Ask Us Anything: What Vitamins Should I Take After Bariatric Surgery?

“It has been 10 yrs since my bariatric surgery and I have lost 100 lbs. What vitamins should I be taking? I am 63 yrs. old, work part-time and am in good health, but I only take Biotin for my hair.”

Note: Because bariatric surgery decreases the amount of food absorbed, patients are at risk for vitamin deficiency and should take a supplement to stay healthy. Vitamin deficiencies can cause serious complications, such as vision loss and bone loss.

Dr. Joseph Caruana Responds:

When you become a bariatric surgery patient, you make a commitment to take a high-quality multi-vitamin for life.

Vitamin blood levels should be checked yearly. I suggest that you follow up with your surgeon.

Registered Dietitian Jennifer Turesky Adds:

I recommend Bariatric Fusion® multivitamin and mineral supplement. It is a complete, "all inclusive" chewable multivitamin and mineral supplement.

Bariatric Fusion® was specially tailored to meet the needs of gastric bypass patients and prevent micronutrient deficiencies that may occur. It ensures better absorption and includes high levels of vitamin B12, calcium, vitamin D, folate, and biotin to maintain proper health and nutrition. It also contains chelated minerals, which ensure better absorption to promote healthy bones, improve the immune system and support overall health.

The need for additional supplements would be determined based on your individual needs due to certain medical conditions and routine lab screening.

If supplements are not taken, micronutrient deficiencies will occur, even when taking a standard multivitamin supplement.

Bariatric Fusion® decreases the number of tablets you need to take and helps prevent the risk of developing these deficiencies from the start. Chewable supplements make the bariatric vitamins and minerals easier to absorb since the micronutrients begin to break down before they reach absorption sites.

More information about Bariatric Fusion® is available on their website.

About Our Experts

Dr. Joseph Caruana

Dr. Joseph Caruana is Chief of Bariatric Surgery at Sisters of Charity Hospital. He sees patients at his practice Synergy Bariatrics in Williamsville.

Jennifer Turesky, Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator

Jennifer provides nutrition counseling at Sisters Hospital in Buffalo and leads a 12-week LIFESTEPS© program to help adults change their eating and physical activity behaviors.

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