7 yrs out and not taking ANY vitamins???

I just recently talked to my cousin's husband, who had the RNY back in 2001.   He had the same doctor that did my RNY.   I was asking him what vitamins he takes now, 7 yrs out and he says none.   I asked him if he even took a multivitamin, which he said no.   He said he did labs for the first 3 years and they were fine.   He said he did labs even when he didn't take vitamins or anything and the labs were fine.   He said after 3 years of great labs, my doctor said he didn't need to do the yearly bloodwork anymore.   Do any of you still do labs after a few years out still?

I thought our bodies didn't hardly absorb calcium, so we HAD to at least take Calcium Citrate+Vit D and then a multivitamin EVERY DAY for the rest of our lives!  Is that true or eventually, do we eat enough calcium that we don't need to take CC?   I know we all need to take it when we get older (50+), because our bodies don't absorb calcium as well....but what about bariatric patients?

So what do you people that are like 3+ years out from surgery take vitamin/supplement-wise?  Is it as lengthy as your first year post op or have you lessened your vitamins because you are able to eat more and more variety of foods?  

I was a little shocked by my cousin's responses.   I am only 5 weeks out and want to know what it's like in the long run post op.   Thanks!!

Christie

I am anal about my supplements(multi vits and calcium)...It was recommended for me to take them daily, so I do.  I don't think it's wise for him not to take any...

Supplements are needed for the rest of your life after WLS. My support group stresses this constantly, and so did my surgeon during pre op consultations. Labs should be done at least once per year to keep "tabs" on the vitamin levels in your body. Shortages of vitamins or calcium can lead to life threatening health issues. I know my insurance company wants us to have yearly labs to track all bariatric patients for future reference. Your DH cousin is only asking for health issues that may be irreversalbe. My surgeons office manager told me of one patient *****fused to take his supplements. After 2 years he ended up in a convalescent hospital with permanent health issues. DAVE

I forgot to ask, what are you all taking for vitamins/supplements that are a few years out of surgery (like 2+ yrs out)?   Was it the same dosage or amounts as when you were less than a year out?   Do you still drink protein shakes and/or eat protein bars for protein supplementation?

Christie

At near one year post op, it's possible to get enough protien from foods--IF you watch you diet very closely. I try to eat a good amount of protein daiy, but I don't measure or count. SO I do take 3-4 protein shakes per week, just to make sure my protein levels do not get deficient. Initially, I would take 3 protein shakes daily, then about 2 months out, I levelled of to 2 shakes daily, then one shake daily up until about 10-11 months, and now my current regimine. DAVE

Christie

At 5+ years out I still take my vitamins and supplements without fail every single day.  I also do take protein drinks.  Although I can eat everything, I certainly cannot eat enough to make up for all the vitamins we need.  Also, in order to get all the vitamins and nutrients in, I would have to "overeat" which would get me back to where I started.  I too an anal about that.    Missy   268/115.

I take two chewable multi's, 1-2 calcium chews, iron, biotin, folic acid, b12 injections

first, congratulations on your surgery.

Next,  I have a male friend that is about 5 + years out and he doesn't take any supplements either.  In the beginning he did but then he stopped.  He went for his blood work and his was good.  Maybe males don't need them like a woman does.  That's the only thing I can think of.
It's interesting.

im two years out and i take a multi every day, calcium citrate ( i manage about 1000 mg, never can seem to take more pills).  i also take b12 every other day ( 1000mcg)  and biotin a few times a week.

i sometimes need to take iron but it upsets my stomach something awful so i have really been trying to eat red meat at least once a week, even though i no longer have much desire for it.

im not due for bloodwork till november and will see how things are going then.

i was told vitamins would be forever by my doc.

good luck, jacki

I got into trouble by not taking my supplements religiously after about 3 1/2 years (anemia so bad I had to have two pints of blood!) I think it shows up in the labs faster for women, at least the iron. And maybe because osteoporosis isn't as prevelant in men, it won't be a problem for your friend - for a while anyways. It is REALLY EASY to get sloppy with all of the requirements after having a few years of success and feeling great.

I'm now back on my supplements and even if I have to stay up late to get that last one in, I do!