Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Vitamins & Malnourishment



Recommended Posts

I would for for you guys that are post-op to chime in on this situation that happened yesterday. I went to GNC and was asking about different flavors etc on Protein powders etc...so I start talking to the lady who is helping me and I swear she had so much energy I thought she was on something but anyway she asked me which surgery I had and then proceeded:

*Yah but doesn't your stomach stretch and you gain all the weight back?

*I have a couple of costumers who got the surgery 10 years ago and one of the is 88lbs and cannot gain she has to be on tube feeds, and the other one passes out all the time and goes to the hospital for blood transfusions once a month due to low Iron....aren't you afraid of that?(I think she may be referring to the bypass...)

*I went from 232 to 135 all by myself without surgery I don't want to look sick but if it works for you power to you!

I am only barely 9days out girls so....you can imagine how I felt I starred at her for awhile and grabbed my protein, paid, and left, a little bumped since I thought since she worked there she would be more informed but I know our surgery is so young that people either don't know and there is not long term data on it but still how unpleasant. ohmy.gifI felt slightly judged and discouraged by this individual. Has this ever happened to you and how did you react?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It does sound like she is talking about gastric bypass. And that she is not real informed about WLS in general. This is why I pretty much don't discuss anymore with most people. Very few people have a clue about this surgery.

I think we'll be okay. I do know someone that had this surgery like 10 years ago due to stomach cancer and she is thin, but not too thin. She looks good and she feels good. She does take Vitamins and still eats small meals.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It definately sounds like she is not an informed on weight loss surgery....also if these people are having those type of complications most likely they are or have not followed their doctors protocol. Every GNC is different. I go to one and the person I spoke with was a nutrionist also. She never said anything discouraging to me about surgery and gave me plenty of options of Protein she has customers and she also personally uses. Maybe you can find another GNC to go to if you continue to buy with them.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I absolutely loathe the sales associates at GNC. And, I have to remember that they are exactly that "sales associates" nothing more, nothing less. She sounds like a twit, and ignorant. Everyone has a horror story about WLS, just ignore the comments and move on about your journey.

Hopefully, there is another GNC close to you that you can purchase your Protein from. . .

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am cautious about who I strike up a conversation with also, a person who has never had a weight problem can be the least understanding as they never fought the fight.

My relply to her after her statement would have been, " Right what ever works for YOU" and I would have left without buying a thing and followed up to GNC corporate with a letter!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think you are all correct, thank you, I can honestly tell you guys who are much further out than I that I have NOT in the last seven years remembered feeling this good, WHATEVER it is that this surgery has done for me it has changed my life entirely but it is happening from within which I love. My husband asked me yesterday: "If I gain too much weight can I get this surgery?" Not sure where he is going with this but I have to say the man is transforming too...he has began to understand and every single thing you guys pointed out about what happens is happening. HOW can people who are out there popping energy pills, on phentermine, on some life long meal program, even begin to understand. I think at some point the alcoholic begins to look at alcohol and see the destruction and pain it caused, I feel the same about food, I now look at it not as the enemy but as something that I need to live with a very delicate balance and "respectful" relationship. Thank you once again, this is the best place in the world to develop and grow.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My husband asked me yesterday: "If I gain too much weight can I get this surgery?" Not sure where he is going with this but I have to say the man is transforming too...he has began to understand

My husband has been very supportive of me getting surgery even attending the first seminar with me. He is also overweight with high blood pressure. He goes to a gym and said he would just get serious with that. About a month before my surgery, he realized the gym was not working for him and he is now going through 6 months with the PCP so we can submit him for approval. I know it will be the best thing also for him. He cant wait until he is approved and sleeved.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

She says she went from 232 to 135 all by herself. I wonder how long the weight will stay off. The statistics are that she has a 95% chance of gaining it back. Sorry you had to go through that. Obviously she has no clue!!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The last time I went to GNC, the guy behind the counter was totally hopped up on something. I swear it was like talking to a crack head. I wouldn't worry about this sales person and her obvious lack of knowledge about the subject of weight loss surgery and what supplements would be helpful. Her journey is hers, your is yours - at least you aren't going to have to come down off some crazy supplements after your weight loss :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I found the guy at GNC very helpful and Hawt btw. I told him I had just had surgery and he showed me which protiens were the best and the shaker bottles. He asked about taking pill forms etc. I have to say the shakes he find "taste really good" are terrible but hey his looks made up for it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×