FAQs

Q: Can I take a gummy bear vitamin supplement instead of a pill or chewable vitamin?

A: No, the gummy bear vitamin supplements available are not complete (A-Zinc) vitamins and will not cover the vitamin and mineral needs after surgery. If you choose to take a vitamin that is not complete, you will need additional supplements daily to prevent deficiencies.

Q: What does a complete vitamin supplement consist of?

A: A complete vitamin and mineral supplement will consist of 100% or more of the RDIs (Reference Daily Intake) recommended on all vitamins and minerals. (The supplement usually says "Complete" or "A-Zinc" on the label. Make sure you check the RDIs on the label.) You should take at least 100-200% of the RDIs after surgery. Excessive amounts are wasted. I will provide you with a copy of the recommended amounts of vitamins upon request and have it available at the monthly support group meetings.

Q: What if my vitamins nauseate me?

A: Try another brand of vitamins until you find one that you can tolerate. There are chewable, pills, and liquid forms available. Do not skip your vitamins on a regular basis. Your vitamins are needed to prevent deficiencies that can be very dangerous. You will need to take vitamins as if it is medication that you will need the rest of your life.

Q: What time of day should I take my vitamins?

A: It does not matter what time of day you take your vitamins. It is important to take your complete vitamin supplement with some food or with your protein shake to minimize the nausea and enhance absorption. You should take your calcium supplement separately to prevent it from minimizing absorption of certain vitamins, 2 hours before or after your regular vitamin.

Q: What can I do to prevent or minimize the hair loss after surgery?

A: Hair loss after gastric bypass surgery is common at about the 3rd month after surgery mostly for those who have thinning hair already. Make sure you are getting in adequate protein, and vitamins zinc, copper, and biotin. They all play a role in minimizing hair loss.

Q: How much protein should I be getting per day?

A: 60-70 grams per day is ideal, however, you may only be able to get in 40-50 grams per day initially the first few weeks after surgery while on a liquid diet.

Q: My skin is dry and itchy and I am constantly thirsty, why is this?

A: Dryness, scaling and rough skin may be a sign of deficiency of the following nutrients: Vitamins A, C and K; zinc; essential fatty acids, protein, and/or niacin. It primarily may be related to the fat-soluble vitamins such as Vitamin A and K. If you are having malabsorption, please refer to your MD for a water-soluble form of these vitamins (A and K) to increase absorption. You must be careful with fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) because they can be toxic if taken in too high of an abundance and it is best to check with your physician for proper dosing.

If you are feeling thirsty it may be because you are not able to take in as much fluids as you did prior to surgery. Continue to drink water, trying for at least 1500-2000 mL per day. That is three or four of the small 500 mL or ½ L bottles per day. Water needs to be carried with you everywhere you go. If you are having episodes of vomiting, stop drinking fluids for 1 hour and contact your physician if it does not subside.

Q: How much can I drink at one time?

A: You should be able to take in 2 ounces of fluids every 15-20 minutes. Two ounces is about 60 mL. You should be able to take in 500 mLs or 1 small bottle of water every 4 hours while on liquids only. It should not be difficult to meet your fluid needs while on fluids only due to the fact that the liquids will pass quickly through your new stomach. Once you start solid foods, or your soft protein diet, you will not be able to take in as much fluids. Count all your fluids toward your fluid goals and measure before you drink to prevent putting pressure on your new stomach. You will need to wait 30 minutes to 1 hour before and after each meal to take in your fluids.

1 ounce = about 30 mL
500 mL (1 bottle of water) = about 16 ounces or 2 cups
1500 mL = about 6 cups
2000 mL or 2 Liters = about 8 cups

Q: What about vitamin B12?

A: Vitamin B12 is necessary to prevent pernicious anemia. Sublingual B12 is recommended for best absorbency at this time. Some recent studies have shown that the B12 in a vitamin pill is preventing deficiency after this surgery. Please take the sublingual B12 as recommended by your physician. Please make sure your vitamin B12 is monitored via blood tests every 6 months initially.