Question:
I'm a preop so I love this site for many questions I have. But I wondering if you

guys could answer a question I was wondering about. I understand we have to take vitamins for the rest of our lives because we don't absorb nutrients from food as much. But how much of the vitamins and minerals that we take post op are absorbed? Also, why is that some people become lactose intolerant when you haven't been in the past? Thanks for the info. (Hopefully, i'll be on the other side soon!!) Lisa    — Lisa H. (posted on January 11, 2003)

January 11, 2003
Lisa - actually I found a possible answer to the lactose intolerance among post-ops while researching another question a day or so ago: <p> http://www.mills-peninsula.org/obesity/now_a.html <p> <b>Milk products and your digestion</b>After gastric bypass surgery, many people have trouble tolerating liquid milk. This is because milk needs to be curdled in the stomach to be completely digested. The gastric bypass procedure prevents milk from reaching the main part of the stomach where curdling would take place. Some people find that non-fat Lactaid milk is easier to digest. Curdled milk products such as cheese and yogurt are usually tolerated and contain a high calcium and protein content.
   — John Rushton

January 11, 2003
Soy milk is pretty tasty too and doesn't upset my stomach the way that milk does now. It is also a good source of protein. It also comes in vanilla and chocolate flavor. Check the sugar levels in the flavored ones as I haven't tried them. It's great in cereal and you can bake and cook with it the same as milk. Good luck and God Bless, Leah
   — Leah H.

January 11, 2003
The degree of malabsorption varies from person to person. Some of the variables include your own body makeup pre-surgery, the amount of intesting bypassed, and the type and quality of supplements you take. Because these results are so individual it is very important to have your blood work done regularly post op and have your doc follow up with you to make sure you don't get into any trouble with vitamin or mineral deficiency. Typically we need double the normal dose of a good multivitamin, 1000mg of C, 1000mg of calcium citrate, and sublingual B12. I find it funny that I now take more supplements than prescription drugs---lots more!
   — phoebe

January 11, 2003
Michelle Curran at www.vitalady.com will be glad to answer any questions about vitamins and how we absorb them for you. Doesn't cost a thing to ask
   — Delores S.