Question:
Are time released vitamins a good or bad after RNY proximal ?

It seem to me that time released would be good because it would be release at different times but I am not sure. I found a good womens vitamin at GNC but it is time released and I want to make sure I am taking a vitamin will benefit me the most.    — a C. (posted on March 22, 2002)

March 22, 2002
I take the Women's vitamins from GNC - if you are talking about the big green ones. I have not had any trouble with the time release part. I do supplement the iron with a separate pill and also the calcium, but everything else seems to be enough - or at least that is what shows up on my blood work. I am almost 9 months post op and have taken these particular vits since about 1 1/2 months out. Good Luck!
   — gina P.

March 22, 2002
Bad. You need stomach acid to process time released vitamins, meds, etc. I was told to stay away from anything time released and go for water soluble vitamins. I used Cetrum Performance (extra B vitamins) twice a day and really like it. I have soooo much energy. My mother (post-op) has started taking it, too, and she feels the difference. WalMart also makes a copycat that I plan to try once I'm finished with this bottle.
   — PT LawMom

March 22, 2002
Just to expand on what Meagan said, we dont' do timed release because the way timed release works (amateur terms) is so. The medicine is in tiny balls coated with differing amounts of coating, each designed to dissolve (& release) after so much exposure to stomach contents (food, gastric juices, enzymes, acid). A normal RNY pouch doesn't HAVE any of that. And in fact, the almintary side (pouch to colon side) of the intestine doesn't have any, either (or just a dab) until the OTHER limb (from the stomach) hooks in and everything mingles. So, the problem is, what "time" will it release? If it releases too late to be absorbed, all you got were the balls that dissolved in saliva, actually. It's not a reliable delivery method for RNY.
   — vitalady

March 23, 2002
You will get the most benefit from a water soluble, liquid, predigested vitamin. Highly absorbable in 5 minutes. Check out website pattischmoldt.unfranchise.com Go to health and nutrition, then "Isotonix". Love these vitamins!!
   — Patti S.