Supplements and Vitamins
       Following Weight Loss Surgery

Different surgical procedures result in a varying degree of malabsorption of nutrients and vitamins. These must be supplemented in the form of vitamins for a lifetime. In addition, the use of high quality concentrated protein drinks is necessary in the immediate post surgical period to supply you body with the essential protein calories, until you are able to consume solid food.

"So what happens if I don't take my vitamins?"

Severe nutritional deficiencies may develop, whic may include:

• Iron Deficiency Anemia
• Thiamine or Folate Deficiency
• Vitamin B-12 Deficiency
• Calcium deficiency
• Possible early osteoporosis
• Hair thinning or loss during weight loss

The recommendations for vitamin supplementation after surgery differ between banding, sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass. Among these, gastric bypass requires the most rigorous vitamin regimen. The general recommendation is taking one multivitamin tablet twice a day along with one calcium 600 + D tablet twice a day. But there are huge differences between multivitamin tablets regarding quality and composition. The easiest tablet to take right after surgery is the chewable Flintstones Complete Multivitamin twice a day. On the long run, however, this may not provide the sufficient nutrients.

After careful review of the commercially avalable vitamin products, we recommend taking 2-3 tablets throughout the day of one the following products:

In addition , calcium 600 + D tablets 2-3 times a day must be taken, preferentially of the following products. Try to take half your calcium in citrate form for even better absorption:

Our improved understanding of nutrient absorption and novel pharmaceutical  technologies allowed for the engineering of vitamin products that specifically target the needs of patients following weight loss surgery. The chemical composition of the elements in these products are optimized for absorption following weight loss surgery and alllow for a simplified regimen.

These products are not available through generic retail stores and require ordering online. Check out our Web Store for the direct links to these online vendors.