Navigating Your First Caplet: A Step-by-Step Guide for Bariatric Patients

Article By: Rachel Ignomirello, MS, RDN, CSOWM, LDN

Bariatric Dietitian and Board-Certified Specialist in Obesity & Weight Management.

Transitioning to caplets is an important step in managing your vitamin schedule post-bariatric surgery. This guide walks you through the transition, ensuring you select the right vitamins to effectively meet your post-surgery nutritional needs.

Although you may be tempted to purchase women's one a day vitamins commonly found in vitamin shops, it's important to recognize that bariatric patients have specific nutrient needs that these mainstream vitamins often don't meet.

Step #1: Understanding caplets

• Caplets are coated, easy-to-swallow tablets that offer a convenient option compared to chewables, ideal for those ready to streamline their supplement routine after moving to a solid food diet.

Step #2: Assessing readiness

• Make sure your system has fully adapted to handling solid foods comfortably.

• Talk with your bariatric care team to determine the best time for you to start using caplets. Every program is different when it comes to starting caplets, tablets, or capsules.

Step #3: Choosing & finding the right caplets

• When exploring your options, you may encounter products targeted at broader demographics, such as women's one a day multivitamins, readily found in vitamin shops. It's important to understand that although these products are widely available and might seem convenient, bariatric patients have specific nutritional needs that these general supplements often don't meet.

• Always prioritize bariatric-specific formulations available through specialized online retailers like BariMelts or directly from bariatric programs. Bariatric-formulated vitamins are designed to support your unique post-surgery requirements. These specialized supplements ensure you're receiving the right balance of vitamins and minerals necessary for your health.

• Did you know The Step Up® by BariMelts is a once-daily bariatric caplet that meets ASMBS guidelines and is specially designed for post-bariatric patients looking to transition from pills, capsules, or soft chews?

Step #4: Integrating caplets into your daily routine

• Establish a vitamin schedule post-bariatric surgery. Consistency in taking your vitamins at the same time each day fosters a sustainable routine.

• Use reminders or alarms to help incorporate this new habit seamlessly into your daily life, ensuring you don’t miss any doses and maintain optimal nutrient intake.

Step #5: Monitoring & adjusting

After transitioning to caplets:

• Monitor how you feel and any changes in your digestion or overall health.

• Regularly review your supplementation plan with your healthcare provider, adjusting as necessary to ensure optimal nutritional support.

BariMelts provides general recommendations, not to be construed as medical advice. Please consult your doctor.