Vitamin D

Good morning boys.  At my support group meeting last night, our coordinator talked about a recent bariatric surgeon convention she attended in San Diego, and how there was discussion about the need for additional Vitamin D supplements for people who had had gastric bypass.  This is in addition to the whatever your multi-vitamin may contain.  I emailed her for addtional info and/or requirements.  Does anyone know anything further about this?  I try to keep up on all the latest findings to make sure I'm getting what I need.  Thanks.

Let us know what she says, but I do have three thoughts: 1. Depends on what your labs say.  Presumably she's saying extra vitamin D is needed because she's seeing bad labs in patients for either vitamin D or calcium (vitamin D assists absorption).  As far out as you are, you should have good labs that definitely answer whether or not it's a problem for you. 2. Our bodies can make vitamin D from sun exposure.  If a job/hobby gets you outside a lot, you should be less concerned. 3. Many calcium citrate pills have vitamin D already added to increase calcium absorption.  I'd be hesitant to take a vitamin D mega-dose unless my doctor specifically ordered it, because vitamin D is fat soluble and can be toxic at high levels (rare, though).  Between my two multis a day and my two calcium tabs, I'm already getting 1200 IUs a day, which is 3 times RDA for a non-WLS person.

Interestingly enough, she was quick to point out, since we are in South Florida, that we were not immune to the extra requirements.  I for one spend most of my weekends at the beach, so I get plenty of sun.  I am waiting to see what info she comes up with and check with my doc before I do anything different.  She is the bariatric phyc. coordinator at one of the top bariatric hospitals here, so I trust she knows what shes talking about.  I'll let you know what I find out. John

Scott’s Dead on the money here… Not typically an issue for RNY post-ops. Same with cholesterol interplay. It should show up in regular ‘blood panel’ work up with your doc. My Calcium Supplement is “Plus D.” hasn’t been a problem in 4 years… Best Wishes- Dx

The issue of low vit. D is usually detected during routine post op blood work.  The FDA has just changed their recommendation to state that (or they are about to change it) americans especially in the northern parts need to have at least 1000 MG of vit. D per day.    One issue that causes low vit. D levels aside from lack of sun, and absorbtion, is low cholesterol.  Yes, post op your cholesterol levels can drop, and it makes it difficult for your body to produce extra D.    I have supplimented my vit. D since I was 3 months post op.  You can purchase Dry (water dispersable) D through almost any healthfood store, vitalady, bariatric advantage, and the vitamin shoppe.    I do have to say, it is news to me that this is a big RNY issue, RNYers tend to have issues with B-12 or iron....and not low D.  DSers on the other hand routinely have issues with low D because it's a fat soluble vitamin.  I hope this helps  Scott  PS most calcium suppliments have extra D in them....I would think that would be enough for you, if your supplimenting your calcium in addition to your multi vitamin.  Scott

I have brought up this issue on this site before.  I agree and would take a small suppliment for Vit. D.  One thing I do know is that when I am out in the sun I have more energy.  I share this with people and they think I am crazy.  I think it is because of the lack of absorbtion with my RNY...Brian

I recently saw an episode of "Inside Brookhaven Obesity Clinic" on The Learning Channel.  One of the five hundred pound patients, who had not had any bariatric surgery, had severe bone pain. The doctors concluded he had rickets, which is caused by vitamin D deficiency.   He hadn't been outside in years so presumably it was the lack of sunlight which led to the deficiency.