Bare Minimum/vitamins

[kimpossible67 608]

At the very least, what Vitamins am I going to be needing? I'm taking (gummies) multi, Calcium. chewable c. Cranberry and niacin. I know I'm going to need a d but which one? How many can I buy at a regular store like Walmart? I see Centrum has a gummie now and I know I'll need Biotin for my hair. Thanks!

[LosingItForMe2011 320]

Hello kimposssible67....I can only tell you what has been recommended by my own bariatric center. You should reach out to your surgeon/nutritionist to see what they recommend for you.

From my center I'm told I need to take:

2 chewable Multivitamins per day - Flintstones complete is what they recommended and I use. I pick them up alot at Walmart or RiteAid pharmacy especiall when it's buy one get one free.

1000mcg of B12 sublingual - I use 2 500 MCG sublingual dots made by Spring Valley. There are lots of brands out there but, make sure it's sublingual dots or liquid.

D3 1000 IU - I use Nature Made Grape flavor Adult chewables. (My favorite Vitamin - great flavor)

calcium citrate 1200-1500 - This one is tougher for me. It HAS TO BE Citrate not the other forms of Calcium carbonate. Citrate is easier for our bodies to absorb and digest. I have two different kinds that I use and I have to take 3 in total. You shouldn't take more than 600mg at one time because our bodies only take in 600 at a time. The forms I use are only 500mg each so I have to take 3 to meet my requirements. I use Bariatric Advantage Chewable calcium citrate wild cherry flavor. These are ok but, very tart. Kinda like a sweet tart but, not as sweet. In this case it being sweeter would help but, it's do-able. The other one I use is Calcet Chews in Lemon or chocolate flavor. They are soft and chewy - it's like eating a piece of candy but, to me they are kinda too sweet to take 3 times a day. I love the flavor though. I've found Calcium Citrate is difficult to obtain through a regular store and have had purchase it online either Amazon or Bariatric Advantage but, there are others out there. Just make sure you're choosing CITRATE.

As far as Gummy Vitamins - my nutritionist said its a no go. There aren't enough Vitamins and minerals in them to meet RNY patient needs and so they don't recommend them. She was ok with gummy Vitamin D3 only though. I find gummies too hard to chew for me so I went with the dry regular chewable pill form. Just love that grape flavor!

Some folks do take Biotin in the gel cap form but, I haven't taken that yet. I don't have to take the C or Niacin you mention. I just had my 6 week bloodwork and they found my B12 level to be high but, I'm thinking it's probably because I just took them all prior to having the blood drawn LOL. The rest of my levels were great.

Oh and you can take all of your vitamins except the Calcium Citrate in the morning together. The Calcium Citrate has to be taken at least an hour or two apart from your Multivitamin because Iron and calcium fight for absorbtion.

Hope this helps!

[kimpossible67 608]

I wrote it all down, thank you!