: 22 May 2024

What you need to know about vitamins and minerals post-surgery

Reviewed By Bariatric Nutritionist Guna Bilande
Last updated 01/01/2000

Reviewed By Bariatric Nutritionist Guna Bilande
Last updated 01/01/01

To maintain good health throughout your bariatric journey, it’s important to pay attention to your vitamin and mineral needs immediately after your surgery.

Congratulations on taking a significant step towards a healthier you!

But did you know that after bariatric surgery as well as changing your diet and portion sizes, your body may not get enough of essential vitamins and minerals due to intolerance to certain food groups or reduced absorption?

Vitamins and minerals are vital for good health which is why it’s crucial to pay attention to your body's nutritional needs so you can maintain good health throughout your journey.

If you aren't careful, a lack of vitamins and minerals might lead to:
Anemia - due to iron or B12 deficiency
Neurological complications, such as memory loss or irritability - from a lack of B12
Bone and kidney issues - due to changes in the way your body absorbs calcium and vitamin D

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To ensure you aren't affected by a vitamin deficiency, we recommend taking multivitamin and mineral supplements that include the following key nutrients:

Iron
Zinc
Folic acid (400-800µg)
Copper
Selenium
Thiamine

Don’t forget calcium, vitamins D3 and B12 too!

To ensure you aren't affected by a vitamin deficiency, we recommend taking multivitamin and mineral supplements that include the following key nutrients:

Iron
Zinc
Folic acid (400-800µg)
Copper
Selenium
Thiamine

Don’t forget calcium, vitamins D3 and B12 too!

Considering weight loss surgery this year? Find out if you’re eligible and start your journey to a healthier you.

Book a free 30min consultation

Here are some suitable multivitamins suitable for your vitamin supplement:

Chewable/Effervescent (suitable initially post-op or if you prefer not to take tablets):

Centrum Fruity Chewables Multivitamin (twice daily, switch to tablet form from 4 weeks post-op)
Forceval Effervescent (once daily)
Superdrug A-Z Multivitamins & Minerals Chewable Tablets (twice daily, switch to tablet form from 4 weeks post-op)

Tablets (suitable from 4 weeks post-op if you’re tolerating a solid diet):

Aldi Activ-Max A-Z Multivitamin & Mineral Tablets (once daily)
Asda Wellbeing A-Z Multivitamins & Minerals (once daily)
Boots Vegan A-Z Wellness Formula (once daily)
Forceval (once daily)
Lloyd’s Pharmacy A-Z Multivitamins & Minerals (once daily)
Morrison’s A-Z Multivitamins & Minerals (once daily)
Sainsbury’s A-Z Multivitamins & Minerals (once daily)
Sanatogen A-Z Complete (once daily)
Superdrug A-Z Multivitamins + Minerals (once daily)
Tesco A-Z Multivitamins + Minerals (once daily)

Want some links instead? We’ve got you covered. Below are Amazon links for Biotin, MultiVitamins & Vitamin B12 we recommend to patients:

Tablets Coconut Increased Absorption Maintenance

Centrum Advance Multivitamin Tablets Pack

Vitamin 1000mcg Strength Methylcobalamin Nutravita

Neo Vitamin B12 Oral Spray

Here are some suitable multivitamins suitable for your vitamin supplement:

Chewable/Effervescent (suitable initially post-op or if you prefer not to take tablets):

Centrum Fruity Chewables Multivitamin (twice daily, switch to tablet form from 4 weeks post-op)
Forceval Effervescent (once daily)
Superdrug A-Z Multivitamins & Minerals Chewable Tablets (twice daily, switch to tablet form from 4 weeks post-op)

Tablets (suitable from 4 weeks post-op if you’re tolerating a solid diet):