Question:
I'm 3 yrs.post op- can I stop taking vitamins now?
I've stopped vitamins now for 2 mos., and there doesn't seem to be any difference in my energy level, or the way I feel. I have a suspicion they were increasing my appetite. I have read that your body gets better at absorption, the farther out you are. I am eating healthy, and usually following the pouch rules. Am taking my calcium, and an occasional protein shake. Anybody with insight, or opinions? Thanks! Barbara Knapp. — barbara K. (posted on September 26, 2004)
September 26, 2004
I was told to take vitamins for life. Just because your energy is stable
does not mean you are low on certain vitamins that would be picked up in a
blood test. You should definitely check with your surgeon and/or primary
doctor. Good luck.
— kimkny
September 26, 2004
I was told for life also........If You feel like you don't need them
anymore atleast have your blood checked regularly to make sure.
— Shell G
September 26, 2004
There's 2 ways of thinking about it. One is, "I feel so good I don't
need to take all these vitamins". The other is, "I feel so good
BECAUSE I take all these vitamins." I'm 10 yrs out and I subscribe to
theory #2. As long as my surgery remains intact, I will need protein and
vitamin supplements.
— vitalady
September 26, 2004
I am also 3 years post-op. My lab work is great and I keep it that way by
taking my vitamins, calcium, and protein.
My surgeon and nutritionist said it would be a life long
requirement and I can't see any reason to mess with the results of a
surgery I self paid for!
— LLinderman
September 26, 2004
Dear Barbara,
Even if you never had the surgery, few of us have eating habits that are so
great that we get all the nutrients we need. If you stop supplying your
body with some of these nutrients found in vitamins, it will respond with
cravings, some which may not be healthy ones. If drudgery or trouble
swallowing is the problem, try chewable, powder, or liquid vitamins. Also
remember, vitamin deficiency can manifest itself in other ways besides lack
of energy, such as brittle hair, nails, and various health problems such as
heart and eye problems. I hope this helps.
— [Deactivated Member]
September 26, 2004
I was told vitamins had to be a habit for life. They told me the bare
minimum are the calcium citrate, 1 vitamin A&D, 2 multi-vitamins, and
vitamin B-12. No exceptions. They said if I skipped I might not feel it
immediately, but I would be setting myself up for long-term problems.
— Cathy S.
September 26, 2004
In one small word - NO. They need to be part of your daily nurishment
intake for the rest of your life. You need them more so now than pre-op,
especially if you are a RNY patient. I never heard of vitamins increasing
your appetite. Maybe you just needed more nutrients at that time because
you were low so your body increased your appetite to compensate for what it
was missing. I would run back to them and continue to take them unless you
are told by your doctor that you do not have to anymore.
— ChristineB
September 26, 2004
No.. you cant - ever... Even 'normal' people need a multi vitamin.. Even
if we absorb more we still dont absorb enough.. You can 'feel' ok and still
have labs going down! IM further out than you and when I stop (and yes I
have done it) labs go DOWN... start taking your multi, your B12 and IRON
again!!!!!
— star .
September 27, 2004
Why would you want to stop the vitamins? It can't take that much time to
toss them down, and they aren't really that expensive.Besides, the costs
down the road can be much higher - in osteoporosis and nerve damage and so
forth, from lack of needed minerals and vitamins - over time.
— koogy
September 27, 2004
Barbara, I would have to say that common sense says to keep taking them.
But here goes......I quit taking my multi vitamins, iron, and calcium a
year ago. (total laziness) I have continued with the B-12. I am not
condoning my behavior, nor am I recommending it to anyone, because I know I
am not doing what I should be. I had my labs done just a couple of weeks
ago and EVERYTHING was within the normal range. My B-12 was a bit low at
442, but the low range of normal is 200. All others where at or near
perfect levels.<br><br>Now, it would be smart to continue
taking your vitamins. I am doing the best I can trying to get back on
track because I know it is better for me. But in my case, not taking them
for over a year didn't affect my labs in the least.
Rebecca
— RebeccaP
September 27, 2004
TAKE YOUR VITAMINS!!! You can cause permanent damage if you do not take
your vitamins. If you are deficient in B-complex vitamins you can suffer
brain damage which is NOT reversible.
— Ann H.
September 27, 2004
Well, a unanimous jury! I'd suggest that you take your labs and compare
them to when you were taking vitamins regularly. You'll probably see a
drop, and continue to not take vitamins and it will drop further until
eventually you will not feel so well. Interesting logic though, as I have
heard you start absorbing more too, but I think its more calories and fat
we absorb more of , not the good nutrients and vitamins which are absorbed
in the parts of the body that are bypassed now. Sounds like another good
research project, but for now, just be safe and stick with the vitamins.
— Cindy R.
September 27, 2004
I guess it is up to you. Are you getting 5 servings of fruit and
vegetables a day? If you are able to get the minimum 5 servings then it is
a personal choice on your part. Even before surgery I often took
vitamins.
If you can honestly say that you get in the minimum 5 servings maybe you
can talk to your doc and see what he/she says.
I know most days I don't hit the minimum so I'll be taking them for life.
— mrsmyranow
September 27, 2004
NO! Please don't stop taking your vitamins, especially those B vitamins
(most importantly B-12)which protect the central nervous system! A
deficiency in this area could cause terrible results that are irreversible.
One example is M.S. which is caused by de-myelinization of the nerves. AND
the important thing to remember is that B-12 is not abosrbed in the
stomach, so don't try to take it in pill or capsule form. Use the
sub-linguals or injections from the doctor. Good luck!
— Justina Falcone
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