Yesterday to get a head start on things, I first went to GNC which is a total joke, then over to the Vitamin Shoppe.

It was by luck the girl working there had the Davinci bypass surgery 2 years ago, lost over 200 pounds, she looked fantastic.

Anyway - she told me that my taste will change after surgery and that I probably won't like the taste of anything I try before hand I may like. She did say nectar was the most popular brand of Protein with the Fuzzy Navel flavor being the most popular.

She then offered advice about health loss. She told me to go ahead and protein up now and double my Biotin intake to 10000 and take fish oil as well. They have a flavored liquid fish oil like pina colatas.

I found their prices to be very reasonable and she advised the chewable and liquid Vitamins at my doctors office are cheaper at the Vitamin Shoppe versus in the doctors office.

She was super cool and really helped me line up everything I will need pre and post op.

I hope this helps - and if you have any questions you want me to go ask her - let me know.

I want to add that Vitamin World has the best ever vitamin crusher and splitter! When I got mine it was right by the checkout and I saw it while I was paying. I am so glad I purchased it, it works great! Much easier and quicker than crushing by hand. I believe it was $6.99.

Why did you feel GNC was total joke? They were extemely helpful and had a ton of information for me. My son is a wrestler and we have been going to GNC for years and they have been nothing but kind, sorry you had a bad experience with them!

I agree Vitamin Shoppe is amazing! They have every single thing you can ever imagine you would need in your journey and every brand under the sun (save for a minor few). They are my nutrition store of choice and often have B1G1HO sales. Saves tons!! Especially since I go through tons of supplements. If anyone has a VS in your area, I urge you to check it out.

The sales staff is super knowledgable too and incredibly helpful!

Why did you feel GNC was total joke? They were extemely helpful and had a ton of information for me. My son is a wrestler and we have been going to GNC for years and they have been nothing but kind, sorry you had a bad experience with them!

I think it varies by the store. Our little GNC here is a joke too, but I've been to one near my sister's house that's great.

The GNC guy didn't know anything about of the product on the wall. Wasn't very helpful and found them to be more expensive.

I liked how the lady at Vitamin Shoppe had so much knowledge and they had a larger selection of Protein and Vitamins.

It must really depend on the individual stores. The guy at the Vitamin Shoppe near where I live was a complete azzhole and was very superior/dismissive as soon as he heard it was for after bariatric surgery. (Oh. All "you people" are told you just want Isopure right? It's over there. *indefinite waving finger*).

I was hoping to get down to GNC before surgery and find a better experience.