Question:
Do you have to take chewables

Do you have to take chewable vitamins or can you take a regular vitamin. I started taking a regular vitamin about 1 month ago and now am feeling tired and a little weak. Also having some lightheadedness when I stand up. I think I'm getting enough water and protein. I'm wondering if I'm not absorbing enough of the vitamin.    — chout1 (posted on February 3, 2003)

February 3, 2003
You didn't mention Calcium, B-12, or Iron. Are you taking those as well? My surgeon recommended taking 4 multivits the first 6 months (Flintstone Complete chewables). Chewables are usually easier on your pouch the first few months and you aren't getting in much food. After 6 months I went to 2 multivits a day and stayed with the Flintstones although my surgeon said I could switch to Centrum. You should also be taking in 1500 Mg of calcium citrate in 3 500 Mg doses a day. Your labs will show if you need supplemental iron and you should be getting 500-1000 mcg of B12 sublingual each day as well. Good luck.
   — LLinderman

February 3, 2003
Sorry. I am taking B-12 injections 1-2 times a month and am getting my calcium supplement.
   — chout1

February 3, 2003
Thanks for clarifying. I think you should try taking 2 of the multivits (at different times) and see if that helps. I don't believe we absorb all the good stuff from just one.
   — LLinderman

February 4, 2003
When I went to get my next batch of Vit's, there was a really knowlegable lady there, I told her about the surgery and asked for help picking out the vit's that would absorb the best, she took my hand and led me over to the liquid vitamins. I got a liquid multivitamin and a liquid mineral and a liquid calcium. She told me to double the dose for the calcium and told me to bring before and after photo's next time! I've been on liquid vit's for about 3 days now.
   — JutziGirl