Supplement Information

One week post-op you will begin taking vitamin and protein supplements unless you were instructed to begin prior to surgery. Your diet/nutritional stage will have been reviewed by a Patient Advocate or a provider.

Bariatric surgery decreases the ability to absorb proper amounts of protein, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. To compensate, supplements must be taken LIFE-LONG every day , in addition to eating balanced, nutritious meals. To achieve maximum absorption, the supplements are spread throughout the day. Please avoid caffeinated beverages because they reduce iron absorption and may irritate your stomach pouch.

  • These supplements will provide your needed protein, vitamins and minerals (in addition to your healthy diet).
  • The amounts of protein and vitamin supplements may change when your lab results. Your medical providers will adjust these as needed.
  • If at any point iron is added to your vitamin schedule by our providers, it should be taken on an empty stomach or with vitamin C.
  • Avoid substituting, altering or adding additional vitamins or minerals -especially "strange" health food store-type preparations, without checking with our office (you will get all kinds of advice from well-meaning people.)
  • Please do not buy products from multi-level distributors. Many of these supplements are based on unproven, unscientific information. They may be a waste of your money and unsafe for you to use.
  • Some supplements may contain a small amount of sugar; this is acceptable only if it is a very small amount.

    • RECORDS: Every time a patient makes a change in her/his supplements, she/he must provide us in writing with a detailed summary of all the supplements being taken. The summary must indicate individual components and frequency. Necessary supplement changes made by the provider will be made based on the information provided by the patient and based on lab results.