Question:
I am almost 5 months post op and am having some hair loss and get shakey...

I would like to know what I am supposed to be taking and what blood tests I should have...My Doc told me to take a multi vitimin and I wasn't told if I should be taking anything else...I am getting weak and shakey especially between meals...I've lost over 100 pounds and want to make sure I continue this in a healthy way...Thanks for your help...    — Linda {Kati} W. (posted on September 12, 2002)

September 12, 2002
hiya unfortunately it seems the hair loss is unavoidable, it seems to be due to the shock of the surgery...some ppl use biotin (i think in a shampoo) but for me the hair i lost around 6 months grew back... as far as supplements my doc has me on: daily multivitamin (i take centrum orange flavored chewable), 2 calcium (i take caltrate with vitamin d - you want calcium citrate not carbonate), trinsicon (prescription iron with b-12 in it), chewable vitamin c (taken with the iron to help absorption), b-12 sublingual when you take an iron supplement (i think you can get otc brand from like gnc that would work ok), take it with juice or vitamin c to help absorb but not within 2 hours of calcium or dairy products -- that will bind with the iron and your body won't absorb it. i'm surprised that your doc has you on no supplements but then i've read of a few who are like that. you cannot achieve enough nutrients/vitamins with the amount of food you are eating. also if you are getting shaky you may want to keep a snack handy, it's possible your blood sugar is getting too low. applesauce, string cheese, beef or turkey jerky...these are all good... good luck! kate open rny 6-14-01 pre op: 268lbs goal: 135lbs current: 130lbs
   — jkb

September 12, 2002
I had my surgery at Bariatric Specialists of West Mi. My Dr. wants Lab. work done at 3-6-9-and 12months CBC / Triglycerides / TIBC / Comp. Metabolic Panel / Magnesium / Folate / Cholesterol / Iron / Vitamin B 12. I hope this help's you. You need to see your Dr.
   — charanewme

September 12, 2002
Hi! Are you getting enough protein and drinking at least 64 0z of water each day? Dehydration can cause you to feel weak and shakey. You should be getting in at least 70 grams of protein, 1500 mg of Calcium Citrate, 500 mcg of sublingual B-12, TWO multivitamins with iron, and additional supplemental Iron if your labs show low iron. Your doctor really should have advised you on the need of these additional supplements from the very beginning.
   — LLinderman