PSA from your body

Even if you never took a single vitamin in your life:  If you're having weight loss surgery you must take vitamin and mineral supplementation after your procedure.  Get used to it.

http://www.theannals.com/cgi/content/abstract/42/12/1851

Nutritional deficiencies that occur after bariatric surgery depend significantly on the type of surgery performed. Restrictive procedures such as gastric banding are the least likely to cause nutritional deficits, since none of the intestine is bypassed.

Malabsorptive procedures such as biliopancreatic diversion or mixed restrictive/malabsorptive procedures (eg, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) can result in serious nutritional problems when patients do not take required supplements after surgery. Vitamins and minerals that are commonly deficient in this circumstance include vitamin B-12, calcium vitamin D, thiamine, folic acid,iron, zinc, and magnesium.

From Bariatric Times, in regards to RNY Gastric Bypass Surgery -

Roux-en-Y surgery creates an increased risk for deficiency of certain nutrients. Decreased intake in combination with varying degrees of malabsorption presents unique challenges to achieving the macronutrient and micronutrient status needed to thrive. Lifelong preventative actions, such as supplementation, regular follow-up, and thorough patient education are mandatory for accomplishing all the benefits and avoidance of the health risks involved in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. Given the nature of the procedure and the individuals undergoing the procedure, no clear protocols have been determined. The focus, therefore, is on risk reduction and careful monitoring and follow-up, versus risk elimination.

The general recommendations are:

• Chewable, liquid, or powder multivitamin containing RDA levels of iron and zinc taken daily.
• Sublingual B12 (500–1,000mcg) once per week, IM injection (1,000mcg) once per month, or nasal gel or B12 patch (1,000mcg) once per week; increase based on follow-up labs.
• Chewable, liquid, powder, or lozenge 1,000 to 1,500mg calcium citrate with vitamin D in divided doses; increase based on follow-up labs.
• Some programs may also recommend a separate daily B-complex or thiamine.

In addition, some post ops may require additional iron, especially menstruating women, we're very prone to post RNY anemia.  And according to your follow-up blood work, vitamin supplementation levels may need to be tweaked from time to time.

Take your vitamins.  If you were able to go through massive surgery, you can take a vitamin.  I don't want to hear, "But they're all like, icky!  I totally can't take them because I GAAAAAG."  

Take. Your. Vitamins.  Your blood, brains, nerves, eyes... they'll all thank you.  I mean it.

[PDF] The Neurological Complications of Bariatric Surgery

Need vitamins?

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