Vitamin and Minerals

Before weight loss surgery it is recommend that all patients start on a daily adult multivitamin, along with any supplements recommend by a treating physician. It is also recommended that you have blood work done to check for any deficiencies before weight loss surgery. This will allow time for treatment of any deficiencies, and prepare your body for weight loss surgery.

After weight loss surgery taking required vitamins everyday must become a habit that continues for the rest of your life. By taking these supplements, you can assure that your body is getting the nutrients it needs. Below you will find a list of vitamins required for weight loss surgery patients.

The surgeons at Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians (RMAP) do NOT recommend a certain brand in vitamins. Find your vitamins where it is most convenient for
you, your local pharmacy or grocery store are great options. Be aware that there are “bariatric” marketed vitamins available. They tend to be more expensive and meet the same requirements as over-the-counter supplements.

1) Multivitamin: A daily adult multivitamin. Follow the dosing directions on the bottle, and in a form that works best for you. This may be a tablet, chewable or liquid. Patients can swallow pills after surgery, but if you prefer a chewable or liquid these are great options as well.
*Avoid gummy multivitamins as they lack in B vitamins, a vital mineral you need after surgery.

2) Sublingual vitamin B-12: 1,000 mcg/day. Take sublingually (a small pill that is placed under the tongue and absorbed directly into the bloodstream) daily. Take at a time that can become habit for you.

3) Calcium Citrate: 500-600 mg three times a day. Our bodies only absorb a small amount of calcium at a time. This is why it’s required to take in divided dosages to get in the fill 1,200-1,600 mg that is recommended. Calcium Citrate Chews are okay to use, but be aware of any extra added sugar.
*Do not take your calcium supplement until you are drinking at least 64 ounces of water.

4) ADEK: Duodenal Switch (DS) patients are required to take a supplement high in the four fat soluble vitamins A,D,E, and K. This vitamin should contain 10,000 IU of Vitmain A, 800 IU of Vitamin D, 60 IU of Vitamin E, and 160 micrograms of Vitamin K. This supplement can be difficult to find over-the-counter. A online resource through the company Bariatric Advantage

5) Iron: All females having a regular menstrual cycle should be taking a pre-natal vitamin (contains iron), or an additional iron supplement. This may be prescribed by your surgeon at a later date, if needed. 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, as they compete for absorption sites in our bodies.

As you can see vitamin supplementation is very important. This is because restrictive and metabolic procedures like the gastric band (LAPBAND, Realize Band), gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and duodenal switch carry risk for nutritional deficiencies. Severe complication can result if vitamins are not taken as directed.

Please contact Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians if you have any questions regarding vitamin supplements before or after weight loss surgery.