Vitamins, Calcium, Protein, Vitamin D, & Biotin

I have found a chewable multi-vitamin at GNC. It's called Solotron Chewable. It's Natural Berry flavor. There are other types out, shop around and see what you find and what your doctor recommends.

Calcium - CitraCal. It comes in chocolate and caramel. The chocolate is yummy. I have haven't tried the caramel. This is also chewable. I have found this at Walmart, Kroger, and Giant Eagle. You want to make sure you do NOT get the calcium that is carbonate. Your body does not absorb the calcium the way it should. This is especially important if you've had the gastric bypass.

Vitamin D - Also found at GNC. It's small and it's easy to swallow.

Biotin - Also found at GNC. I take this because my hair has started to shed more than normal. From what has been explained to me by other people who have had WLS and my doctor, this is normal. That's one reason it is so important to get your protein in.

Protein - The best one I have found for me is Whey Protein. I have gotten it from GNC and Walmart. You'll have to find one that you like and can tolerate. There are many sites and stores you can visit to find different proteins.

There are a few things to remember:

1. Your stomach opening is only the size of a dime. My nutritionist said if the pill is the size of an eraser, you can swallow it. If it's bigger, you'll need to crush it up or cut in half. That's why I have the chewable.
2. The items listed above is what I use. This does not mean it's OK for you. You will need to talk to your doctor and see what they want you to do!

DISCLAIMER

Please note that all information I have posted is what my doctor and nutritionist had ME do. This is not what all doctors do. I am just sharing what I have to do per my MD's instructions. Please do as your doctor instructs.

TEN IMPORTANT RULES FOR PATIENTS TO BE AWARE OF:

1. Eat only 3-4 meals a day (2-4oz of food per meal)
2. Chew thoroughly (25-30 times per bite), and eat slowly (wait 1-2 minutes between each bite)
3. Stop eating as soon as you feel full.
4. Do not drink while you are eating or 1-2 hours after eating.
5. Do not snack between meals.
6. Eat only good quality food.
7. Avoid fibrous food (asparagus, pineapple, rhubarb, broccoli, artichokes, celery), as they may not digest well. Dried fruits are likely to swell and get stuck ih the new opening to the stomach. Doughy or sticky foods like white bread, popcorn, and coconut can also obstruct the lap band.
8. Drink 48-64oz of water per day. Consume 60-80 grams of protein per day.
9. Avoid carbonated beverages; avoid caffeine until 6 months after surgery, and avoid alcohol until 2 years after surgery.
10. Exercise daily or as instructed by MD.

Soft Foods

5th Week Post Op

***Follow for 2 weeks with gradual transition to regular consistency as tolerated***

All foods used for clear, full liquid, and pureed diets, plus:

• Tender cooked foods: chicken, turkey, fish, tuna, salmon
• Soft foods: string cheese, beans, cottage cheese
• Thoroughly cooked vegetables

Goals:

• 2-4oz of food per meal over a 30 minute period (3-4 meals per day)
• Introduce one new food at a time
• 60-80 grams of protein per day
• Consume 48-64oz of water daily
• Do not drink while you are eating or 1-2 hours after eating
• Remember to take small bites/sips
• Chew your food very well 25-30 times per bite
• Wait 1-2 minutes between each bite
• Daily chewable multi vitamin and calcium supplement
• Remember to get your protein foods in first
• Keep a daily food record and take w/you to your appointments

Pureed Diet

3rd and 4th Weeks Post Op

All foods used for clear and full liquid diets, plus:

• Pureed skinless chicken, turkey, tuna, eggs, beans, tofu, hummus, refried beans
• Pureed green beans, carrots, peas, beets
• Pureed soups such as turkey, bean, chicken
• Pureed canned fruits packed in water, pear juice, or own juice
• Ripe mashed banana
• Baby Food

Full Liquid Diet

1st and 2nd week post-op

Full liquid diet as tolerated:

• Sugar-free pudding
• Low-fat (1%) or Skim Milk
• No Sugar Added Carnation Instant Breakfast
• Cream of Wheat (Made thin or soupy with milk)
• Oatmeal (cooked well, made smooth, and thinned with milk)
• Mashed Potatoes (made smooth, and thinned with milk)
• Light yogurt (plain or flavored, no fruit pieces at this time)
• Low-fat small curd cottage cheese (mashed to smooth consistency).

Lap Band Post-Op Diet Instructions

• Stay away from carbonated or citrus drinks to decrease nausea.
• Avoid foods that are "doughy" or "sticky" such as soft white bread, coconut, chips, popcorn, or dried fruits - they could obstruct the band.
• Very fibrous foods such as broccoli, asparagus, celery, artichokes, pineapple, and rhubarb could obstruct the band if not overcooked and cut into small pieces.
• Food that is difficult to digest include: nuts, almonds, and peanuts.
• Avoid caffeine until 6 months after surgery.
• Consume 48-64 oz of water per day. Avoid gulping waterp; sip small amounts slowly. You may find that cold water tastes better.
• Do not drink while you are eating or 1-2 hours after eating.
• Chew your food very well 25-30 times per bite.
• Wait 1-2 minutes between each bite.
• Stop eating when you feel full.