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Protein, Vitamins, and Supplements

Questions about protein and vitamins before and after weight loss surgery. Products, dosages, timing, and what fits your routine.

Sponsored by the BariatricPal Store: a full year of bariatric multivitamins for $99.

  1. Started by Lauraazucena,

    Found this website that specializes in weight loss surgery Vitamins. It's celebratevitamins.com. not sure if anyone on here has heard of them Sent from my SM-G930T using the BariatricPal App

  2. Started by xoxococojay,

    Has anyone tried Tespo?? I'm dying to try it but i need to be convinced first lol. It's Vitamin dispenser that has bariatric multi Vitamins in a liquid form. It almost looks like a fancy coffee maker. But it basically creates a bariatric vitamin juice that you take daily. It's an option over chewable multi vitamins. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

  3. Started by Jackson53,

    Are surprisingly good! Just mixed with water they are fine to give me a protein boost and liquid intake. Strawberry sorbet over ice is refreshing and chicken soup is a great quick meal replacement when I am on the go! Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

  4. Started by hayleyf3706,

    Hey all! I'm finally eating real foods again! A lot of recipes I see call for vanilla Protein powder. Does anyone know a good vanilla protein they've used for cooking? Would love recommendations! On another note, does anyone know of any good paleo protein powders? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

  5. Hey all, I am new here. Just starting my journey. I wanted to get started on getting acclimated to the protein drinks now to hopefully make it easier on myself post-surgery. So hoping this isnt a dumb question. I have been searching what peoples favs are for protein shakes/drinks. So I see that I have a number of choices to go through. What I would like to hear is for those of you who have tried Premier Protein (seems to be the most popular) but DIDNT like it, and what you went to. As I have been really struggling with drinking a full one at a sitting. TIA!

  6. Started by trekker954,

    I use to follow the manufacturer direction of mixing GENEPRO with hot liquid at the bottom and mixing genpro with cold on top and/or directly into cooked foods. I did read here someone mixed it with a little Water first (thank you to whomever that was). So I have been using this method now for the past couple of months with success every time. I believer that mixing it with room temperature water first is best. Once I was cleared for coffee, about 2 months post op, I've started my day with genepro mixed in my coffee. That starts my day off with 30 grams. I now put in my genepro and blend with a fork and a little bit of tap water, just enough to mix it (I don…

  7. Started by 111,

    The first week after wls I tasted a hint of the smell of 2 week old roadkill in the Premier Protein shakes. I'm 3 weeks out now and the bad taste is getting worse. Has anyone else have a similar experience? Sent from my SPH-D710VMUB using the BariatricPal App

    • 8 replies
    • 1.6k views
  8. So even before I meet with my surgeon on Friday (Aug 10 was my surgery date), Quest sent me my results. I'm showing 5 out of range results but not by much. Let me preface by saying the one time I forgot to use my multi vit patch was the day before my blood draw. duh. HDL is a low 36 (range >46); however, my CHO Ratio is now a high 5.1 (range <5.0); Iron Binding Capacity is a low 249 (Range 250-450); RDW is high 16.4 (range 11.0-15.0) and the shocker B1 is low 66 (range 78-185) it was a 120 in June. My diet is still very strict as they won't even allow me fruit or vegetables yet, so its not surprising that some of my levels are low. For the purpose o…

  9. I am a little over 3 weeks post bypass and am having severe nausea to the point of looking at protein shakes and dry heaving. My dr is well aware of this issue and I had blood work drawn today- no results yet. My question is I cannot handle any taste of protein powder and I have read that genepro can be mixed into anything and is truly tasteless so I'm wondering if anyone has actually tried it and how "tasteless" it is. Thanks!

    • 30 replies
    • 47.8k views
  10. Started by awillaweigh328,

    I've been eating the Pure Protein bars, thinking the macros were pretty good... but the carbs are pretty high. Is there a high protein bar out there that has 20+ grams of protein, low carbs, and low sugar?

    • 3 replies
    • 1.2k views
  11. Started by Steve Ney,

    I am nearly two years post op. I was very recently diagnosed with some serious ulcers, which according to the doctors, was caused by taking daily aspirin. Now I'm taking carafate 4 times per day, as well as twice daily proton pump inhibitors. Given the amount of time between taking the carafate and the need to take all of my supplements, and eat, how do I ensure I'm getting the full benefit of my Vitamins and supplementation? Has anybody else had to do this? What is the minimum time between taking the carafate and taking the supplements and vitamins and still get full benefit of all of it? Thanks for your help. Steve

  12. I am not scheduled to see the dietician and my surgeon until 12/27 when I receive my second band fill. I love dairy and eat FF cottage cheese, FF Fage yogurt or good quality FF cheese daily without issue. Do I need to take a Calcium supplement? Has anyone discussed this with their nutritionist and what guidance did you receive? Banded 10/12/16

    • 12 replies
    • 1.2k views
  13. Started by BettyG,

    Hi all, I will be getting a RNY bypass, but first I have to do 6 months of medically-supervised weight loss. My dietician has put me on a high-protein/low-carb diet. I have to get at least 100 grams Protein every day, but must eat fewer carbs than protein (so less than 100 g carbs/day). So the net result of that is my calories dropped from about 2500/day to about 1400/day and Fiber went from 25g average to maybe 10g average. I'm so constipated! I'm taking MiriLax and eating 3 prunes every morning but it hasn't helped much. Will my body adjust? And how the heck will I get enough fiber post-op? :-/ Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

  14. Started by SOON_TO_BE_THIN,

    Howdy - I've been reading so many mixed reviews about if GENEPRO really has 30 grams of Protein or not.....but since I have it, I am going to use what I have. People say the mix it in food and coffee. I just put a scoop in a cup of tomato Soup, and it was clumpy and nasty and I had to toss it out. Is there a trick? Do you have to dissolve it somehow before adding to hot liquid? Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

    • 6 replies
    • 12.9k views
  15. Started by GTO315,

    I need help finding Multivitamins and Calcium supplements that I can swallow easily. Post-op I was taking chewables for both, which became sickening after a while. I was happy to be cleared for Vitamins I can swallow. The problem is, I have to take three multivitamins or three calciums at a time to get the right dosage. It is difficult ingesting three pills at a time with a small stomach. I obviously cannot take them right after eating since I have to wait the mandatory 45 minutes after eating in order to drink something. I started taking the multivitamins with my morning Protein shake so I can swallow them as I go along. They do sometimes make me nauseous. Is any…

    • 12 replies
    • 1.4k views
  16. Guest
    Started by Guest,

    I was looking at buying some calcium chews to try out flavors and read calories. It takes 6 chews per day on most to meet the daily requirements for vsg patients. That mean 90 calories daily, which means 2700 calories a month! That is almost 1 pound a month!! Guess I will just crush calcium citrate into my protein shakes Many people buying different chewy vitamins, I wonder if they realize this. Sent from my SM-G900H using the BariatricPal App

  17. We're all trying to lose weight right? And we're all trying to break bad habits, like attachments to candy and Desserts, right? So then why are most of the Protein powders and drinks things like "luscious chocolate" and "creamy vanilla"? I suppose "boiled broccoli" would be gross, but even apple becomes apple pie, and lemon becomes lemon sorbet. Isn't this just reinforcing bad habits? Do our stomach-brains know there's a difference between a Protein Drink and a malted chocolate ice cream frappe? Seems like it'd be better to stick to unflavored supplements in Water or milk, things like Orange that aren't Orange Chiffon. Anyone find they've become addicted to chocolat…

    • 25 replies
    • 2.4k views
  18. Started by trinalily,

    What's wrong with me? I haven't been able to tolerate protein shakes, even a vegan one. Has anyone else had this problem - bloating, upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, migraine?? from protein shakes? What am I to do????

    • 8 replies
    • 1.2k views
  19. Started by 4mybabies,

    Tried muscle milk today, picked it up at the gym. Surprisingly it taste pretty good, cookies and creme! Anyone else drink Muscle Milk Protein? I need a protein drink that taste good, suggestions welcomed!

    • 9 replies
    • 1.8k views
  20. I've seen Quest bars, quest chips, quest everything mentioned here and on IG. I'm thinking of buying some of their products, especially the Protein bars. But they have like 174947282937 flavors lol so I was hoping i could learn from you guys on which of their products were worth buying and which weren't? Thanks in advance!

    • 39 replies
    • 5.5k views
  21. http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/nutrition_articles.asp?id=1963 The question of how much proteein and an equation to calculate it comes up often. The article covers quite a bit. The last paragraph on the first page points out that, when the weight is fat, the equation becomes irrelevant. I'm not recommending anything, as I'm a pro. Just passing it along.

  22. Started by nygiants,

    How much calcium does everyone take? My doc has me taking 1500 but it seems high.

    • 17 replies
    • 2.4k views
  23. Started by melbell2222,

    Hi, I tried to find the best Vitamins for hair on here but couldn't. I want to see what vitamins gastric bypass people used and helped them with their hair. I'm two months out and I'm noticing the hair falling out already lol so need help asap Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

    • 14 replies
    • 2.3k views
  24. Started by SleeveSoon,

    costco has $4 off Muscle Milk Protein shakes. I have never tried them. Are they worth trying? Is there a particular flavor that is better than the others? My go to Protein drinks currently are Premier Protein (Chocolate) and unjury (Chocolate).

    • 9 replies
    • 1.6k views
  25. My one flounder since this surgery is these vitamins! I take and have taken supps for years, but this one is the only one I've ever taken (aside from bad and cheap fish oil), that my stomach instantly rejects, ProCare Health Bariatric Capsules. I don't even feel safe taking them any longer. Tonight was it! Can you please recommend something else, if you've had issues with this supp.? Thank you Kindly... I know I went on a tangent here, but its super upsetting, I really don't understand why this is so harsh esp as a bariatric supplement. Thanks again, for suggestions!

    • 2 replies
    • 2.1k views
  26. Started by mrsacordo16,

    Anyone have any recommendations? Or have possibly tried any and had good results? Thank you! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

  27. Keep hearing about people using PB powder, I see it all over the shelves now but quite frankly, I'm confused. What are the benefits? How are you using it? Thanks! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

  28. For my pre-op diet I am required to drink Bariatric fusion Meal Replacement shakes (I am not thrilled when they specify a kind but whatever). Anyway - what's your favorite flavor(s)? I have to drink 5 shakes a day (that's basically all I can have for 2 weeks) so I'll get a few different flavors to mix it up a bit. I was thinking Cappuccino as one. Thanks in advance.

    • 6 replies
    • 1.8k views
  29. Started by LisaMergs,

    Finally found a refreshing, good tasting Protein sports- like drink!! Yum! No weird whey aftertaste either!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

    • 10 replies
    • 1.8k views
  30. Started by 111,

    So I've been taking the Barilife powdered Vitamins that my surgeon recommends. It tastes awful! I got the Cherry berry flavor and I swear it tastes like blood covered berries! Blood! Ugh!! It's completely revolting. I haven't had my surgery yet and from what I understand is that you're extra sensitive and sometimes intolerant to noxious tastes. I'm afraid I won't be able to get my vitamins in. It's especially important for me because I'll be having the BPD/DS which is the malabsorptive type. Anyway, I was surfing on Facebook and I noticed an ad for the Tespo Liquid Vitamin Maker. I checked out their website and I couldn't find any information on the vitamin content. Doe…

    • 4 replies
    • 1.5k views
  31. Started by KaiserKid,

    Hi everyone, My VSG surgery is scheduled for Nov. 11 and I'm so excited! I just finished my pre-op "classes" - I guess it really hit me that I'll be on multivitamins for the rest of my life. Perhaps I should have done a little more research on it, but I thought multivitamins were temporary for sleevers because there isn't the same malabsorption like the bypass. My surgery center recommends a multivitamin with iron (2x/day), B12 (1x/day), Calcium (2x/day) and a vitamin D3 (1x/day). That's a lot! And I can't take them all at once because it affects the absorption. And I can't take them all at once because it affects the absorption. Will I ever be able to pare it down …

  32. Started by SleeveSoon,

    Does anyone have any experience with Cellular C4 Pre-Workout powder? I am always hesitant to start taking something, especially supplements like this. It contains caffeine (I understand what this does), beta-alaine (helps delay muscle fatigue), creatine nitrate (helps increase muscle strength), and alphaketoglutarate (helps blood flow to the muscles). I see other folks drinking supplements like this before weight training, but am not sure if there is any science/truth to the benefits claimed by this supplement.

  33. I did a search and didn't find much, so... Does anyone get their doc to write scripts for their Vitamins or supplements to be able to use your Flexible Spending Accounts through insurance? Being early post op, mine are pricey (Celebrate, Bariatric Advantage). My FSA indicates I can use it if my doc writes scripts. Just curious if anyone has any experience with this. Also, when were you able to switch to using regular old OTC vitamins? Do you take more than the recommended dosage? Thanks in advance, fellow losers! ~ HiHoSleever

  34. Started by sherri~,

    I actually am embracing the Protein drinks...I have found that I can switch up the flavors by adding either Peanut Butter powder, or a drop in Water flavor packet and that has really broadened the horizons. I'm doing this now pre-surgery twice a day at least three times a week. I've noticed that about 10 minutes after I finish my shake my heart feels fluttery for about a minute then it goes back to normal. Anyone else experience this? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

    • 3 replies
    • 761 views
  35. Started by LisaMergs,

    Hi all- many of you may already be using this brand, but I purchased several sample packets of Bariatric fusion Protein powder. First of all- omg! I'm in love! Not a single smelly protein taste to it! And I can even drink it mixed with milk which I normally can't do with other brands! Has 27 g of whey protein as first ingredient. I'm drinking strawberry sundae right now. The cappuccino and mint chocolate ice cream flavors are awesome as well! Just thought I would share!!!

    • 9 replies
    • 1.8k views
  36. Started by meldoynia,

    My doctor just recommended I sign up for custom supplements that are tailored to my DNA. He asked me to sign up here https://vitagene.com/hcp/zare. Does anyone know this company? Has anyone done a DNA based customer supplementation? I am gaining weight again and I do feel tired and and have a problem sticking to my diet. My doctor says that optential nutrient dificiencies could be making it hard for me to stick to my diet. any feedback is appreciated.

  37. Started by biglady904,

    I'm having a hard time getting my Protein in simply because I'm never that hungry and when I am I'm never around any high protein foods. I was told my my surgeon I'm cleared to eat what I want as long as it's low in carbs and fat also no junk which duh I knew that so my main thing here is I have such a big issue drinking protein because I find so disgusting and was wondering what a good balanced Protein Bar is ? Something with more protein than calories Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

  38. Started by LisaMergs,

    So, more on my post about Protein2O- I was really interested in purchasing a case of this goodness and found their FB page and then their website. I ordered a case via Amazon- they're offering free shipping and $4.20 off a case right now but saw them out of stock. Well, I ordered it anyway, would ship in a week, but decided to do some more sleuthing. I was shocked beyond belief to find them literally in my backyard!!! Seriously I could ride my bike to their office/warehouse. I called and the lovely guy invited me to come over and sample the other flavors- so I did!! An amazing company! They are doing costco roadshows currently, so you all may find it there, too!…

  39. Started by sey1008,

    I'm sure this sounds stupid since they're both unflavored, but does one taste better than the other? In my experience, the flavored Isopure has a strong Protein powder type taste. Is the unflavored the same? Is it creamy? What about nectar? I'm pre-op and trying to pick one for mixing with whatever both pre and post op in case I hate the sweet flavors afterward. Sent from my SM-G930V using the BariatricPal App

  40. I put GENEPRO into my decaf coffee. I know it mixes well in Soups. I have put Genepro in my hummus, yogurt. it mixes pretty well. I'm still in the soft stage food, but really need to keep my Protein in. Can you mix it into recipes that you cook? I know it says never to microwave. I had made these ricotta puffs in muffin tins and while I reheated one, After reheating i did mix maybe half a serving of genepro into the center. So far I'm not sure on the whole cooking with it. Would love to hear other ideas.

  41. Started by Suziesue1706,

    Hello all I have a question I need information on GENEPRO??? Any success stories out there from using this AND how does 1 spoon contain 30grams of Protein???? I am struggling with my Protein in take BIG time and need to know if this is Proven to work!!!?? Sleeved on 7-13-16 Weight 275.0 1st Week check up Weight 255.0 Six Week check up Weight 247.5 Yesterday weeks Weigh In 242.6 But I'm terribly concerned I'm loosing muscle and not weight I'm only getting about 15-20 grams at best Protein and eating 2 times a day I wanted to start working out today but I'm afraid I will become ill with my current intake as a whole. Help!!! Sent from my LG-H950 using the BariatricP…

  42. My surgeon gave me a sample pack of vitamins for post sleeve surgery. Said I would need four a day chewable, but these things are nickel size! Any suggestions on multi vitamins post op? These are made by FUSION.

  43. So prior to surgery I was informed by my GP to "make sure I watch my Vitamin B levels after surgery", and I heard it again from doing research online, and then I heard it again from my Nutritionist in my pre-op class. Obviously, all Vitamins are important, but Vitamin B is what I heard the most, and that made me concerned, but also curious as to why. What is Vitamin B and why do we need it? Why are bariatric patients prone to Vitamin B deficiencies? What are good food sources that are high in Vitamin B? I did a lot of research, confirmed my findings with my Nutritionist and surgeon, and thought that I would share them here for those still in the research phase pre…

    • 11 replies
    • 1.6k views
  44. Started by wonderland,

    Just curious about this one...I see some bariatric sites peddling for both kinds. Wouldn't a high Protein meal replacement with low sugar and carbs be better because of the Vitamins and minerals it has? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using the BariatricPal App

  45. Hello all - I'm probably at the 80% sure I'll get this surgery so I'm starting to think and prepare for Protein powders for after surgery. I've discovered that egg white Protein Powder is an option for those that can't have soy or dairy. I also read that whey protein is low in lactose and could be an option. Is there anyone here that has tried the egg protein powder? Is it good? And if anyone is lactose intolerant has whey protein been tried successfully? Thank you! (I'll be self-pay so I believe that I may not have to wait as long to get the surgery - therefore preparing ahead of time)

    • 4 replies
    • 617 views
  46. Started by Jadane_dm,

    Has anyone ever ordered through Nutrition Direct, the site being advertised for Bariatric Vitamins through this forum. Since vitamins will be a permanent thing in my life after surgery I'm interested in a monthly subscription to get vitamins delivered to my home. Does anyone have any good recommendation of services like these. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

  47. Started by princessprotein,

    I've contacts so many Protein companies and I'm frustrated at the fact their samples are so high. unjury wanted 28 dollars for a few sample packets. I understand not wanting to send samples for free but it's frustrating to be gouged. I wish there was a newbie club where we could sample this stuff lol *dry sobs* Back to easy ol' Premier Protein for me I guess. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

  48. Started by Deehovey,

    5 lbs for $29.99. $4 off ends today, was $33.99. Has anyone tried it? Is it any good? I think I may have to give it a try. 30 grams of Protein, 5 grams of sugar. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using the BariatricPal App

  49. Started by Daisee68,

    Anyone need some Calcium supplements? (This is not spam. I am not able to take Calcium due to the way my body processes calcium and forms kidney stones.) I had auto-ship on BariActiv Calcium + D3 & Magnesium chewable supplements with my Nascobal (B12 nasal spray) and despite my asking them to stop shipping them, they could not. Happy to ship them to you for free. Just send me a PM with your mailing address. They are still sealed....

    • 2 replies
    • 875 views
  50. Started by Moody3190,

    I got sleeved in December and am down 50 pounds so far. My problem is that I can't find a Multi-v that I like. Before the surgery, I was taking gummy v's but afterward they said I couldn't take them anymore. Can't remember why... Maybe because it contains sugar? I've tried the Celebrate chewable tablets because my Dr.'s office provided them but I couldn't keep them down. The chalkiness of it didn't sit well with me. I've also tried liquid and pill Multi-v's. I either almost choke trying to swallow the pill (I'd cut the big one in half) or spit up the liquid because of the taste. Any recommendations? I maybe just go back to the gummy...

    • 11 replies
    • 1.6k views

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