so I got good prices and always search for coupons, which I did as well for the Flinstones and Citracal. You can also find great deals online – just up to you.

In addition to those I have other daily meds I take which I am allowed to swallow because they are not big at all. I also take a weekly Vitamin D pill due to a previous Vitamin D Deficiency not related to my surgery. (Vitamin D now taking is a daily Supplement vs. the prescription)

I do not have to take an iron pill since I have had a hysterectomy, but if you are female and still have your parts – this may be one they will add on as well.

At this time I have not had a blood test to check my vitamin levels – I may be given that when I see my surgeon on February 21st for my first post op appointment. I will keep you updated on that.

If you are like me and horrible at remembering to take your vitamins and meds then I HIGHLY recommend you get yourself a Pill Organizer. Hubby picked me up a nice one cause he knows me like a book. I have made it a point that every Monday will be my fill day which is perfect because Monday’s are my weigh in days too.

Do not forget to get one because it will make your life so much easier and save you from forgetting to take those vitamins.

There are 1,000′s of Pill Organizers on the market in every color, size, weekly, monthly, some with timers etc… So no excuses !!

Just a little FYI for ya all – As I stated above I chose to take the Flintstone Vitamin Gummies for my multi vitamin. I am sad to say that you only have a choice between Fred, Pebbles and Dino. I know it is shocking and sad – my thoughts exactly. Ulike the Flintstone Chewables where you can have your choice of Fred, Pebbles, Bam Bam, Barney, Wilma, Dino, Betty and the Great Gazoo – I love Gazoo !! I feel ripped off. Wonder if I can change to chewables – on my question list for my doctor. lol

UPDATE:

2-27-2012 I have added in Biotin (Week 6)

2-28-2012 I have added in Omeprazole (Week 6)

UPDATE:

Stopped taking Omeprazole