The real test for this is what your labs say, either pre-op or after a few months post-op. The VSG itself doesn't induce the need for it as the bypass does, but some people will be naturally low in it (or other vitamins or minerals irrespective. Likewise, for those who do need to supplement it, the bypass doesn't absorb it well in the stomach, so other forms are used (sublingual, sprays, injections, etc.) while the VSG usually handle a pill just fine. As catwoman indicates, many practices put everyone on the same regimen to start, and then let things shake out as they may later on; other practices will have different starting regimens appropriate for each procedure.

it's really common for RNY'ers to take it. Not sure about VSG'ers, but at my clinic, they have all the patients on the same vitamin regimen regardless of surgery, so they do take B12. Not sure how widespread that is among VSG'ers, though.

Good video. I was one of the ones who did not experience hunger that soon out from surgery. It was a welcome change..Probably the only time in my life I ever experienced that feeling.

Does anyone take B-12? I was advised to take it weekly (I use Nascobol spray) after my surgery and have been using it ever since. I rarely hear it mentioned on this site. Just curious. Thanks!

The liquid in the shakes can be counted in a min liquids requirements for the day. I used to deduct app 1-2 oz from the total volume, to take into account the powder plus the air bubbles in that (when I made it from powder)

I.e. drinking 16oz of premixed protein shake, RTD, I counted 15 oz towards my liquids requirements. Making a shake using protein powder, 16 oz finished drink, I counted 13-14 for liquids.

I used to have a container with me almost all the time, and constantly sipping. Initially it was protein shake, later on and long term, I almost always have a bottle of water or other drink (green tea) almost anywhere I go. When I get home from work, I often make a weak tea to sip on as I feed our cats and start making our meal.

Initially I would stop drinking 15-30 min before my meal, but as my insides healed, there was no need to wait 30 min. Long term - I drink liquids to app 5-10 min before I start eating. I often get 100-150 oz of liquids a day. That not only helps with my hydration but also with BM. Now I can drink 8-12 oz in 5 min or less if I haven't eat dense proteins type food for at least couple of hours.

When I start drinking after a meal, I wait at least 30 min. Sometimes much longer. Starting with small sips allows me to judge if I have a room to drink, or need to wait longer.