9 Helpful and simple tips for taking WLS Multivitamins

1. Don't take the WLS Multivitamin on an empty stomach

Take the WLS Multivitamin during or immediately after lunch or dinner. With nutrition in your stomach, you reduce the risk of nausea. Plus, the fat-soluble vitamins contained in the multivitamin need a little fat from food. This ensures the best absorption.

2. How to take the WLS Multivitamin

Take the multivitamin with the last bite of your meal. Or swallow a capsule with a sip of water or a sugar-free drink. Move your chin to your chest when swallowing the multivitamin. By doing so, you make the passage of your esophagus larger which makes swallowing easier. You can also slightly moisten the capsule with a little tap water. This keeps the outside of the capsule from sticking or getting stuck in your throat.

3. Trouble swallowing?

If you have trouble swallowing capsules, choose a chewable vitamin*. You can also break the chewable tablet in half or open the capsule and take the powder inside. Mix the powder with a bit of sugar-free applesauce, mashed fruit or other sugar-free liquid food. Why sugar free? After bariatric surgery you may not tolerate sugar and sugary foods well.

4. How to deal with nausea

Nausea can occur as WLS Multivitamins contain high doses of vitamins and minerals. Also, your stomach, oesophagus and small intestine can still be sensitive from the surgery. Here's what you can do to prevent nausea: - Don't take the multivitamin on an empty stomach, but during or right after lunch or dinner. - Start taking multivitamins only once you can eat solid food again after surgery. - Do you use a chewable vitamin? Let the chewable dissolve in your mouth instead of chewing it. - Or break the chewable in half. Take 1 part with lunch and the other with dinner. - Still nauseous? Drink small sips of fresh mint, lemon, or ginger tea. - Do you continue to have discomfort after intake? Take the multivitamin before bedtime. When you sleep, you can't experience nausea.

5. Not combined with dairy and calcium

Are you taking calcium supplements in addition to WLS Multivitamins? Or do you use dairy products such as cheese, yogurt and milk? If so, make sure you leave at least 2 hours between the intake of the multivitamin, calcium and dairy, as calcium limits the absorption of iron. Iron is an important mineral and is contained in WLS Multivitamins. In addition, your body does not absorb more than 500 milligrams of calcium at a time. Calcium is also found in dairy products. Therefore, we recommend taking the multivitamin separately from calcium supplements and dairy.

6. Wait with multivitamins directly after surgery

Have you just had surgery? Then wait before taking WLS Multivitamins. The operation is a big thing and your body needs time to recover. Also, swallowing can still be painful. This is why you eat only liquid food right after the procedure. We recommend starting multivitamins when you are eating solid food again.

7. Set an automatic reminder

You undoubtedly have enough on your mind. And if you've just had surgery, a multivitamin is probably not the first thing you think of. No wonder you forget to take it once in a while. So set a daily reminder on your phone or just stick a note on the fridge. This will make it a lot harder to forget!

8. Be kind to yourself

Bariatric surgery is invasive. A lot happens and will change around the surgery and afterward. So don't be too hard on yourself. Nobody is perfect and it takes time to learn new habits and get used to them. Did you forget to take your multivitamin? Don't worry. Take the multivitamin as soon as you remember and set a reminder for yourself.

9. Ask for help

Know that you're not alone, so don't hesitate to ask for help. Are you still experiencing nausea? Is swallowing difficult or do you have questions about multivitamins? Our FitForMe experts and dietitians are happy to help. Reach out to us here.

Would you like to know more about WLS Multivitamins and which multivitamin is best for you? Here you can find our products. 

*Only WLS Primo and WLS Maximum are not available as chewable vitamins.