Vitamin and Mineral Information Guide
Physicians East Bariatrics
Vitamins and minerals boost the immune system, support normal growth and development, and help cells and organs do their jobs. Following Bariatric surgery, patients are required by our program to take a strict vitamin and mineral regimen daily for the rest of their life. This is very important because during and after your weight loss following surgery, you will be eating smaller amounts of foods and your body continues to need certain nutrients. With the gastric bypass, the way that you absorb some vitamins and minerals is altered and supplements help you to continue to maintain your normal nutritional status. You will be given additional information about this regimen from our staff and the Nutritionist.
The ASMBS (American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery) recommends a postoperative bariatric surgery patient take the following Vitamin supplementation daily for a lifetime.
Gastric Bypass/Sleeve Gastrectomy:
A high-potency multi-vitamin containing 200% of the daily value typically 2 per day
Additional:
Vitamin B12 350-500 mcg per day typically 1 per day
Calcium Citrate (with Vitamin D3) 1500-2000 mg per day varies; from 2-6 a day
Iron supplement 18 mg per day
typically 1 per day
Gastric Banding:
A high-potency multi-vitamin containing 100% of the daily value typically 1-2 per day
Additional:
Calcium Citrate (with Vitamin D3)1500-2000 mg per day varies; from 2-6 a day
No additional Vitamin B12 or Iron unless otherwise notified per your Physician.
Vitamins are available to you in several different brands in order for you to be able to choose which type is better for you.
Our office recommends:
-Bariatric Advantage: Available at Medical Park Pharmacy
-Optisource: Available at Medical Park Pharmacy, Health Wise Pharmacy and Wal-Greens
-Opurity: Available at Medical Park Pharmacy
-Buying your vitamins and minerals at your local pharmacy
Pre-Operative Vitamin Requirement:
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that many people seeking bariatric surgery are deficient in and are not even aware. 80% of pre-op bariatric patients are Vitamin D deficient. Because of this large number of deficiencies, our program requires that all pre-op patients start taking a Vitamin D supplement at the time of the Patient Education Class until the time of their surgery. We ask that you take 600IU by mouth once a day. You do not need a prescription for this and can purchase it from your local drugstore, Walmart, Target or Medical Park Pharmacy.
Updated 7/2011