1. Book Suggestions, 2. Chewable vitamin and 3. Abdominal Binder, 4. Support pillow questions

[sraebaer]

I have another question...I am worried about not doing it "right" ... water, vitamins, shakes... immediately after surgery once I'm released. I don't know if that makes sense or not? Was anyone else concerned about this?

Your surgeon/nutritionist should give you all this information. I had a huge packet (after about 4 classes before surgery) about exactly what vitamins to take, what the requirements were for the shakes, how much water, everything. I had a schedule of what foods could be added each week. I referred back to this information continually.

[Kindle]

Shirl, I had been taking Source of Life Gold chewables even before surgery. Had been for years. It was One of the only multis my mom could tolerate with all of her GI issues and stomach sensitivity and she turned me on to them. But postop I couldn't stand the sweet taste of the chewables so I switched to the Garden of Life line that were capsules and tablets instead as soon as my bottle of chewables ran out. I get them from Amazon at a reasonable price.....about half of what they sell them for at my local health food store.

[D618]

This has been an awesome thread! Thank you everyone

[ghost_ryder]

1. I listen to Podcasts instead of reading. I just find it easier.

2. I used Bariatric Advantage Berry multi-vitamin and Calcium Citrate Berry- both chewable. The calcium is hard, I found it to be chalky

3. I used a binder/brace when I went back to the gym for support and also when I went back to work to support my stomach and wound areas. For work I only did this for a week or two. I still use the binder while lifting with my upper body for support. Only suggestion is to buy one size bigger due to swelling.

4. I used just a simple flat throw pillow.

[Pam G]

Just ordered 5 of those books, Kindle! thanks!

1. "The emotional first aid kit" by Cynthia Alexander
"Eat it up" by Connie Stapleton
"Get out of your head and into your life" by Steven Hayes (this is not bariatric specific, but a good read for general mental health issues....which is what obesity is)
"Life Without Ed" by Jenni Schaefer
"Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Dummies" and
"Feeling Good : The New Mood Therapy" by David Burns

2. I hated chewables and prefer whole food based vitamins rather than chemically synthesized ones. They contain probiotics, micronutrients and synergistic combinations that maximize absorption. I use Garden of Life Vitamin Code for Women, Kind Organic Plant Calcium, and Vitamin Code Raw D. 3 1/2 years out with perfect labs.

3. I couldn't imagine wearing a binder postop. The last thing I wanted on my already bloated abdomen was more pressure!

4. Never used a pillow. I could sleep on my side and back from night one. I went shopping, travelled by plane and drove 5+ hours within 3 days of surgery with no problems.