My head is spinning reading all this preop information. Since I am having to pay for the procedure out of pocket, I am hoping you all have some suggestions for cheaper Vitamins, shakes, etc. The site they're recommending to me is outrageous (in my opinion)

Thanks!

I know what you mean. I did buy some of their products but also other products as well. I've tried Premier Protein shakes (my favorite), EAS complete protein powder, Gold standard protein powder, Unjury protein powder. I also bought some Opurity bariatric vitamins. I also take a few vitamins from Costco.

My nutritionist recommended I could use regular chewable supplements just not gummy version because those lack certain minerals. I'm using chewable Centrum and Caltrate chewable. My nutritionist is okay with those. The most important thing about buying Vitamins is to read the label, theres a "bariatric" Vitamin sold at Walgreens that requires 4 pills/day to get the recommended daily doses.

As for Protein shakes if you like the taste of Premier Protein, the best price I found is costco online. They sell a double case of 36 for $49.99. its free shipping and you don't have to be a member to order (I had to pay a surcharge of $7.50). If you want to use a powder, i suggest you to try buy a sample first, you don't want to buy a huge tub and realize that you don't like the taste.. Hope this helps. Best of luck

Edited June 12, 201511 yr by merry1126

I buy my shakes from GNC, the total lean brand with 25 gr protein per container. Also get Isopure protein water from GNC. As for vitamins, I get mine in liquid form from a local health food store. But a friend of mine uses the flintstone chewables and really likes them

I just recently bought Walgreens Vitamins for women 50+. It has all the nutrient values plus more than the bariatric Vitamin that was recommended for my plan. The bariatric vitamin was over 5X the cost. What a racket.

The costco shakes might not be a bad idea. I overbought on the big canisters of whey Protein powder because I wanted a variety of flavors. I think I must have enough left for at least three years.

I was doing the Flintstone chewable prior to surgery because I cannot swallow Vitamin pills. Initially the surgeon had me take 2 a day, but now I'm back to just one. They are definitely cheaper than the bariatric Vitamins, and you can get coupons in the paper periodically.

I like the unjury, and I order from their website. Even with shipping it is cheaper than buying it at the doctor's office. So annoying! Like they are not getting enough money from me and my insurance company!

Trader Joe's has low-priced vitamins. I take their High Potency Chewable for my multi and my labs have always been great.

Target (Pure Protein) and Wal-Mart (Body Fortress) both sell inexpensive protein powders that lots of people like. The downside is that you can't sample before buying a big tub, so if you end up being one of the people who hate them, you are out of luck.

You can buy a lot of samples before surgery from NashuaNutrion.com. Then after surgery, you can test the samples and see what you like before committing to buying a bigger tub. Don't stock up on big tubs before surgery as your tastes might change. The protein powders they sell are more expensive than what you would find at Wal-Mart or Target, but at least you will be buying something you know you like. My favorite brands they sell are Syntrax Nectar, Syntrax Matrix, and Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard. You can also buy these brands at most GNC and Vitamin Shoppe stores if you prefer to buy in person after testing some samples from Nashua.

Most larger grocery stores will also have perfectly good protein powders for cheap. Just be sure to read the labels and that you are okay with the ratio of calories/carbs/protein.

You can also go to GNC and see what they have on sale. Again, be careful about the nutrition label -- GNC sells a lot of products more geared toward people who want to bulk up and pack on muscle than to people who want to lose weight. Talk to a sales person and tell them you want low calorie and low carb. The good thing about GNC is that if you buy a tub, take it home, try it, and don't like it, you can bring it back for a refund. I believe Vitamin Shoppe works the same way, but of course ask in advance at any store.

I use health wise gummy vitamins from Costco! I take two per day.

As far as shakes go, I am in LOVE with Fit Frappe brand... Their mocha flavor tastes like a chocolate chip frappe from Starbucks but less sweet.. with 21g of protein! I love that they can be used hot, cold or blended without curdling or grittiness! I tried GNC totally lean... Instant nausea. Premier protein from Costco is great as well and I use it when I'm on the go!

Here's where you can buy fit frappe: https://www.bigtrain.com/t-protein-mix-powder-fit-frappe.aspx