Making sure you're getting the vitamins and minerals you need after weight-loss surgery is important. Because you are eating less, nutritional deficiencies can occur, meaning you may not be getting the vitamins and minerals you need from the food you eat. You should have your labs checked on a regular basis.
The following is what we recommend for most patients after weight-loss surgery. Make sure to talk to your doctor about your individual nutritional needs.
| Multivitamin | Take One Adult chewable multivitamin (e.g. Centrum chewables) or a liquid multivitamin (e.g. Centrum Liquid) each day. |
| Calcium | Take 1,200 mg of calcium citrate daily. Do not take 1,200 mg in one dose (your body can't absorb it all at once). It's best to take three 400 mg tablets a day - one at each meal. |
Taking chewable or liquid forms of supplements can help prevent stomach discomfort.
If you take any medications that are too big to swallow, please talk to your doctor to see if you can get the medication in another form or if the pill is crushable or if the capsule can be released. Do not crush pills or release capsules without asking your doctor first. Pill crushers can be purchased at your pharmacy.
If you have trouble with constipation, try mixing Benefiber powder into your liquids or taking a Benefiber chewable pill or caplet. Benefiber powder is tasteless, sugar-free and dissolves in hot or cold substances. Two teaspoons provides three grams of fiber. You may take up to three servings per day. Metamucil, Milk of Magnesia, or Correctol may also help. The best you can do naturally is to drink plenty of water and increase your exercise.
This is not medical advice, but general educational information regarding nutritional supplementation after weight-loss surgery. Please consult your physician to discuss your individual nutritional needs.