Zinc was not one of the vitamins on my list to take. If you take zinc, what format and how much? Do you consider this one of your essential vitamins?

There is usually enough zinc in your multi vitamin.  If your labs show a zinc deficiency, then you may have to add additional supplements.  It's important to follow your lab numbers and adjust your vitamin supplementation accordingly.  Taking too much of a certain vitamin can cause toxicity and make you sick.  I keep a spreadsheet of all my lab numbers.  That way I can see any downward trends and adjust my vitamins before I get deficient.

Thanks for the information. I will not worry about this unless it becomes a problem. So far, my lab results have been ok. I like your spreadsheet idea for tracking.

Monica

My family doctor told me to take zinc because I had a surgical procedure coming up.  At my next labs my zinc was too high and I quit taking it.

Good to know. Thanks!

I just read this on the forum "General Discussion" and they have this link;

Nutritional Deficiencies in Restrictive Procedures

Iron deficiency has two main causes: lack of intake and alteration in absorption. Even though gastric sleeve surgery has no malabsorption, the small surface of the stomach can lead to changes in the chloridric acid secretion that can potentially result in anemia, especially after the iron reserves have been depleted. The treatment includes oral iron with vitamin C or iron shots every week.
Zinc deficiency can be related to multiple organic alterations. Some of the most common ones are alopecia (hair loss), taste alterations, and nail problems. Part of the hair loss supplementation for gastric sleeve patients includes zinc 50mg daily.