Nutritionist suggestions who specializes in Bypass patients

I went to a nutritionist who told me that taking my vitamins and stool softeners were not sufficent for good health. She told me that I must take calcium supplements and suggested three Viactiv's a day. (They are worth the 20 calories each and delicious!) She also said adding two flinstone tablets in addition to our Vit4life vitamins are necessary. She also suggested B-12 tablets taken sublingually (under tongue.) OUr gut can no longer absorb the capsules etc. and that we can become deficient in this if not added into our vitamin rituals. Just ask your physican the next time you have a visit to see if he/she agrees. Patty

I take 2 Womens One a day's & 1,000 mg Extra of Calcium. I was taking sublingual b-12 until about 2 month's ago, when I started giving myself the shot's. On my last appt, my doc asked what I was taking, and so I told her. She said that was fine. Every surgeon is different with their recommendations. I have often thought about upping my vitamin intake, but I will wait until I get some blood test's back first (I'll be doing those tomorrow) to see where my levels are. If you haven't had your levels checked recently, perhaps you should talk to your doc about getting that done. This is the best way to see whether taking more then you are now, will actually be better.

At 7 mos. post op my labs were all good except the folate level was a little low. In addition to the vits, I, too, give myself a monthly B-12. The nutritionist at the Health Food store recommended Sublingual B Total (1cc drop under tongue) and Optizinc capsules. My energy level has been great. Fortunately I don't have to take a stool softner but I can see where that might make our nutrients even less absorbant. Thanks for the input. Luvitsunnyv

I would do some research at the library (right here on this site) Viactivs are yummy, but they are calcium carbonate....after gastric bypass we know longer absorb carbonate very easily.....it needs stomach acid to break it down which we know longer have in our little pouch it also passes the part of the intestines that where bypassed that absorbs it better.....we are supposed to be taking calcium citrate, much more easily absorbed! My surgeon also reccomended carbonate, but after hearing all the stuff about the bad absorption I decided to do my own research....I would rather be safe than sorry! I also take the subliqual B-12, my surgeon says a tablet is fine, but I also researched that myself! Centrum makes a chewable adult vitamin, I take those instead of the two kid ones.......vitamins and supplements are very important for the rest of our lives, and it is important for us to really research everything and find out the best possible things to be taking!!! Good luck Jesi

I had my surgery at Kaiser Hospital and they recommend, which I've faithfully stuck to since day 1: 1 mega-multi vitamin with minerals per day 3 hours later 2 Citracal tablets (calcium citrate) with vit.D 2 more Citracal at lunch 2 more Citracal at Dinner (for a total of 6 per day). Calcium should not be taken with vitamins, so wait 2-3 hours before or after you take your morning vitamins. 2 per week (I take mine wed. and sat.) sublingual B-12 for a max of 1000 mcg each. Please take your Calcium Citrate ladies!!!! So far my labs have been good.

Gosh...the only thing I was ever told to take is 1-prenatal vitiman a day. and keep my protien up at about 50 a day. I had labs done @ 6 months and they were perfect. Karie -98