Vit D deficency and Weight loss

Andrea:

Thanks for the info, when you find out info on the dry Vit D formulation, please let me know. 

I'm glad to hear that you finally got your osteomalacia under control.  Unfortunately not all docs know how to diagnose it and treat it appropriately.

Regarding the patient you told to take OTC Vit D3... I totally agree with you.  I actually use both forms in my practice, and no matter what you've been told, both do work.  In malabsorption states like RNY it can take a much higher dose.  The real trick though is to have a doc who is aggressive at following the levels at least every 3 months and making dosing adjustments based upon the lab results.  Sometimes it can take up to 5000 IM a day of OTC vitamin D3, and up to 50,000IU a day of prescription Vitamin D2.  But the bottom line is that they do both work, and there is no point arguing one is better than the other.

I'm glad you are doing a lot better, and hopefully the young lady you are helping out will do the same.   btw... we still absorb fat even after RNY and the DS surgeries, although in less amounts;  so the information that has been shared here on the bb (that we don't absorb fat) I've seen is incorrect (otherwise we'd all lose weight on sugar free high fat ice cream... which is not going to happen.)  Vitamin D is still absorbed better when there is some fat in the intestines, so it is best absorbed taken with meals that have some fat rather than when fasting.  It increases the bioavailability and can be a very helpful instruction to the person having difficulty getting their vitamin D levels up to normal.

Thanks for your posts.  I see this bb is overall a very valuable resource (I've learned a lot on it.)

Andrea:  What brand of Vit D3 cholecalciferol to you take and consider to be "water soluble"?

Water-soluble is also known as "dry" -- I like water-soluble better than "dry" because to me?  It is easier to specify between the two.  But really, it's personal preference.

This is from the Vitamin D Council showing confirmation in their belief of a "dry" formulation.

http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/newsletter/2009-march.shtml

What Type of Vitamin D3?

Dr. Cannell: I am confused as to what type of vitamin D3 to use. I am currently using the dry powder tablet, but I have read that oil-based D3 is better and the dry is of no value at all because it is hard to absorb. Can you just clear this up for me? Andrew, Arizona

Water-soluble dry vitamin D absorbs just fine unless you have bowel disease with steatorrea (fat malabsorption) and then no oral products work very well. I am unaware of any controlled head-to-head absorption studies on the effectiveness of water versus fat-soluble vitamin D. If anyone knows of such a study, let me know. If you are concerned about absorption, take the vitamin D with a meal, although I am unaware this improves absorption.

I don't know my exact results yet, I was just told I was Vit. D def.  I am so glad I got all this valuable information from all of you.  I will see my surgeon next week and find out the actual results.  I was wondering if the Vit D 50,000 iu comes in liquid or chewable.  I will definitely check that web link.

Thank you!  

wow, interesting stuff, on both sides. My Dr is said to be one of the very best in the world, Dr Toder, and she gave me a script for the 50,000 iu a week. I have to say, I trust her research specific to RNY patients. It is all quite intriguing, and I will ask her about it Friday. LOVE the way you all present facts and dont get mean.

Even some of the BEST surgeons in the world have had ONe course... or worse ONE HOUR of nutrition education.... they're great with rearranging our guts... but they often are NOT experts with the nutrition necessary for those with the rearranged guts.

I was at OH SoCal where Dr. Garth Davis (who is on TV and is pretty prominent in the field) spoke.

He admitted that there is one hour of nutrition given to surgeons.

I think he meant one credit hour, but still, he said one hour.

Im sure thats true. But I also think that she is pretty anal about following nutrition outcomes in her patients with bloodwork etc, and she would be seeing poor results if the script wasnt effectve, I would think?  There is SO much for us to learn along the way, and I am very grateful to have all of the input of people who have been there. Imagine if we didnt have the internet? Its not like theres a lotta people in my area who have had this, Ide be lost. :)  My way of saying thanks for looking out for those of us behind you on the path.