Vitamins
Vitamins are very important for RNY patients because of the stomach and intestines being bypassed. It is also important to pay attention to the TYPE of vitamin you take.
Calcium –
First, ensure that the type of calcium you take is CITRATE. RNY patients do not absorb carbonate. You need at least 1500 mg of calcium citrate per day. My nutritionist recommends 2000 mg per day. You should take this divided up into 500mg servings, as that is all we can absorb at one time. A lot of people neglect taking their calcium, saying “My blood work looks good.” This may be, but what happens is your body compensates for not getting enough calcium. It does this by leaching calcium from your bones. By doing this, you will end up with osteoporosis and bone diseases. It should NOT be taken with iron, as it will compete for absorption.
B-12 –
This differs from patient to patient. The only thing for certain is and RNY patient needs it supplemented and should NOT take it by pill form. B-12 by pill form needs intrinsic factor to break it down. Intrinsic factor is produced by the bypassed portion of your stomach. Therefore you should take it sub-lingual (under the tongue), by shot, or the nose spray. My nut recommends 3000mcg SL per week. B-12 should not be taken with Vitamin C, as it will neutralize the b-12. Not having enough B-12 can lead to neuropathy. Have your levels checked as directed.
Multi-Vitamin –
Everyone can benefit from these, but it is important for Gastric bypass patients. “Normal” digestion allows vitamins and minerals to be absorbed from food. Since the beginning of our small intestines (duodenum and jejunum) is bypassed, we do not absorb these important nutrients as well. Some nutritionists recommend children’s chewables, but be watchful as these can be low, or missing some important vits and minerals.
B1 or Thiamin –
There is evidence that RNY patients are developing Thiamine deficiencies. This can cause peripheral neurological changes. Signs and symptoms are paresthesias of the toes, burning of the feet, muscle cramps in the calves, pains in the legs, calf muscle tenderness, difficulty in rising from a squatting position, foot drop and toe drop. You can take a Thiamin vitamin or a b complex. PLEASE pay attention to you B complex vitamins, as not all of them contain B1.
Iron –
This is recommended by your nutritionist or doctor. Not all people need to take this supplement. Please check with your doctor. Some studies are indicating that ferrous fumarate is more readily absorbed that ferrous sulfate. Iron is better absorbed by taking it with Vitamin C.
Biotin –
Some ppl take extra to prevent hair loss. It is better if you start this as pre-op if you want to try and prevent it. It has not been proven to prevent or help – but hey – your nails will grow better J
Zinc –
Ppl also take to help with hair loss. My nut says to also take this pre-op to prevent it, but she wants me to quit 3 months post-op because we get enough from food and their multi-vit. Too much can damage the liver.
Fish-Oil –
This is not necessary, but very beneficial. Fish oil contains omega 3 fatty oils that are very good for your heart! Because the pills are HUGE, they can get stuck in the opening of our stoma. It is recommended that we take coromega. You can get a free sample here. BUT, if you are going to purchase it, please look other places as you can get it cheaper else where.
ADEK –
Be careful with these. First, we do not absorb the soft gels – which are fat soluble. We do not digest them and absorb them well. So you should take them in Dry Form. You should ask your doc and nut about these because to much can cause liver problems and toxicity. They will base it on your blood work.
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