Vitamin Debate

BellBuckleGal
on 5/20/09 5:26 am - Bell Buckle, TN

I occasionally peak onto the main board here and today I found an interesting topic. A lady had posted that a study had been completed on vitamins and it basically said that RNY patients need to take more than just 1 multi-vitamin. I understand that I will need to take additional iron and B12 because I am already deficient. However, are 2 multi-vitamins necessary to take or is only 1 sufficient? I understand that with taking a pill and having the RNY, that already makes you malabsorb food, that I will most likely malabsorb the pill so if I would take a liquid vitamin would that benefit me absorption wise?

I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts. I would have posted this on the main board, but they get kinda cranky.

Thanks!
Heather

(deactivated member)
on 5/20/09 7:13 am - Sevierville, TN

RNY on 02/05/09

I wasn't in on the debate but I do take two multi-vitamins. It was recommended by my surgeon. I would think even with liquid vitamins you would need a double dose. The problem isn't with the vitamins just being pills. It is about the portion of the small intestine that absorbs vitamins and minerals being bypassed. We need to take more than normal to get a better chance of getting everything we need, nutritionally. Have you talked to your surgeon about what he or she recommends?
Karen

Kenneth C.
on 5/20/09 7:24 am - Hendersonville, TN

RNY on 02/05/09

Most bariatric programs tell you to take 2 multivitamins, depending the kind taken. I currently am taking the Bariatric Advantage Chewable multi, which is made for us specifically, and it's dosage is 2 tablets. I'd highly recommend you check with your nut and surgeon and show them what you are taking, that way they can look at it and see what is appropriate. It's that important to check on vitamins because we malabsorb, please don't take it for granted, bother you doc and nut with it, that's what they are there for.

Kenny - Facebook or view my blog — krcoffman.blogspot.com
HW 340/SW 297/CW 170/GW 190 — Start of Program Weight 315

BellBuckleGal
on 5/20/09 7:28 am - Bell Buckle, TN

RNY on 06/30/09

That brings up a whole other topic. Are Centrum vitamins as good as the bariatrick advantage or the vitamins that are marketed for bariatric patients? This whole vitamin thing is so confusing. I cannot wait to have a sit down with my new surgeon and nutritionist and get their opinions.

Kenneth C.
on 5/20/09 7:42 am - Hendersonville, TN

RNY on 02/05/09

I asked my nut the same thing, she told me that the others were ok, if it was what I could get, but if I could get and afford the Bariatric Advantage vitamins, she highly recommended them. They sell them at Vanderbilt, so I got them. They taste a little different (which my wife says is gross) than the others we were taking, but I noticed there are some difference in them when compared to what you can get at the store. My body is important, so I'll take what is made for me and my new tummy.

She told me the iron, B12 and others (I have to take a Vitamin D3), really no difference, so get them where ever I want, and I've checked and she's right. I also take the Calcium Citrate Lozenges from BA, they are good and contain Vitamin K which most do not.

Ask your new nut, but don't be afraid to question them, learn what you need for you.

Kenny - Facebook or view my blog — krcoffman.blogspot.com
HW 340/SW 297/CW 170/GW 190 — Start of Program Weight 315

Truly Trina
on 5/21/09 11:44 pm - Nashville, TN

RNY on 10/24/06

Hi Heather,

I don’t know anything about the debate on the main board concerning vitamins but I am with you, I find it to be an interesting topic. You are right, after your surgery you’ll be absorbing fewer nutrients so to prevent deficiencies weight loss surgery patients have to unconditionally commit to a vitamin supplement routine for the rest of their life.

I’m also like you as I was already deficient in Iron pre surgery so my Dr. has always prescribed my iron pills, and I now take B12 injections. Hey Heather, how serious of a case of anemia would one be suffering before their doctor ordered iron injections? I have been wondering this. Do you happen to know?

If after your surgery you seem to feel run down and dragging and your blood work shows unfavorable numbers your Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Center Team may suggest that you switch to a liquid or powdered form of that vitamin supplement. From all the reading I have done most sources agree that liquid vitamins are more easily absorbed by your body than pills. But remember I am not a Nutritionist so this is something you should verify with your WLS center.

As far as taking more than 1 multi-vitamin I dunno about that one. Keep in mind I had my WLS in October of 2006. All of my instructions from my Surgeon and Nutritionist direct me to take 1 per day, however, You know they come out with updated information all the time so I guess I would just have to say ask your Nutritionist. Sometimes, you can get too much of a good thing. Some vitamins are toxic when taken in very large amounts.

Okay miss Heather, on a side note, I haven’t heard from ya!!!! Let your fingers do the walking…. LOL…… I need to hear from ya!!!!

*Member of Student Dietetics* *Certified support group leader Obesity Help* Patient Rep support group moderator Vanderbilt Center Surgical Weight Loss
Start weight 277 Reached my goal weight 115

BamaBob54
on 5/20/09 12:10 pm - Meridianville, AL

RNY on 04/28/08

Ah yeeessss. . . the Great Vitamin debate. Always gets a myriad of different opinions as to which is the "best". Crazy thing is - I have picked up brand name vitamins and compared generic or store brands with them and they are often exactly the same in ingredients and percentages. Some are even made by the same company, they just put a different label on the bottle. But the brand name is often three times the price of the equivalent generic or store brand. (Centrum vs. CentraVite, etc) So, unless they are lying on the labels, I don't see what the difference would be as long as it meets your Nutritionist's specs and recommendations.

Like Kenny said, check with your Nutritionist and Surgeon. Follow their advice. There are several good vitamins out there. The lab work they do after surgery will tell them if your vitamins are working correctly.

BamaBob54 ROLL TIDE!!!
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