About Post-Surgery Bariatric Vitamins & Bariatric Supplements

Doctors recommend that post-bariatric surgery patients take bariatric supplements to ensure proper nutrition following their procedure.

These supplements may include:

• Complete multivitamins
• Vitamin B12
• Calcium with Vitamin D
• Iron and Vitamin C
• Vitamin D

These vitamins help you to meet your nutritional needs when you are consuming less food.

At UPMC, your bariatric surgeon and a dietitian will work with you to develop an individualized plan that meets your unique nutritional needs. The recommendations will differ depending on the procedure you undergo.

Vitamins After Bariatric Surgery

Your post-surgery bariatric vitamin and mineral supplements are available without a prescription. They are recommended to be chewable or liquid initially, but you will likely be able to take them in pill-form over time.

Post-surgery bariatric multivitamins (containing minerals)

No matter which bariatric procedure you undergo, you can expect to consume less food following your surgery. This makes it difficult to meet your nutrient needs each day, and puts you at risk for nutritional deficiencies.

Complete bariatric multivitamins simply contain a combination of vitamins and minerals that make it easier to fill in your nutritional gaps.

Calcium

The mineral calcium is critical for bones, muscles and nerves function. Your calcium supplement will typically come in the form of calcium citrate or calcium carbonate.

Vitamin B12

Commonly used to combat memory loss, Vitamin B12 also strengthens the immune system and bolsters energy levels. Some bariatric procedures make it more difficult for the stomach to properly release B12 during food digestion, so a B12 vitamin is recommended following surgery.

Other Bariatric Vitamins

Your vitamin regimen following your bariatric surgery is based on:

• The type of procedure you undergo.
• The result of your nutritional lab work.
• Other specific health needs and concerns you may have.

Vitamin Recommendations for Patients

Gastric Bypass: Doctors recommend that gastric bypass surgery patients take a complete multivitamin, calcium with Vitamin D, iron and Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Vitamin B12. Others may be recommended.

Gastric Sleeve: Those who undergo gastric sleeve surgery may be asked to take a complete multivitamin, calcium with Vitamin D, iron and Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Vitamin B12. Others may be recommended.

Gastric Band Surgery: A complete multivitamin and calcium with Vitamin D are typically recommended for gastric band surgery patients. Others may be recommended as well.

Contact the UPMC Bariatric Surgery Center

Considering weight loss surgery? Already recovering from bariatric surgery? If you need additional information, please contact us today.