Yes, you will need to take vitamins. Supplements are helpful but not a requirement. Actually, whether or not you have weight loss surgery, you should be taking vitamins. Supplements can be helpful as well, especially if you are trying to lose weight. You should also make sure your vitamins/supplements are pharmaceutical grade so that the quality of their content is monitored and guaranteed. The nutritional store at the Center for Weight Loss Success only carries such vitamins and supplements and our patients love them. (www.cfwls.com)
The common vitamins that will likely be recommended for you (may vary depending upon the surgeon) include the following:
Multivitamins: Taking vitamins will be a lifelong commitment for all patients who have had weight loss surgery. In the beginning, you should take two chewable complete multivitamins each day. At one month after surgery, you may be able to progress to taking two regular vitamins daily. We recommend two vitamins each day during the first year when your weight loss is most rapid. After the first year, you should continue to take one multivitamin a day. Women may want to consider a prenatal vitamin if pre-menopausal.
B-Complex: Usually around 1 month after surgery, we recommend that you also add one B-Complex vitamin each day (or even 2 per day). The B vitamins assist in muscle and nerve functioning and have been shown to increase a person’s energy level over time. You cannot overdose on B vitamins. If you take in more than you need, you will simply rid yourself of any excess through your urine. It is common for B vitamins to cause your urine to be darker or a brighter yellow. This is normal. If you prefer, B-Complex is also available as an injection at the office as appropriate.
Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s): Take them – they’re just good for you. By taking fish oil supplements, Omega-3 fatty acids are ingested in their biologically active form. They can be directly used to support cardiovascular, brain, nervous system, and immune function. The mini-soft gels are smaller and have a natural lemon flavor to prevent a “fishy” after taste. Our product is ultra-filtered to guarantee removal of mercury and other possible contaminants. Most people should take 2-4 soft gels per day. They are also helpful to prevent constipation.
Magnesium-Potassium: During weight loss your body will tend to waste both magnesium and potassium. Both of these minerals are essential to normal muscular and cardiovascular function. Magnesium is involved in over 300 biological reactions throughout the body. It can help prevent/treat fatigue. If you are prone to muscle cramps – you need to add this supplement. Typical doses are 1-4 tablets daily with food.
