Here is a list of vitamins and supplements that I take as recommended by my doctor. PLEASE note that you should check with your doctor for his recommendations! This is just to give an idea of what you may need to take.

For the first month, my surgeon does not recommend vitamins. To be honest, I never asked why but with all the healing and swelling going on, I thought it made sense.

The second month after post-op. His recommendation is one of each vitamin everyday. Usually one half hour after breakfast. Now I did stray from the advice on calcium due to reading a lot of postings from further out post-ops. I started taking 3 calcium pills spread out through the day.

Third month post-op, double up on your vitamins. I have worked out a good schedule for me. Ok, here goes...

Upon waking in the morning, I take one calcium pill. I keep them on my dresser and always take a small bottle of water to bed with me at night. I have to say... water and I get along great these days! lol

Ok, to continue on... I let the dog out, put some food in her bowl... oh... I guess you don't need to know all that! <g> I make one of my protein drinks and then back to the bathroom where I proceed to do my makeup and hair in preparation for work. So by time I am done getting ready, the protein drink is gone. So I have already had at least one oz of water, my first calcium pill and one protein drink for the day!

I purchased a nice size cooler bag that has become like my security blanket! It has a little pocket on the front which I keep filled with extra vitamins and baggies full of protein powder. I always fill that with at least two 20oz bottles of water and my breakfast. I grab an 8 oz bottle of water before I head out the door to drink in the car. I don't often finish the whole bottle on the half hour drive to work but I have gotten used to keeping water with me and feel naked when I am out and forgot it. One good thing, it is easy enough these days to stop and purchase a bottle of water!

By time I get to work and get things set up for the day, it has been a half hour since I had anything substantial to drink so I am good to go for breakfast! People make fun of some of my choices but I don't care. You can only do so many eggs and cheese for breakfast! Try some leftover pizza or stuffed shells, they are not just for dinner anymore! hehehe

Half hour after breakfast I take an iron, A&D, and my multi vitamin/mineral pills. I keep my water on my desk at all times. I keep the 8 oz bottle out and just refill it with the ones I have in my cooler so it stays nice and cool. I have found out that I drink more this way if I have something to measure how much I am drinking a day.

Ok, on to lunch time. I think I am more obsessed about food now then in my whole life! I think about what I want to eat because I don't want to waste my time on something that does not taste good. Before I did not really care, if I ate something that was just "ok", no problem, I would eat something I really liked later. lol Now, I want to make sure it is something I will enjoy the first time around. About a half hour after lunch, I take a vitamin E pill. No, my doctor does not require this but my body loves them, it keeps my skin nice and soft. Some people have problems with Vit. E because it is a fatty vitamin but I still don't.

Late in the afternoon I take another calcium pill then wait about half hour to 45 minutes then make another protein drink before leaving work for the day.

After dinner I take my second set of vitamins which include the iron, A&D, and multi vitamin/mineral.

Late in the evening, usually around 9 or so, if I feel the need to take another protein drink then I have one. Ok, off to bed and I take a small bottle of water with me, take my last calcium pill for the day (I keep a bottle on my dresser, one on my desk downstairs and one at my off site office). Then I have the bottle looking at me first thing in the morning with the water right next to them!

I am sure some will disagree with my schedule but I feel that everyone needs to make a schedule they can stick to. This works for me!:)

My doctor wants us to get in 64 oz of fluid a day, he does allow us to count any decafe, sugar free beverage in with that. So I also count my protein drinks. I usually count 6 oz for each one by time the ice cubes melt. I do agree with most post-ops in that it is very important to keep your water intake on the up side. Ok, so I am not always perfect and don't always get in 64 oz of fluid a day but I do try my best. That is why I like to use the bottled water so I can track what I am drinking. No, I don't buy cases upon cases of water either. I happen to like the way my water tastes so I just refill the bottles.

I can't express how important I feel it is to get in your vitamins and protein everyday! Find a little pill box or small baggie to carry with you at all times and keep a days supply of vitamins there. Not to mention, have some on your desk at work, at home or someplace that you know without a doubt you will see them throughout the day!