Gastric bypass surgery leads to weight loss because it causes malabsorption of nutrients and calories from the stomach and intestine. While decreased calories intake is the desired effect of gastric bypass surgery, essential vitamin and mineral loss is an unintended consequence. After gastric bypass, you will require supplemental vitamin and minerals to stay healthy. In addition to a daily multivitamin, most medical practitioners will add several other vital supplements.
Calcium
Calcium builds bones and lack of calcium increases your risk of developing osteoporosis and fractures. Practitioners often prescribe between 1,200 and 1,500 mg of calcium divided into two doses, the Consumer Guide to Bariatric Surgery says. Take calcium and iron supplements at least two hours apart, since these two supplements can interfere with each other's absorption. Because the acid content in your stomach usually decreases after gastric bypass, you may absorb some types of calcium better than others.
Calcium citrate is absorbed better than calcium carbonate, the type of calcium found in antacids, the Albany Medical Center website states. The website cites a study that showed that 45 percent of calcium citrate was absorbed compared to only 4 percent of calcium citrate in people with no stomach acid compared to 24 percent and 22 percent, respectively, for people with normal stomach acid levels. After gastric bypass, your stomach acid level falls between the two. Your doctor may also prescribe vitamin D, essential for calcium absorption.
Iron
Iron deficiency is common after gastric bypass surgery, particularly in women who still have menstrual periods and in extremely obese people. Take iron on an empty stomach for best absorption if your stomach can tolerate it; you may need to take iron three times a day, the Albany Medical Center website reports. A number of substances interfere with iron absorption; in addition to calcium citrate, caffeine-containing products such as tea, coffee and soda and levothyroxine, a thyroid medication can interfere with absorption. Vitamin C, on the other hand, aids with iron absorption if taken along with your iron supplement. Excess iron can be harmful, so follow your doctor's guidelines on supplementation, Smith College Health Center advises.
B12
Multivitamins may not supply enough B12 for your needs after gastric bypass surgery. Vitamin B12 can be given in a monthly injection of 1,000 mg or in doses of 500 mg under your tongue every day. Taking B12 may also increase your metabolism, helping with weight loss, the Consumer Guide to Bariatric Surgery says.
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