Question:
Can we absorb gel capsules

I am 1 1/2 post op and have a question regarding absorption of gel capsules. I battle daily taking all the supplements that are required and recently purchased a high potency multi vitamin from GNC that could eliminate at least two additional supplements I have to take, but I am concerned about whether it will be absorbed properly.    — ANDREWS65 (posted on August 4, 2004)

August 4, 2004
From what I understand, if it's like the Gel coated capsules, you may not absorb everything.. but still get some of the benefit from it. If they are a softgel or ones that you can pierce, then you should just pierce them and take them with no problems. Just remember that certain things are not absorbed as easily post op. You will still have to take certain supplements even with taking the High Potency Multivitamin. You will still have to take Calcium and you will still have to take Iron. And B-12 is a must after the RNY as well, as we do not absorb B-12 in a pill form, so this must be done either sublingually (Under the tongue) or intramuscularly (In shot form). So given this information... perhaps you may not want to switch... and just stick with a One A Day or a Centrum, plus the other supplements. I hate to say it, but it seems there's no easy way out of taking all of the supplements. I do know that for now, I'm off calcium due to possible calcium rich kidney stones forming. I do take two Ferrous Fumarate Softgels, and I do take my multivitamin daily. I get my B-12 once a month in a shot form... 2 cc's a month. As to when I will be back on Calcium, it is unclear... however when I am back on Calcium, I will fit those in accordingly. But to answer your question, there is no easy way out of the multiple supplements if it involves Iron, Calcium, and B-12. However, if it's something else, then by all means, go for it.
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