So I started looking into WLS about a year and a half ago. I started out with one doctor and then our insurance changed and it delayed me significantly. In the meantime, I had a slew of health problems. I'm finally ready to take charge of my life again. I found out through insurance that I have to go to a Center for Excellence (COE) A.K.A. Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery . The closest one for me is 3 hours away (without traffic). By happenstance I know someone who lives near the closest COE and used a surgeon with great luck. It was a no brainer to pick her surgeon instead of finding one at random. Long story short, I have been and will be traveling back and forth for all requirements: NUT, pulmonologist, psych evaluation, pre-surgical testing, ect. My surgery is currently scheduled for January. Due to the distance, I'm limited on how many times I can just take the whole day to go in for an appointment. Therefore, I've met with the doctor once . I honestly think the next time I see the surgeon is the day before my surgery. The surgical center I'm using usually requires support groups, but once again, the distance makes it impossible for them to set me up with one. Therefore, I've been taking to the internet and reading as much as I can. Also, using these forums as my "support group". This brings me to some questions:

1. In the packet of information that I was sent home with, it states that pain medication is not administered during or after the hospital stay. It says it can interfere with digestive system...ect. I have read via internet that you also cannot take NSAIDs. I wouldn't be as much concerned about this but I have a 3 hour+ car ride home after surgery. Can anyone tell me what helped them, and what they took?

2. Vitamins...... I'd really like to try the patches or the TESPO. But, can anyone share the values... (i.e. B12 1000mg per day x 2) that was recommended to them to take?

Any discussion on this would help tremendously!

On ‎11‎/‎19‎/‎2017 at 8:00 AM, GassyGurl said:

I found the liquid Calcium at Walmart. I also forgot that I take a super b complex about every other day. (tiny gel cap).

I didn't really look for many liquid vitamins. I originally bought calcium citrate pills and they were huge. I prefer gel caps, chewable, anything but tablets. I hate when things feel like they get stuck and start to dissolve! Yuck.

I also tried to keep it simple and inexpensive. I live in a very rural area, so my choices are Walmart, Amazon, or costco (rare trip every 2 months).

I read a lot about people having taste issues with the Iron, so I did put effort into that choice. The Bari melts actuality tastes good.

Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

I'd also like to keep it simple and inexpensive. Amazon is my best friend so if I can get a lot there, that would be great.

thanks for your input. I've seen a lot of people talk about the aversions to large tablets, knowing that now, I will try and get as much chewable or liquid as possible.

I was on an IV with pain medication right after surgery when I went home I didn't need pain medication. But if u do it has to be Tylenol. As for b12 it was 1000 mcg every other day not daily.

Jamieson makes a dissolvable tab that goes on your tongue.

That drive sounds very difficult for every single visit throughout the process, I’m so sorry your having to deal with such an obstacle!

I admire your motivation however! Needless to say, you’ll do very well with this kind of determination up front.

About the pain medication: I was given IV pain meds day 1 and 2 and transitioned to oral pain meds later on day 2. On day 3 they discharged me to home. Some people have more pain than others and require more pain meds, like me I guess. But on day 3 I didn’t need any pain meds at all anymore. I had zero pain. I was sent home with a prescription for more pain pills too & got the script filled but only took like a total of maybe 2 pills over the next week. Crazy, but pain is pretty much under control with these surgeries for the general consensus. Right after surgery when your wheeled up to your room is when you need something, definitely, but seems like it’s mainly that first day & into the 2nd day with some of us.

For vitamins: I take “Opti-Source” Bariatric chewables four times a day. My nutritionist said everything you need is in there. I’m only 6 weeks post op but it’s convenient since they are at Wal-greens for $29 (per month).

Good luck to you dear friend!!!! Hugs?❤️Jennifer

On ‎11‎/‎29‎/‎2017 at 7:37 AM, RNY-Fall-2017 said:

That drive sounds very difficult for every single visit throughout the process, I’m so sorry your having to deal with such an obstacle!

I admire your motivation however! Needless to say, you’ll do very well with this kind of determination up front.

About the pain medication: I was given IV pain meds day 1 and 2 and transitioned to oral pain meds later on day 2. On day 3 they discharged me to home. Some people have more pain than others and require more pain meds, like me I guess. But on day 3 I didn’t need any pain meds at all anymore. I had zero pain. I was sent home with a prescription for more pain pills too & got the script filled but only took like a total of maybe 2 pills over the next week. Crazy, but pain is pretty much under control with these surgeries for the general consensus. Right after surgery when your wheeled up to your room is when you need something, definitely, but seems like it’s mainly that first day & into the 2nd day with some of us.

For vitamins: I take “Opti-Source” Bariatric chewables four times a day. My nutritionist said everything you need is in there. I’m only 6 weeks post op but it’s convenient since they are at Wal-greens for $29 (per month).

Good luck to you dear friend!!!! Hugs?❤️Jennifer

It's been a very big challenge to say the least. It is well worth it in the long run. As long as I use the "Center for Excellence" my insurance covers it 100%. I'm glad to hear from a variety of people. Thank you for your input. I'll take a look at the vitamin you take. The doctor's office gave me a list of vitamins (finally!) and the values I need. Now it's just a cost effectiveness thing for me. It seems like I'll have to supplement Vitamin D+ Calcium, Iron, and B12 with whatever vitamin I pick.

Hugs, Ashley