Can we absorb GEL caps? 2yrs post Op

Hello,

I have came across a few forums that claim post RNY we cannot absorb gel caps. Is this is true ???

If so why has my PCP prescribe me Vitamin D that comes in a gel cap to get my levels back up???
 
Also, I would like to start taking Fish Oil, this too is a gel cap. I am 2 years post op, am I going to be able to absorb the gel caps?

I will ask my surgeon but his after care has been the worst, So I generally deal with my PCP but he is not a specialist in any bariatric surgery.

Please help!

Thanks!
 -Kyra

I'm not totally positive, but I think we can. I'll tell you why. I am 8 years post op and my vitamin D levels when really low. My doctor prescribed gel caps Vitamin D3. After two months we rechecked my levels and they had gone back up to almost normal. Now, after about 6 months they are in the normal range. I continue to take them daily to maintain a normal level.

Best of luck to you.

Same here, I have to take the D3 once a week for 12 weeks and we will then recheck.  thanks a bunch for the feedback.

Sofgels, or gelcaps. won't allow anything in suspension in them to be absorbed well. I went on those script D for 6 months post op. I had low D and was told to take 1 per week. I started with an 8 with D. I had 3 sets of labs in those 6 months to check D levels, and the highest D score was a 14. Normal starts at 30, so you can see it did virtually ZERO.  I'd highly recommend you use a high potency dry D3. I get a 50k IU dry D3 from vitalady.com .  For 2 years I took 4 of these dry D3, and my labs got to a 65. Target numbers are 80-90 for everyone for D levels--a LOT of benefits to keep D in this area. Chances of getting several cancers, MS or other neurological disorders is decreased 50%. BUT, the highest benefit for RNY post ops is that you calcium citrate is absorbed at it's best with D levels in this area.  The same goes for vitamin E or vitamin A--these typically come in softgels. BUT, dry forms of these vitamins are available, just not commonly seen on drug store shelves.  In regards to fish oil, we do need oils in our diet. You may not get 100% benefit from the fish oil, but you'll absorb some of the oil, so it still has benefits for you.  I'd suggest you start on 4 of the 50K IU dry D3 per week to help you D levels get up to the 80-90 levels.  BTW, I got labs back last month. I'd taken 7 of the 50K IU dry D3 for the past year, and my D levels were at a 104.  My bariatric "follow up" doc through Kaiser, thought those levels were fine. In her opinion, D RDA levels are way off.  Her range for normal D levels is at 50-100.  DAVE

Thanks Dave, I am now taking the 50K D3 once a week that my PCP prescibed me to take for 12 weeks... I'll try this and I also started back taking my calciam citrate w/d3 4 pills a day. I'll also add the fish oil too :)!! Thanks for responding!

If those prescribed D3 are 50K green softgels, they won't work well for any post op. You NEED the dry D3 form.  The dry D3 in your calcium citrate won't elevate your D levels either, it just helps with calcium absorption.  I related my experience with those green softgels in my original response, they're virutally worthless to post ops. DAVE

You can find Dry D3 many places online - my surgeon told me I had the highest D level of any of his patients - and I faithfully take 10,000 - 30,000 IU per day.   Also, I use the Coromega fish oil, but take 2 packs to make sure I get the benefits.  You can find these much cheaper online than in local stores, or at least I have found that to be true.

Thanks!

We malabsorb fats, and oil is a fat.  That doesn't mean we don't absorb any of it, just that we won't absorb all of it.

The prescription vitamin D is D2, which is not absorbed well at all.  That, plus the fact that it's in oil, means it will not help your vitamin D level much at all.  I don't know why your PCP prescribed it for you.  You might want to ask him.  My guess is that he doesn't realize it's D2 or doesn't realize that D3 is absorbed much better.  But you would do much better with dry D3.

Actually, it was D3 my RNY surgeons office prescibed me over a year ago, my PCP checked my levels and since they were back low again he ordered a refill.