Vitamin Requirements

Currently, I'm taking Bariatric Fusion chewable vitamins. Four per day, two at breakfast and two at dinner. That's all. This is by direction of my Bari Center. I was supposed to take them for a month minimum and I bought enough for a little more than 2 months. I'm approaching that and wondering a few things:

1. Is there something I *should* be taking that they didn't recommend to me or are these really all inclusive?
2. If they are inclusive, are there ones you suggest that taste better because I kind of hate these.

If the answer is that there is a compelling reason to move, what exactly should I be buying? I hate the taste but love the ease!

I am supposed to take (long term) the following:

Multivitamin that includes iron

D3

Calcium

Monitor B12 (many of us get a monthly shot or use supplements)

You have to time the iron and calcium- at least 2 hours apart.

I was told to take the following forever.

A chewable multi vitamin. I take Centrum Silver chewables and was told last week that I am far enough out to change to a pill now. Also told never to take gummies because the leave out some of the minerals.

A B-12 Sublingual. I use Celebrate.

And Calcium soft chews. I take 2 600mg a day.

All my blood work has had great results.

My guidelines are:

• Bariatric multivitamin, I've been taking ProCare Health Bariatric Once Daily vitamins (capsules are big but I have no issue with them). They have 1000mg of B12 so I don't have to take additional.
• Calcium citrate 500mg w/Vit D3 500UI, 3x daily (I use the BA Chewy Bites), first dose at least 2 hours after the multivitamin (calcium doesn't bind well with the iron in the multi)
• Prilosec OTC once daily for first 6 months

That's it. Vitamins and calcium/vit D forever.

Hi from your newest member! I am really struggling on the vitamin thing. I have always been an avid vitamin taker! Since my surgery on January 23, 2017 I have wasted money on trying things that I thought would work. I tried the powder stick to put in my water, which I had difficulty getting down. Switched to the chewables, which was as large as a quarter four times a day, and I could not handle that. Started the capsule form and now I have heartburn so bad that I can't stand it! In fact, taking two prescription strength meds a day and some over the counter in between for indigestion. Its bad when you wake up with it! Checking into the Nature's Life Source liquid multivitamins from the health food store. I need something but I need something that I can tolerate on a daily basis. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated before I waste more money on a vitamin that is not going to give me indigestion. Thanks! Down 36 pounds since surgery. Still have a ways to go.

My surgeon and nutritionist told us that "gummies" were ok to take. I take Centrum and then add D3 tablet.

I had surgery the same day and I haven't had any problems with them.

Congrats on being down 36 lbs - great job!

-Jan

Make sure to check the calories and carbs in the gummy vitamins, and log them as you would your other food. Some of them are surprisingly high in carbs.

Get comprehensive nutrition panels to make sure they are enough.

Yes, I will be getting those at the 3 month post-op mark.

The ASMBS recommends that we get 200% of most vitamins in minerals per day (which is normally 2x a good multivitamin). Then 1500mg of calcium CITRATE per day - split into no more than 500mg at any given time 2 hours apart. Vitamin D and Iron should be supplemented based on need. Iron and Calcium need to be taken 2 hours apart as well for maximum absorption.