Hi,

This is my first post. I have been considering getting the Duodenal Switch for a few years now, and I finally took the first step and attended a webinar, and scheduled an appointment with a surgeon. I had a few questions that I wanted answered though: Does anyone know if the Duodenal Switch will interfere with my Synthroid and Calcium absorption? I already have to take Calcium supplements (2000 mg/day), and I know that you have to take calcium supplements after duodenal switch surgery for life, but since I already take it will that mean that I have to take an even higher dose, or will I not be able to get a malabsorptive procedure?

Thank You

Welcome, I'm pre op for the DS as well. I'm fairly new so don't feel qualified to answer your questions yet but I'm wanted to welcome you and I'm sure someone here can help...

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I can't answer your ?' because I had the RNY. Which can have absorption, I have been really lucky I haven't had any problems there. I had my RNY on July 2, 2013. I also take Calcium and am on Synthroid, I take 0.075 of Synthroid a day and 500IU+D3 and 400Mg Calcium. Like I said above I have not had 1 bad report except my B12 is a little high. I was taking B12 sublingual every day then it was 1 time a week. Now I take HAIR SKIN & NAILS 2 times a week. I don't know if there is a lot of difference with the DS and the RNY. I do know they both have the malabsorption side. BTW I also want to welcome you to the group. I hope you get some answers soon. Have a great day. And good luck on your Journey!!

Nature's Plus have a great liquid multivitamin as well as other easily absorbed supplements. It's worth a peek.

I would definitely voice your concerns with your surgeon. The DS has a different vitamin/calcium requirement than the other weight loss surgeries. Flintstone vitamins aren't enough with the DS, but recommended for others. I had the DS this past summer, but don't know enough about Synthroid to answer your question.

Edited October 15, 20178 yr by Strivingforbetter

Thanks a lot guys! All of the replies were very nice and helpful. As far as the calcium goes, I found out that there are patches that I can get that I just put on the skin for calcium. And for the Synthroid, someone told me they had the same concern and that they were still able to get the DS. So hopefully this is helpful for anyone else who may have the same question in the future.

Absorption and bio-availability of your thyroid medication will likely be affected. There is a liquid version of T4, Tirosint. Its manufactured in Europe so I am not entirely sure of its general availability.

@jojowdflo It certainly could interfere or it could not. It's trial and error.

I currently take over 4000mg. of calcium citrate per day (DSers must take citrate). That's to keep my numbers normal. I would not recommend the patches for a DSer. They aren't enough.

Edited October 16, 20178 yr by Postop

6 hours ago, Postop said:

@jojowdflo It certainly could interfere or it could not. It's trial and error.

I currently take over 4000mg. of calcium citrate per day (DSers must take citrate). That's to keep my numbers normal. I would not recommend the Patches for a DSer. They aren't enough.

Agreed.