Hi everyone! I started my pre op diet yesterday. I also had my class. I got my vitamins and shakes and was told that I have to take the vitamins forever and have to get the vitamins from them. They are 25.00 a month. My question is, why would I have to get my vitamins from them? My husband and I are not to happy about that. Also I was told I can't have Atkins protein shakes and I have to have theirs! My husband did comparisons and the same ingredients are in each! Is anyone else going through this?

Hi everyone! I started my pre op diet yesterday. I also had my class. I got my Vitamins and shakes and was told that I have to take the vitamins forever and have to get the vitamins from them. They are 25.00 a month. My question is, why would I have to get my vitamins from them? My husband and I are not to happy about that. Also I was told I can't have Atkins Protein shakes and I have to have theirs! My husband did comparisons and the same ingredients are in each! Is anyone else going through this?

That a load of shit! Shop around. There are plenty of bariatric protein powders and vitamins out there. Shop around and ask here. I am currently using bariatricfusion but I am waiting to see if my insurance will cover the Protein Shakes. Check out www.insurenutrition.com.

yes, I got my Protein and some scar cream free (didn't qualify for vitamins) from insurenutrition.com... but your doctor has to approve it; so that may be a problem...after the surgery is done, I would definately look elsewhere for your Vitamins and protein if you can't get it free from Insure Nutrition... there is NO need to use theirs ... sounds like they are trying to earn a buck... it's fine to SUGGEST the product they have; another thing, entirely to PUSH that product on to a client!!!

Good luck...

Ask them why theirs? I'm all for complying with our docs but you should be able to buy your Vitamins wherever you want. The Atkins shakes don't have as much Protein as others and powders, and maybe a little more fat. If they don't have a solid medical reason why you have to use their products, then you should be able to substitute something comparable.

Good luck!

I was given a list of Vitamins and Protein shakes approved by my dr. I bought a supply of vitamins from Bariatric Advantage, I figure I will used these until I have healed then use regular vitamins you can buy at any store. I have read a lot of people just use them. As for Protein drinks I have Premier Protein, GNC, and carnation low sugar, all of these are approved and are great tasting.

My surgeon gave me lots of SUGGESTIONS on what to buy, and told me what he recommends as far as what to look for, but he never sold anything to me nor did he force me to buy anything from him. My nutritionist gave me free samples of all sorts of stuff, and she sold a few different things to try in small quantities, and then told me where I can get them if I liked them. No one should ever force you to buy their products 'or else'...sounds kinda crooked if you ask me!!!

yes, I got my Protein and some scar cream free (didn't qualify for vitamins) from insurenutrition.com... but your doctor has to approve it; so that may be a problem...after the surgery is done, I would definately look elsewhere for your Vitamins and protein if you can't get it free from Insure Nutrition... there is NO need to use theirs ... sounds like they are trying to earn a buck... it's fine to SUGGEST the product they have; another thing, entirely to PUSH that product on to a client!!!

Good luck...

My surgeon wrote the Rx for InsureNutrition and now I am waiting to see if my insurance will approve it. I hope so because this stuff isn't cheap.

Pretty sure someone is looking to profit more than help a patient. I was told by my nutritionist what I could use. Currently buying at Sam's Club or WalMart.

Is there a contract that locks you in to purchasing from them? My bariatric group is through a university medical center and they just gave us suggestions on what's acceptable. Heck, I'm using Flintstones chewables at present, though they did show us some bariatric specific items too. They left it up to the patients what would work best for each individual.

They should be more concerned about your healthful outcome versus an ongoing income stream.

I'll plan on calling my surgeons office on tomorrow to find out if I HAVE to use the shakes that they sell, which is the OptiFast. The Nut told me the cost will be $281 and some change. I could definitely find protein shakes cheaper elsewhere if I'm not required to purchase theirs.

The surgeon at my very first consult made a point of telling me I would not be buying any expensive things from them and I should not run out and buy anything expensive. He said generic Vitamins are the same as all the ones marketed as bariatric. I have meet the nutritionist this week and have that on my list of questions.

I also asked about the Optifast for pre-op since I had seen in on here many times. He said I won't be using it but he does know colleagues who require it be used. It's not his thing. In fact, I'm only required to do a 3 day clear liquid pre-op.

I also asked about the OptiFast for pre-op since I had seen in on here many times. He said I won't be using it but he does know colleagues who require it be used. It's not his thing. In fact, I'm only required to do a 3 day clear liquid pre-op.

Wow! Only three days! Someone told me it's possible that the length of time you have to do the liquid diet depends on your BMI. Mines is 51.7 do you mind me asking what yours is?

My BMI is on the "low" side at 42. That may be part of it and he may have other plans for higher BMI folks. He told me he believes the physiological part of the pre-op programs is accomplished in 3 days. The rest is psychological. It's just another example of who different each practice is based on the doctor. I don't know about you but it makes me crazy. The more research you do the more different answers you get. For example, on this board people have required bone density tests, endoscopy, metabolism test .........not to mention this discussion about Vitamins and supplements sold by doctors. UGH!!! Nw wonder we are confused!!

There scamming you! I was given a whole list of Protein shakes/powers that where fine, the shakes through them were like 40 a box and I out right said no.

You can't go wrong getting the Premier Protein shakes for costco or I guess sam's club sells them too, I pay $25 a box but I'm gonna try to get them covered by my insurance plan. I didn't know you have to have prescription though. I wish they offered a strawberry shake, guess I'll have to get a different brand. I just bought liquid vitamins off Amazon, when I can take them again. I don't want to over work my sleeve bc of them.

As for requiring you to only use their stuff, pretty sure they cannot do that. I would contact your insurance company, if you are using one.