How many Vitamins will I have to take, or how many do you take post surgery? Do they not have one Vitamin that can supply everything?????

I am really bad at remembering to take medicine!

You can get bariatric Vitamins, chewable and contain the prescribed mix of what we need, but they are expensive. All docs are different in what they recommend. Mine doesn't sell vitamins or recommend bariatric supplements specifically. My instructions:

AM

Multivitamin

d3

b12

I also take fishoil, Biotin and a PPI

Noonish

Iron (iron is never to be taken with the multi or with Calcium as it affects absorption)

dinner

Time release calcium citrate (early on I did 3 calcium citrate chews spaced through the day avoiding the iron supplement)

Night

multivitamin

I also take fishoil and a second dose of PPI

Yes, it's a lot to remember. Yes, taking your supplements is a NECESSARY part of your aftercare. I put mine in a weekly pill keeper once per week and have an alarm for the mid day iron so I don't forget. If you think it's going to be a problem for you, either figure it out or re-think your plan for WLS. This is just one very MINOR price that we pay for letting them cut out our stomach so we can get healthy. Even with the bariatric supplements, you'll need them more than once per day. This supplement schedule is FOR LIFE as are the rest of they changes you'll have to make, (if you value your bones, hair, skin and general health). Sorry if this sounded harsh, but if vitamins seem "hard", I worry about proper attention to after care. (You got the "tough love" speech).

I take two calcium chews daily (morning and night), two Multivitamins daily (morning and night), and one B12 under the tongue tablet every other day. So it's really not so bad.

I notice that some people take a lot more, but my Vitamin contains many of the things people are taking separately (like biotin) so I am lucky that I found a pill that includes these things. I get my multivitamin from GNC. I take the women's ultra mega once daily pill, but I take it twice daily because my nutritionist said it's needed. They usually have pretty good sales at GNC. Like buy one get one free, periodically on their website. That's when I stock up.

It will vary depending on your program. I've seen some people only recommended to take a multi Vitamin. Others have a several. I was instructed to take:

multi AM/PM

D3 AM

calcium citrate AM/PM (separate from multi by at least 2 hours)

B12 Every other day, now once a week.

I also take Biotin and ZyrtecD

I just timed it. I take my AM pills with my morning drink of Water. I keep the calcium in my bag and take them after my morning workout. I take B12 on Sundays. 2nd calcium before dinner. The PM pills before bed.

My nutritionist requires 3 bariatric multivitamins per day, calcium + D3 twice a day (can't be taken at the same time as the vitamins), a probiotic, and liquid b12.

In addition to those, I also take omeprazole twice daily (was prescribed first two months, now I buy over-the-counter), Vitamin C, coq10, Omega 3, vitamin E, extra Vitamin D, and beef Gelatin.

I just take mine on a schedule that's become part of my normal routine, but you can get apps for your phot that will remind you when to take what if you need to.

Edited March 17, 201511 yr by JamieLogical

Right after surgery I was taking a multivitamin, Vitamin D3, calcium citrate, Iron and sublingual B12 everyday. Of course I had to take the iron separately from the calcium and multi. My 6 month bloodwork showed that my calcium and iron were both high so I discontinued those supplements.

I currently take a whole food based multivitamin, B12 sublingual 3x week, and Fish Oil with vitamin D. My annual bloodwork was perfect. I will repeat bloodwork at least once/ year for the rest of my life.

It is very important to keep up with regular bloodwork in order to adjust any supplements before they become a problem. 90% of gastrectomy patients develop deficiencies even 10-20 years postop without adequate supplementation.

It’s better to make it easier on yourself than to stock a pharmacy, try to be perfect and forget to take things. First, I would recommend flax seed oil over fish oil any day of the week if you’re going to take omegas. You can find them in the Vitamin section of organic grocery stores like Sprouts or Whole Foods. Stick to good ones… but remember it’s important to keep your regimen simple if you’re not good at remembering. So, let’s consider those optional for the time being.

You NEED a good multivitamin and you NEED to be sure you’re getting in your calcium, Vitamin D and Iron. I’ll tell you what I take, and you can make your own mind up but I’ve had no issues with my labs for 8 years. I take Vita4Life Multi Plus 2 AM 2 PM. Iron, sublingual B12, and Vitamin D (1 each mid day). That’s it. Each container lasts me 3 months so I don’t even have to order often. I hope you find what you’re looking for and good luck! www.vita4Life.net

My nutritionist requires 3 bariatric multivitamins per day, calcium + D3 twice a day (can't be taken at the same time as the vitamins), a probiotic, and liquid b12.

In addition to those, I also take omeprazole twice daily (was prescribed first two months, now I buy over-the-counter), Vitamin C, coq10, Omega 3, vitamin E, extra vitamin D, and beef Gelatin.

I just take mine on a schedule that's become part of my normal routine, but you can get apps for your phot that will remind you when to take what if you need to.

Wow...an app for reminders I need that. What's the name of the app? If I may ask:)

My nutritionist requires 3 bariatric multivitamins per day, calcium + D3 twice a day (can't be taken at the same time as the vitamins), a probiotic, and liquid b12.

In addition to those, I also take omeprazole twice daily (was prescribed first two months, now I buy over-the-counter), Vitamin C, coq10, Omega 3, vitamin E, extra vitamin D, and beef Gelatin.

I just take mine on a schedule that's become part of my normal routine, but you can get apps for your phot that will remind you when to take what if you need to.

Wow...an app for reminders I need that. What's the name of the app? If I may ask:)

The one I have is called "take me". I haven't used it yet since I'm still pre-op for a short time.