February 2025
Supplementation for gastric sleeve and gastric bypass patients
0-6 WEEKS :
OPTION 1 (All-in-One)
Bari-Complete x 1 sachet (18g) per day. Start with 1/3 sachet and gradually increase, as discussed with dietitian or doctor. Always use in divided doses – see instructions on packaging. Order on-line or via app. www.bari-complete.com. Not available anywhere else.
OPTION 2 (Separate supplements)
- ‘Bonvit Plus’ or Centrum x 1 tablet, crushed, per day
- Nature Fresh Calcium & Magnesium Complex Powder : 4 ml of powder TWICE a day.
There is no scoop in the container, you must measure off the ml (= 1600 mg calcium
citrate in total). Suggestions on how to use it are on the tub.
- ‘Ferrimed’ syrup x 5 ml daily for males and non-menstruating females,
and 5-10 ml daily for menstruating females (from 4 weeks post-op),
do not take together with calcium
FROM 6 WEEKS ONWARDS :
OPTION 1 (All-in-One)
- Bari-Complete x 1 sachet (18g) per day, in divided doses- see instructions on packaging.
Order on- line or via app. www.bari-complete.com
- Additional iron may be required.
- Vit B12, injection every 2 months, or as prescribed by your surgeon. Supplement with
intramuscular Vit B12, 1000 micrograms (=1 mg)
The vial is 10 ml and consists of 10 x 1 ml doses (1 ml = 1000 micrograms). The vial is re-
sealable with a long shelf-life. You will need a prescription for injectable Vit. B12 –
telephone your surgeon’s receptionist for a prescription.
- Vit. D in the form of ‘Calciferol’ will be prescribed by your surgeon, if Vit. D is needed (this
is evident from your blood tests).
OPTION 2 (Separate supplements)
- Bonvit Plus or Centrum x 1 tablet per day (you may now swallow the tablet)
- Nature Fresh Calcium Complex Tablets : take 3 tablets TWICE a day (= 1200 mg
calcium citrate in total)
OR
Nature Fresh Calcium & Magnesium Complex Powder : 4 ml of powder TWICE a day.
There is no scoop in the container, you must measure off the ml (= 1600 mg calcium
citrate in total). Suggestions on how to use it are on the tub.
OR
GNC Calcium Citrate Plus : 7 caplets per day (= 1400 mg calcium citrate in total)
Morning : 2 caplets
Midday : 2 caplets
Evening: 3 caplets
- ‘Autrin’ x 1 capsule daily (replaces Ferrimed syrup). If this is not available, use either
Ferrimed tablets x 2 tablets daily (they can be taken together) OR ‘Astyfer’ x 2 tablets
daily (they can be taken together)
- Vit B12, injection every 2 months, or as prescribed by your surgeon. Supplement with
intramuscular Vit B12, 1000 micrograms (=1 mg) The vial is 10 ml and consists of 10 x 1 ml doses (1 ml = 1000 micrograms). The vial is re-sealable with a long shelf-life. You will need a prescription for injectable Vit. B12 – telephone your surgeon’s receptionist for a prescription.
5 . Vit. D in the form of ‘Calciferol’ will be prescribed by your surgeon, if Vit. D is needed
(this is evident from your blood tests).
All products are available at Clicks or Dis-Chem branches, as well as at most pharmacies.
Bari-Complete is only available as an on-line order or via the app.
Judy Kotze