Question:
ALL THE VITAMINS..............Sometimes I forgot or just don't fool with 'em

So what is the long term effect if I don't take a multi every day and all the calcium citrate and all the others? And what about this new sublingual vitamin B-12 everyone is talking about? Is it good for us? I just run off to work and/or get busy and have been forgetting to take them. I'm almost 6 months post op, down 75-80 lbs. (never weigh myself, hardly ever)........    — Annie H. (posted on April 24, 2002)

April 24, 2002
Hi Annie. I'm 4 months post op and have been getting lessons lately in why these supplements are necessary. You can choose not to take your vitamins and you may go for months and months without a problem. But, in my opinion, it will all catch up with you eventually. I have blood work done every 2 months and some of my levels are falling -- a few of them are falling too fast for mine or my doctors taste. I don't take a "ton" of vitamins every day -- I take multi vitamins, liquid B-12 and calcium citrate. I also take 2 prescription meds -- Protonix for acid reflux and Klor-con for very low potassium levels. It's not a big deal - takes a minute in the morning and a minute in the evening to take care of myself. I figure, my life may be busy and I'm usually on the run too, but a couple of minutes a day to help keep me healthy LONG TERM is not a big deal. What does your doctor say about you not taking vitamins? Have you had blood work done recently? Are your levels holding or falling? You may be the "exception to the rule" and can get away with not taking vitamins but I worry about what the long term effects could be. Good Luck!
   — Pam S.

April 24, 2002
Hi: I truely feel that the vitamin thing REALLY DOES vary from person to person. My friend and I both have had RNY distal and she feels awful if she doesn't take her vits everyday...but yet there is me that does not take any vits AT ALL and my bloods are better than perfect,some of the best blood results he had seen in his patients in a long time... and that is per my PCP and my surgeon BOTH....I try and control mine with diet....Balance balance balance. My bloods were so good that my surgeon told me to back off of my proteins just a little bit. My motto is: do what feels right with your body..if you are feeling tired and like you need vits..take them..but always listen to your dr. My dr's say that I don't need vits at this point...besides, when I did take them, they made me have bad burps and gas....no thanks..i will control mine with a balance diet...
   — Joi G.

April 25, 2002
Every morning I put all my vitamins and meds for the day in a cup on my bathroom vanity. I take my morning meds right away. Having the remaining meds laid out on my vanity reminds me to take the rest later on. Perhaps this might help you. Remember blood work doesn't reveal calcium deficiencies. Your body leaches the needed calcium from your bones, and you can end up with osteoporosis. I figure it's not worth the risk to skip the vitamins.
   — Kathy J.