Able Medical Physics

What Are Regular Vitamins?

Regular vitamins, sometimes called over-the-counter multivitamins, are made for the general population. Think of brands you’ve seen on TV your whole life. They are designed for people with normal stomachs, normal absorption, and normal eating patterns. Most regular multivitamins are formulated to meet what’s called the Recommended Daily Allowance, or RDA.

What Are Bariatric Vitamins?

Bariatric vitamins are specially formulated for people who have had weight loss surgery. They are made by companies that understand exactly what your changed digestive system needs. The main differences come down to dose, form, and delivery. Bariatric vitamins contain much higher amounts of certain nutrients, because you absorb less of what you take in.

How to Choose the Right Bariatric Vitamin for You?

With so many options, picking a brand can feel like another decision you don’t have energy for. Here’s a simple way to approach it. First, ask your bariatric team. They often have a preferred brand or a few they trust based on years of working with patients like you. Some surgical centers even partner with specific brands or sell them in their offices. Second, match the formula to your surgery.

What to Expect at Your Lab Checkups?

Regular blood work is one of the most important parts of your post-surgery life. Most surgeons recommend lab work at three months, six months, and one year after surgery, then once a year for life. Your labs will check things like iron levels, ferritin (which shows your iron stores), vitamin B12, folate, vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, vitamin A, thiamine, complete blood count, and a metabolic panel.