[judijo]

So, looking forward to SOMEDAY having this surgery, whenever I pass a vitamin store, I stop by to see what they have to offer the bariatric surgery patient. At the mall, today was not going to be an exception.

I asked the guy at GNC if they had chewable calcium citrate. He walked me to the calcium section where they had exactly 6 different kinds of bottles, only one being calcium citrate, it it's usual 1000 mg horsepill.

Then I asked him about chewable iron. None of that either.

Then I asked him about protein water. He said he had to ask the manager. While I was waiting, I found a cooler that held the usual bottles of Isopure for $3.50.

Then the manager showed up and asked why I was looking for chewable CC and iron, and I told him that honestly his company would have some benefit by catering to the WLS community (which here is pretty big) with such items. He asked, "Have you had the surgery yet?"

I answered within a month or two.

"How long will you take to lose how much?"

I replied, "At least 130 pounds within 18 months. Why do you ask?"

THEN the nimrod began a dissertation on the "healthier" way to lose weight is by blah de blah and yaddy yah.

I said, "You a funny guy. You lost some MAJOR business, friend." and I walked out.

Hmmm. I wonder who is NOT going to get my recommendation for WLS supplements?

[beckamarie]

I agree Judi I wouldnt go back there either. I have a great GNC near my house and all the workers know my story and are supper supportive and I just love them, but I dont visit other stores just for the reason you posted about

[Trulykath]

I've lost 112 pounds and it hasn't even been 8 months yet....GNC does NOT cater to bariatric patients...they would gain a lot of customers if they would!

[kimtindall]

I started going to the Vitamin Shoppe and they cater to everyone, you just mention something to them and they will look to see if they can get it. I love that place! I walked into GNC after surgery to look for protein stuff and they were about the same as what you had mentioned.

[greensgirl19]

I can't believe how rude he was. He was probably trying to sell some weight loss products, but lost any sale at all by being pig headed.
Fot calcium I take chewable caltrate 600mg + vit D twice a day and it's yummy. I get them at walmart. But I also like my chewable flinstones too. I guess I'm just a kid at heart. Even when I can I will never go back to those horse pills!!!!

[DeMarie]

I was going to say excatly what Kelly said - GNC is all about selling diet products - did you ever notice the percentage of diet products???
I too get my chewable calcuim caltrate 600 + vit D at Wallmart, and my chewable centrum (multi). When I was just getting ready to have the surgery I had found liquid Centrum at Wallmart, used that first couple of weeks (till it ran out) then switched to chewable.

[Trulykath]

yeah...but can you imagine how many BILLIONS of dollars they make selling diet products....?

[clancythecamper]

I had a similar experience at my local GNC ~ it really let me know that the people that work there are not there to benefit your health but to make a quick sale ~ sad. (and ignorant)

[Corrine]

I'd be inclined to write to GNC head office about that guy. Their employees are not there to pass judgement.

I had my surgery at an Army hospital and the GNC on the base (Ft.Lewis) are outstanding with their knowledge and advice for WLS patients (at all stages). However, they are limited in their selection of chewable/liquid supplements.

Even with a membership card, other than protein powder/drinks etc., they weren't able to provide me with everything I needed early out and in honesty, Walmart is cheaper anyway.

[amina6ae]

I Get Everyhting I Need From The Great Big Walmart Near My House!!!
The Giant Is So Inexpensive, You Can't Beat It!!