The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) states that a B complex is an optional supplement for gastric bypass patients. Patients taking multivitamins that provide 200 percent of the recommended daily allowance of most nutrients, as recommend by the ASMBS, and eating a reasonably healthful diet may already get adequate amounts of all the B vitamins (with the exception of vitamin B12, which is discussed later). Others may benefit from a B complex. Physicians can order blood tests to determine if patients are lacking in any B vitamins to help determine whether or not individual patients would benefit from taking a B complex.
Bariatric Advantage B-50 Complex Capsule
Bariatric Advantage offers a full range of vitamin supplements for gastric bypass patients, including a B complex capsule. The small, easy-to-swallow capsule contains adequate amounts of all the necessary B vitamins, including thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, B6, biotin and folic acid. It also contains B12, but see the note at the end of this article for additional information about B12 supplements for gastric bypass patients.
Celebrate Bariatric Supplements B Complex-50 Capsule
Celebrate Bariatric Supplements also offers a full range of vitamin supplements for gastric bypass patients, including a B complex capsule. The capsule contains adequate amounts of all B vitamins except for biotin; it has no biotin at all. Patients concerned about getting enough biotin may want to choose a different B complex or to take a separate biotin supplement.
Solaray Strawberry-Kiwi B Complex Chewable
Some gastric bypass patients prefer to use chewable vitamin supplements in the beginning and some surgeons and dieticians recommend using chewables for a while, until the surgical wounds heal. Solaray strawberry-kiwi flavored chewable B complex supplement offers a chewable alternative for such patients. It contains adequate amounts of all the necessary B vitamins.
Twin Lab Super B-Complex Liquid
Twin Lab super B complex liquid offers another alternative for patients that prefer not to swallow capsules or tablets. The sugar free formula contains adequate amounts of all the B vitamins in a cherry flavored liquid. This supplement must be kept refrigerated after opening.
Vitalady Tender B Complex-55 Vegetarian Tablet
Vitalady provides a wide range of supplements for gastric bypass patients. This is a good option for patients that prefer a vegetarian B complex supplement. Each tablet provides adequate amounts of all the necessary B vitamins.
A Note About Vitamin B12
According to the ASMBS, all gastric bypass patients need to take a B12 supplement in the form of a sublingual liquid or tablet, a prescription nasal spray or injections. Due to a lack of intrinsic factor in their altered stomachs, gastric bypass patients will not be able to absorb sufficient B12 from multivitamins or B complex supplements that they swallow or from their food.
Sources:
Bariatric Nutrition. http://nutrition.otago.ac.nz/__data/assets/file/0005/4784/BariatricNutritionReading.pdf. Suggestions for the Surgical Weight Loss Patient.
Bariatric Advantage. https://www1.bariatricadvantage.com/catalog/list/4/B_Vitamins. B-50 Complex Capsule.
Celebrate Bariatric Supplements. https://www.celebratevitamins.com/shop/other-supplements/b-vitamins/b50-complex-90-day.html. B Complex-50 Capsule.
Vitamin Shoppe. http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/store/en/browse/sku_detail.jsp?id=SO-1869. Solaray B Complex Chewable.
Vitamin Shoppe. http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/store/en/browse/sku_detail.jsp?id=TL-1026. Twin Lab Super B-Complex.
Vitalady. http://www.vitalady.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?search=action&keywords=vtmnb&template=Templates/Vitamin_B.html. Tender B Complex-55 Vegetarian Tablet.