Postop

Not unless and until your blood results say you need additional supplementation. I take 2 Multis a day. But I also take 35-40 other vitamins and minerals as my blood work shows I’m malabsorbing them and need to supplement.

You only have to take them separately when you supplement them along with multis. Multis are ok. I’m just referring to when you have to additionally supplement . You can take them with other vitamins (at the same time) but they can’t come in one pill (eg a combo Vit A and D pill)

There are loads of these things you learn over 13 years. ? I sent you a PM.

We just don't absorb them well. I know people who've tried vitamin patches. It's a no go. The DS is such a delicate balance to get things that work fo us . For instance, did you know that when/if you supplement Vit A it must be palmitol, retinol or acetate? No beta carotene. We don't absorb it well. Also, the Vit A must be by itself . By that I mean no combo Vit A and Vit D pills. They often come that way.

If you're having the traditional DS, I'm afraid patches don't work. You might look into returning them and purchasing tablets or capsules (not gel caps as we don't absorb the oil).

I've never told anyone other than my immediate family (and medical professionals, of course). Remember you can't unring the bell. Plus you can always tell later on.

I know DSERS who have used half and half or cream with their cereal. It's fine.

As DSERS our Bs are quite often high without supplements.

@erinlyle if you had the traditional DS, I don't really know anyone who fasts. What we do is eat. More protein and more liquid. I agree with lowering the carbs. That will definitely help with the weight loss. But having the DS was a way to stay away from things like fasting and dieting. Also, you need to keep the protein going for energy and to keep your gastric system eliminating waste.

If you had the traditional DS and are eating pureed or solid food then eat protein. It's hard to fathom as it's a new mindset but you can eat protein when you're hungry and it's OK.

Speak to your team. I didn't have one before I left the hospital but did have one the first week I was home.

This is correct advice. Vitamins, minerals and protein are less important than hydration in the beginning. For example, I didn't begin iron till the 4th week out (on an empty stomach always). I can't speak to other surgeries but patches are not nearly enough for DSers. Also, my scheduled hospital stay was 4 days. I had a slight fever so it was 5.

If you had the traditional DS it isn't uncommon in the beginning. However, if it continues you probably should speak with your team. Thankfully, constipation isn't often a problem with us .

@DanielWallaceAlso remember hydration is much more important than protein right now. That's what you should be concentrating the most on right now.

Could be the PCOS. If you can eat then eat. Just make sure it's protein.

I ate everything pureed. Pureed tuna fish, chicken, turkey. Also scrambled eggs went down well.

Sorry it turned into more than you expected, but so glad you had Dr. K doing the procedure.

I'm an April surgery (2005). I puked a lot my first year. Mostly bc I was drinking too much after eating as I was parched. It could definitely be bc you're eating too quickly or too much too quickly. This isn't to say you're eating too much (especially if it's protein) it just may be too much at one sitting. I still need 2 or more sittings for a meal.

Good to hear.

@Vinny6969Good to hear.

@AbbarnesStaying hydrated is the most important thing right now. You have protein stores in your body but you must sip. Concentrate on that. If you can only do 4 sips (I seem to recall that was me, too) then do them every 15 or 30 min., if you can.

@Diva302The reason I asked is bc I've never known a full DSER to have success with the patches. Keep a very watchful eye on your bloods as time goes on.

@Diva302Very glad they caught it quickly.

@mjctexas Nope.

@mjctexasYes. The Lactaid pills I bought at the drugstore were good for cheese or milk. I also bought lactate free milk and cheese during that year. They were in the supermarket. Keep that blood work and all subsequent ones. I did lose about 9 lbs. I was eating junk and my surgeon called me at 9:00 at night about 5 days before the surgery and said he knew what I was doing. I was floored. He really knew me well. So I stopped the all junk party and ate a bit more sensibly for 3 days. Then I had a liquid diet for 2 days and let's just say I was nervous and my body got rid of a lot of what I'd eaten. I can't see him or any surgeon doing what he did nowadays. It was a different time, I guess.