Vitamins After Gastric Bypass — Gold Coast
Your long-term supplement plan and monitoring after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
Why supplements matter after bypass
Changes in stomach size and intestinal routing can reduce absorption of key nutrients. A consistent plan protects energy, nerves and bone health.
Typical supplement plan
- Daily bariatric multivitamin.
- Vitamin B12 — oral or periodic injections as advised.
- Iron — especially for menstruating patients; take away from calcium.
- Calcium + Vitamin D — usually in divided doses.
- Others as indicated by blood tests (e.g., folate, thiamine, zinc).
Blood-test schedule
- Baseline pre-op; then typically at 3, 6, 12 months; annually thereafter.
- Common panels: FBC, ferritin/iron studies, B12, folate, calcium, vitamin D and others as required.
Practical tips
- Protein first; supplements support—not replace—good intake.
- Separate iron and calcium by 2–3 hours to aid absorption.
- Report tingling, fatigue or hair loss—these can signal low levels.
Related
Need supplement advice?
Vitamins FAQs
Do I need vitamins long-term?
Yes—lifelong supplementation is recommended after bypass.
What if my iron stays low?
We’ll review timing, absorption and diet; some people need IV iron.
Is thiamine important?
Yes—deficiency can occur; we monitor and supplement when indicated.