Question:
I was told to take Vitamin E capsules one month after surgery by a liver specialist!

I take B-12 sub tabs, Vitamin E and C, B-50 capsules, a multi-vitamin with minerals, potassium ( I always had a potassium deficiency), and a calcium citrate when I can remember to take it!!!! On some weeks during the month I take an iron pill with vitamin C together upon waking up in the morning. I noticed that the iron and c mixture help maintain a higher energy level for me before and during menstruation. I don't take potassium or Iron every single day because the iron locks my bowel movements. Plus I don't have a deficiency anymore so I don't have to. I only take the Iron and C together because around that time of month I am extremely tired if I don't take them. My question is I noticed that other WLS patients have higher liver enzymes and some take vitamin E capsules. I also noticed that some patients recommended the dry vitamin E instead of the oil capsules! Why is that? I have been taking Vitamin E in oil capsules for 5 months now and my surgery date was 03/04/02. What harm will the vitamin E capsules do? What is the difference in the dry and the Oil? I did not have any problems taking the oil capsules, as a matter of fact my skin, nails and hair is in better condition since taking them!!!!!!!!! When my liver enzymes were extremely high the liver specialist told me to invest in vitamin E and I purchased a 8 month supply so that I would not run out of them. Since taking the Vitamin E my liver enzymes have decreased and my skin has improved tremendously!! So give me the 411 on the Vitamin E descrepancy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am satisfied with the Oil capsules but if the dry e pills are better, maybe I will try them when I run out of the capsules!!!!I have lost 90 pounds so far and I feel much better!!!!!!HELP ME OUT GUYS-WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST? DO ANY OF YOU GUYS TAKE VITAMIN E CAPSULES? WHERE THE PATIENTS WITH HIGH LIVER ENZYMES EVER TOLD TO TAKE VITAMIN E LIKE I WAS TOLD TO TAKE? GOOD LUCK AND THANKS TO YOU ALL FOR RESPONDING!    — Shirley M. (posted on September 17, 2002)

September 17, 2002
What type of surgery did you have?? RNY Post Ops need water soluable vits, (dry) and DS Post Ops need fat soluable vits.
   — Bev H.

September 17, 2002
I'm not sure what type of surgery you had but I had a RNY and was told we should take the dry form of vitamin E because we don't absorb the oil form. I was also instructed not to take capsules as our stomachs cannot break them down completely and your pouch could be filled with undigested plastic capsules. However, gelcaps are okay. I hope that clears it up for you a little.
   — Laurel C.

September 17, 2002
HELLO AGAIN, I HAD THE RNY/LAP SURGERY. I read one of the answers that say that RNY patients should take the Dry Vitamin E capsules and that some of the capsules could be sitting in my stomach undissolved! I feel that in my case that this does not apply because it is evident that the vitamin c oil capsules that I have been taking for 5 months now is doing my body good. My nails are even stronger since taking these vitamins. Before the surgery I admit I did not take any vitamins nor monitor my protein but, now I do and it is a positive experience for me! Do you guys also have a positive experience with taking vitamins and E capsules? After I run out of the vitamin E capsules I will invest in the dry ones! Are there many WLS patients out there who also take Vitamin E capsules who had RNY surgery?
   — Shirley M.

September 17, 2002
We don't absorb the fats & oils 100% after RNY. So, to supplement in the same for that we are already not getting is not especially beneficial. If you like them, take them, but perhaps a dry E, ALSO would help. I did water soluble E (looks like an oil gel, but dissolved in water) for about a year, and the flaky skin & all came right back. Went back to the powder in caps and it's fine. The caps dissolve in about 4 min in saliva. My reading all indicates that the dry form of E is better for ANYONE, even normies. So, you can't lose that way. I've never been told E for liver enzymes, but have been told to take milk thistle.
   — vitalady