Protein supplements & multivitamins

I went in today for my 2 month Dr. appointment. Everything is going very well. I've lost 14 additional pounds (45 lbs. total and the first time I've been under 300 lbs. in I don't even know how long). I wish that it were more, but the staff claims I'm actually ahead of the curve and not to worry because they'll let me know if I'm not progressing the way I'm supposed to.
I saw a brand new nutritionist. He seemed nice enough and enthusiastic about his job, but I couldn't get a word in edge wise talking to him. Kind of like talking to a salesman. Here's my issue: previously, I was told that as long as I was getting 60 grams of protein through my food, I didn't need to take a supplement. However, the new guy says that muscle loss is extremely common among bariatric patients and that I'll quit losing weight if I don't prevent that by upping my protein to 80 grams. He also claims that I'm not eating a high enough quality protein because I'm consuming a lot of vegetable proteins (veggie burgers and sausage). He wants me to start taking a protein supplement daily from Syntrax Nectar. He says the additional calories won't be enough to hinder weight loss. He also wants me to change my vitamin. I've been taking chewable Centrum as recommended in my post-op packet, but he wants me to switch to Bariatric Fusion because it has additional nutrients that patients tend to be deficient in. I wouldn't have a problem with this, but a month's worth of the new vitamin is around $25 which is more than double the cost of Centrum.
I'm assuming he knows what he's talking about and I'll probably at least try both products, but I wondered if this is normal? Anyone have any thoughts?

My protein intake is at 80 to 85 grams per day per my surgeon and nutritionist....

At this point if you are trying to go vegan or as close to it as possible you do need to take the whey protein shakes / drinks to make sure you are meeting your protein intake...

Syntax Nectar that I have has 100 calories, 0 carbs and 24 grams of protein per 1 ounce scoop of protein powder. I buy mine in single packs which weigh in at 1 ounce packets.

There are many awesome chewable and swallow bariatric vitamins, iron and calcium supplements out there. The nutritionist may be have a sponsorship with the company he is recommending to you as is very common in the medical field. My husband sees this happen all of the time in his pharmacy at the local hospital..

I am now where I am able to use vitamins, calcium, iron, coQ10, fish oil and my potassium 2xs a day in all swallow form.. LOL I do have to break my vitamins and calcium in half in order to swallow.

LauraLeigh said:

I went in today for my 2 month Dr. appointment. Everything is going very well. I've lost 14 additional pounds (45 lbs. total and the first time I've been under 300 lbs. in I don't even know how long). I wish that it were more, but the staff claims I'm actually ahead of the curve and not to worry because they'll let me know if I'm not progressing the way I'm supposed to.
I saw a brand new nutritionist. He seemed nice enough and enthusiastic about his job, but I couldn't get a word in edge wise talking to him. Kind of like talking to a salesman. Here's my issue: previously, I was told that as long as I was getting 60 grams of protein through my food, I didn't need to take a supplement. However, the new guy says that muscle loss is extremely common among bariatric patients and that I'll quit losing weight if I don't prevent that by upping my protein to 80 grams. He also claims that I'm not eating a high enough quality protein because I'm consuming a lot of vegetable proteins (veggie burgers and sausage). He wants me to start taking a protein supplement daily from Syntrax Nectar. He says the additional calories won't be enough to hinder weight loss. He also wants me to change my vitamin. I've been taking chewable Centrum as recommended in my post-op packet, but he wants me to switch to Bariatric Fusion because it has additional nutrients that patients tend to be deficient in. I wouldn't have a problem with this, but a month's worth of the new vitamin is around $25 which is more than double the cost of Centrum.
I'm assuming he knows what he's talking about and I'll probably at least try both products, but I wondered if this is normal? Anyone have any thoughts?

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Hi LauraLeigh !!!

CONGRATULATIONS on getting below that 300 lbs mark. I know what that feels like and it is so awesome. Next comes the 200 lb mark and it's on the horizon for both of us!!!

I also take Centrum and I think it is a really good vitamin. Bariatric Fusion may be a better vitamin but double the cost is something to consider too. I guess it depends how well you can afford it.

Rather than paying for an expensive supplement, couldn't you up your protein by eating some eggs, tuna, salmon, fish, chicken, beef or lean pork. I myself cook my meat up ahead of time (chicken breast especially) and have a container in the fridge and the rest in the freezer. I grab a piece out at each meal, and put it with salad or green beans, stewed tomatoes or some carrots (which I also have in containers in the fridge). That way I just warm up the food fast in the microwave. Or if you like eggs, omlettes with cheese are yummy or hard boiled eggs. Canned tuna or Salmon mixed with light Miracle Whip on a couple crackers with a couple pickles make a great meal. Pork Tenderloin or London Broil Steak are both very lean meats slow cooked til they are super tender and again put some in the refrigerator and most in small containers in the freezer so you can move a container to the refrigerator as the one in the refrigerator gets low. This is what helps me the most, when I get hungry and need to eat I just make my food in about 3 minutes. No fuss as all. Food is just fuel for the body, I eat it.. it does taste delicious but then I'm full and that is that.

These are just suggestions for you. I think you have really done well losing weight so far. Keep up the good work!!!

Cheyenne

LauraLeigh, 60 grams of protein is what is recommended for females. There is no harm in getting more, unless you have kidney problems, then too much protein can be harmful. I get about 80 to 100 grams in daily and I take supplements to get that much. The shakes feel good on my stomach the first thing in the morning, so I will probably continue that routine for awhile.
Vitamins are a hot topic with many opinions. I would look at the recommended daily requirements for bariatric patients (there's a standard, but I can't recall the name of the governing board right now) and see if the vitamins you are taking meet those standards.
When I looked at it, I would have had to buy many more bottles of individual vitamins and the cost would have exceeded the $25 a month I now pay for a bariatric vitamin which even includes calcium.
If you're unsure you can always wait until they do blood work (probably at 6 months) and if your blood levels are fine, then your routine is fine.

Hello,

I believe he is trying to help you. Look at his suggestion. also, go to bariatric advantage site http://www.bariatricadvantage.com/catalog
as well. The thing I notice about bariatric vitamins is they really up the amount of the Vitamins across the board, especially since I am a gastric bypass patient as you are as well.

I am taking 2 Bariatric Advantage High ADEK vitamins a day plus Bariatric Advantage 500mg Calcium Citrate Chewables w/ Vitamin D - Wild Cherry as needed and one klor-con potassium. Remember as a result of gastric bypass we are malabsorption.

Look at the makeup of the bariatric advantage high ADEK, it is quite different from a centrum. It provides much higher levels of vitamins; especially the b vitamins.

Ralph

Karenina said:

LauraLeigh, 60 grams of protein is what is recommended for females. There is no harm in getting more, unless you have kidney problems, then too much protein can be harmful. I get about 80 to 100 grams in daily and I take supplements to get that much. The shakes feel good on my stomach the first thing in the morning, so I will probably continue that routine for awhile.
Vitamins are a hot topic with many opinions. I would look at the recommended daily requirements for bariatric patients (there's a standard, but I can't recall the name of the governing board right now) and see if the vitamins you are taking meet those standards.
When I looked at it, I would have had to buy many more bottles of individual vitamins and the cost would have exceeded the $25 a month I now pay for a bariatric vitamin which even includes calcium.
If you're unsure you can always wait until they do blood work (probably at 6 months) and if your blood levels are fine, then your routine is fine.

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Karenina, keep in mind those of us who have had by-pass have to adjust our diets to make up for mal-absorption..

Those who have had the sleeve do not have to watch for mal-absorption of nutrients and supplements.

RNY patients are required to take additional B12, calcium, potassium, iron and multi-nutritionally complete vitamins to meet their needs + coQ10 and fish oil...

dancinbr said:

Hello,

I believe he is trying to help you. Look at his suggestion. also, go to bariatric advantage site http://www.bariatricadvantage.com/catalog
as well. The thing I notice about bariatric vitamins is they really up the amount of the Vitamins across the board, especially since I am a gastric bypass patient as you are as well.

I am taking 2 Bariatric Advantage High ADEK vitamins a day plus Bariatric Advantage 500mg Calcium Citrate Chewables w/ Vitamin D - Wild Cherry as needed and one klor-con potassium. Remember as a result of gastric bypass we are malabsorption.

Look at the makeup of the bariatric advantage high ADEK, it is quite different from a centrum. It provides much higher levels of vitamins; especially the b vitamins.

Ralph

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That's something I didn't think of, Ralph. Along with my 2 Centrum every day, I have to take vitamin B12 and Vitamin D3 plus Calcium. I also take potassium once a week. The Bariatric Vitamins may be cheaper and better if it includes all of these vitamins.

Cheyenne

A big thanks to everyone for your input. A look into the new vitamin shows that it has a lower amount of vitamins than I'm getting from the Centrum, including the B vitamins which is what I thought bypass patients had a hard time with. I'm not sold on his recommendation, although I will look into other bariatric vitamins.
As for my protein, I've tried to up the protein in my diet, I make cheese omelets, put salmon on salad, mix beans with ground turkey for taco style meals, etc. But I just can't eat enough food to get to 80 grams. It's physically impossible; I'd have to eat another meal. It looks like I'll have to take a supplement, but I have yet to find one that isn't gross. The nutritionist gave me a number to call to get samples of the company's protein shakes. I'm hoping I find something I like. Although I trust him less after the vitamins, so I guess I'm going to be shopping around.
Again, many thanks! You guys are awesome!

LauraLeigh said:

A big thanks to everyone for your input. A look into the new vitamin shows that it has a lower amount of vitamins than I'm getting from the Centrum, including the B vitamins which is what I thought bypass patients had a hard time with. I'm not sold on his recommendation, although I will look into other bariatric vitamins.
As for my protein, I've tried to up the protein in my diet, I make cheese omelets, put salmon on salad, mix beans with ground turkey for taco style meals, etc. But I just can't eat enough food to get to 80 grams. It's physically impossible; I'd have to eat another meal. It looks like I'll have to take a supplement, but I have yet to find one that isn't gross. The nutritionist gave me a number to call to get samples of the company's protein shakes. I'm hoping I find something I like. Although I trust him less after the vitamins, so I guess I'm going to be shopping around.
Again, many thanks! You guys are awesome!

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ALWAYS eat your protein first, then if you have room finish with your complex carb or fruits/veggies. You can always supplement your protein intake with a protein shake... Nectar makes some great tasting ones that are not "thick" "To Sweet" or "heavy" and come in a great variety of flavors. I love their Fuzzy navel one.
I also tolerate actually love the Unjury Chicken broth. Sometimes the sweetness of all protein shakes and powders is what I am not tolerating at all.

I found that most of the chewable bariatric vitamins to be far to sweet for me. I am now able to, Surgeons permission to take an OTC nutritionally complete multi vitamin 3x's a day (till I am 6 months out). I am finishing up the last of the bottles of bariatric chewable right now. My surgeon, nurse and nutritionist made the point to me that the key is making sure to take 3 a day until I hit the 6 month mark then it is 2 a day...

I have found that I have to cut some of my supplements into 3rds and quarters in order to take them, then again I have always had issues swallowing capsules and large tablets due to my esophageal issues I was born with.

I promise it will get easier and better in due time...

You weight loss is awesome and Keep up the great work!!!!
Take your time, don't get frustrated and if you do, stop take a deep breath and start over.

I can tell you from my daily vitamin ritual, it takes me almost an hour in the morning to get my calcium, vitamin, fish oil, CoQ10, Potassium and Proton pump inhibitor in and now I am also taking Carafate(1/2 hour before or after supplements) after a pill sticking / pouch irritation issue. Just take the time and enjoy the ritual.
Mid Day is easy, Carafate followed by my iron 20 minutes later.
Evening is about 15 to 30 with Carafate an hour now. depending on my pouch and how it is feeling (it has a mind of its own, LOL). I take my calcium, vitamin, CoQ10, B12, potassium, vitamin followed 30 minutes later by my Carafate.

Karenina said:

LauraLeigh, 60 grams of protein is what is recommended for females. There is no harm in getting more, unless you have kidney problems, then too much protein can be harmful. I get about 80 to 100 grams in daily and I take supplements to get that much. The shakes feel good on my stomach the first thing in the morning, so I will probably continue that routine for awhile.
Vitamins are a hot topic with many opinions. I would look at the recommended daily requirements for bariatric patients (there's a standard, but I can't recall the name of the governing board right now) and see if the vitamins you are taking meet those standards.
When I looked at it, I would have had to buy many more bottles of individual vitamins and the cost would have exceeded the $25 a month I now pay for a bariatric vitamin which even includes calcium.
If you're unsure you can always wait until they do blood work (probably at 6 months) and if your blood levels are fine, then your routine is fine.

Click to expand...

Karenina the protein requirements for a Sleeve patient is lower in some cases, surgeon dependent almost 30% lower than that of patients who have had bypass. This is due to the fact we are not absorbing 100% per cent of what we consume. In most cases by pass folks process no more than 50% of the calories and nutrients they take in than sleeve folks do..

5. Adequate Protein Intake
Approximately 60–80 g of daily protein is recommended for nutritional adequacy and for wound healing after surgery. This fact can be complicated by patients' intolerance of many food sources of protein, especially red meats and poultry. Also, lactose intolerance is a possible postsurgical complication, requiring a modification of milk products.

7. Vitamin/Mineral Supplements
The gastric bypass creates malabsorption, whereby iron, calcium, and B-vitamin nutrition is in jeopardy. In addition to a nutritious diet, supplements are necessary to work against potential deficiencies. Iron-deficiency anemia, pernicious anemia, and osteoporosis (in both sexes) may develop, although usually not in the first postoperative year.

A daily combination of an adult-strength multivitamin with iron, a B-complex supplement, and 1,000–1,500 mg of calcium is needed for the rest of the patient's life. Chewable vitamins are now available for patients who do not tolerate pills well. Diagnostic blood work is needed at the patient's annual postoperative visit or sooner if suspicious symptoms such as fatigue or shortness of breath are present.


http://spectrum.diabetesjournals.org/content/18/2/82.full.pdf+html

Protein cuts the fats inside our body and keeps us moving ahead. Protein supplements are very healthy and has no side effects.

You need to be on a protein supplement, You can't eat enough of it as it wont be broken down properly and absorbed, especially red meat. Trust me, I am 21 years post RNY, and I am extremely sick right now because I didn't know any better. Thank God for my new nutritionist. You can take amino acids and skip the protein powders, as they are already broken down and absorb right away. Talk to a nutritionist that specializes in bariatrics or you too could get very sick over time.