So Many Pills, So Little Time!
Posted by RMAP NurseQ. What vitamins and minerals should we take pre- and post-operatively?
A. 1) Multivitamin: One/day, we don’t recommend a certain brand, but do know that Centrum is a popular one amongst our patients. For about two weeks after surgery, this pill should be chewable or liquid. Taking children’s vitamins is okay, as long as you take two pills (or the recommended adult dose as indicated on the bottle). Using a gummy bear multivitamin is okay, but do be aware of extra added sugar. Take it at a time that can become habit for you.
2) Vitamin B-12: 500-1,000 mcg/day. Take sublingually (a small pill that is placed under the tongue and absorbed directly into the bloodstream) daily or by intra-muscular injections, monthly. Take at a time that can become habit for you.
3) Calcium: 1,200mg (pre-menopausal) — 1,500mg (post-menopausal) daily, but it is best to take in smaller doses 3x/day. Hence, 400-500mg 3x/day (at each meal). Do not take your calcium supplement until you are drinking at least 64 ounces of water. For the first two weeks after surgery, this pill will need to be chewable. Calcium Chews are okay to use, but be aware of any extra added sugar.
4) Iron: This may be prescribed by your surgeon at a later date, if needed. Usually only needed by menstruating women. Take at a time that can become habit for you, but with one stipulation: Iron must be taken at least 2 hours apart from the calcium supplement. They compete for absorption sites.
