October’s support group has come and gone, but we hope the inspiration gained and information learned has stayed with you. The topic for the month was Vitamins and Minerals, with the discussion led by our three surgeons. Dr. Smith attended Orem, Dr. McKinlay visited Ogden, and Dr. Simper remained in Salt Lake. 

Topic: Vitamins and Minerals. The hope was to remind you what supplementation is needed, and WHY it is needed. We have 30 years of good data on gastric bypass patients specifically, and those who supplement do not have deficiencies. So, as a reminder, our recommended supplementation regimen is as follows:

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.

Not only was it a successful discussion on the assigned topic, but it was a good chance for our patients to connect with one another and get answers to questions that have arised since last month’s support group. I was able to attend to Salt Lake City’s group and so enjoyed meeting with our patients on a more personal level.

Look forward to seeing you next month! I need everybody’s participation, as the topic for November is:

            Success Stories. Bring your own success story to share and learn from others’  life changing experiences.

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