Bariatric Vitamin Regimen
Sleeve & Bypass Patients
After surgery, all bariatric patients are required to take 3 kinds of vitamins for life:
Bariatric Multivitamin
Chewable options are recommended right after surgery. Allow your surgical team to clear you for capsules when it is safe to do so.
Take 1 capsule, once daily.
(Pro Tip: take at night before bed)
Calcium Citrate
Ensure your calcium contains citrate (instead of carbonate) for better absorption.
Divide your calcium into 3 servings per day rather than all at once or in an all-in-one pill.
(Pro Tip: take with food to help with Vitamin D absorption.)
Total = 1200 – 1500mg per day in divided doses
Check out this powdered option 3x / day!
Iron
Iron needs to be spaced out 2 hours from calcium and ulcer medication like Pantoprazole / Omeprazole. Avoid taking iron with meals that contain dairy.
Total = 45 mg per day
Want to take iron separately? Click here.
Switch & SADI Patients
Bariatric Multivitamin + ADEK
Your bariatric vitamin needs to contain the additional fat-soluble vitamins ADEK. Take with food (and ideally a little bit of fat) to maximize absorption.
Take 1 capsule, once daily.
(Pro Tip: take at night before bed)
Calcium Citrate
Ensure your calcium contains citrate (instead of carbonate) for better absorption.
Divide your calcium into 4 servings per day rather than at once or an all-in-one pill. Take with food.
Total = 1800 – 2400mg per day in divided doses
Take 1 soft chew, 4x / day
Take 2 caplets, 4x / day
Iron
Iron needs to be spaced out 2 hours from calcium and ulcer medication like Pantoprazole / Omeprazole. Avoid taking iron with meals that contain dairy.
Total = 60mg per day
Not Sure Which One(s) To Choose?
Important Vitamin Reminders
- It’s okay to take your multivitamin WITH your calcium (unless your multivitamin contains iron)
- If you are taking your multivitamin WITH iron AND food, make sure you are not eating dairy products (ie: Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, cheese, etc.) as dairy will contain calcium and bind to your iron, impairing absorption.
- Dairy based protein shakes (ie: Fairlife and Premier protein) can contain calcium and will bind with iron supplements, hindering absorption.
DFW Bariatric & General Surgery
Are you a DFW patient? Click the button below to shop from your Surgical Group’s vitamin store!
Have a question? Email us at: [email protected]