Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQs
What makes ProCare Health Different?
ProCare Health is an innovative company focused on providing supplements for weight loss surgery patients that are easy to take, affordable and enjoyable. We were the first to design a once-a-day vitamin that worked for weight loss surgery patients.
We are the only company using an advanced form of calcium that provides more complete calcium supplementation, while not requiring stomach acid like various mineral forms.
We routinely monitor our formulas with blood work reviews to consistently evaluate vitamin performance.
We are the only company that, in addition to pre- and post-manufacturing tests, utilizes 3rd party independent testing of every ingredient to ensure our formula meets label standards.
And we are rigorous with updating our formulas as ASMBS regulations change.
Why Should I Take a Bariatric Formulated Multivitamin as Opposed to an Over-the-Counter Supplement?
Bariatric multivitamins are made specifically for the bariatric patients’ needs. They include vitamin and mineral doses above the RDA values which helps prevent vitamin deficiencies that often occur after weight loss surgery.
They’re also formulated to meet ASMBS guidelines and utilize
the most bioavailable forms of each vitamin to optimize absorption. An
important thing to note is that over-the-counter vitamins often need to be taken up to four times a day to see any benefit at all. This wastes time and money and can lead to the overc onsumption of vitamins and minerals that aren’t even low. ProCare offers several once or twice daily multivitamins specifically designed for bariatric patients, so you don’t waste your time or your money. Be sure that your vitamin and mineral levels have been appropriately restored,
post-surgery.
Visit our website for more information: https://procarenow.com/products/bariatric-multivitamin/
What Form of a Bariatric Vitamin Should I Take?
There are many forms of vitamins to choose from. The most common are chewable tablets, soft chews, and capsules. In choosing, it really comes down to where you’re at in your recovery. Right after surgery it’s suggested you take a chewable form due to the sensitivity of your healing pouch. Six weeks to six months after your surgery, most programs give the okay on moving to the capsule. It all depends on how your body reacts to the vitamin. Some people can take the capsule on day one with no issues. When you’re far enough removed from your surgery, it'll be personal preference.
Some people like capsules because they’re flavorless and easy to take on the go. Some like the chewable tablets because you can take
them in smaller increments, and they tend to be better tolerated right aftersurgery. Others prefer the flavor options and chewy consistency of the soft
chews.
Whichever works best for you is fine, but there are a few
forms that we do not recommend. Those include gummy vitamins, patches, and over
the counter options.
Visit our website for all the best options: https://procarenow.com/products/bariatric-multivitamin/
How do I know the Vitamin I’m taking is safe and of high quality?
This is a great question, and one that every consumer needs
to ask themselves prior to purchasing any supplements. Our products are tested before and after production, and then again once they are received. This means
the raw materials and the finished products are tested for integrity, purity, and potency to ensure both safety and quality. ProCare also does additional 3rd party testing to show that what is stated on that bottle’s label is indeed what you are receiving. And these results are made available to our customers.
So how do you know the vitamin that you are taking is safe
and high quality? Well, if the company you’re buying from doesn’t test their products, or if they “do” but they don’t make the results of these tests available to you—you can’t know.
At ProCare we are committed to being transparent and honest
with our customers. We don’t just tell you our products are safe and high quality—we show you. Visit our website for a selection of safe and high-quality vitamins: https://procarenow.com/products/bariatric-multivitamin/
How do I know I have the best deal? How can I save money?
We have several ways to ensure you are getting the best price on our products and help you save through our partnership programs.
Easy Ship Subscription Program
Savings vary but can be up to 20% off the one-time purchase price! You can always alter your products, change the frequency, add something new to try, and even adjust your order to ship earlier or later to meet your needs!
Combine to ship product in longer cycles like every 3 months instead of monthly and save on shipping, even more saving if that larger order meets free shipping minimum!
Free US Shipping on orders over $100
Price Match Guarantee
Shop with confidence! Find a lower price? We’ll match it! Learn more here
Body and Soul
Join our partnership programs and receive great savings on our vitamins bundled with soul nurturing programs. Learn more here
Gift-o-Meter
Receive free samples and products as you spend more. See what purchases qualify as you place items in your cart.
Loyalty Program
Coming soon!
Can I try a sample before I buy?
Yes! We understand finding the right vitamin can be trial and error. We offer 1 free sample box per household. Request yours here.
If you have already received your free sample box and something new comes out, we will gladly provide a sample with your next order. Just send us an email or give us a call!
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship to Canada through our website. For all other countries please contact us to discuss how to place order.
How Can I Connect with Other Bariatric Surgery Patients?
Bariatric support groups are important because everybody's bodies and minds react differently to surgery. Sometimes all the support an individual needs is nutritional and exercise advice, while others struggle with maintaining a healthy diet, lifestyle, and self-image even as they lose weight. A good support group aims to not only educate and provide accountability on your weight loss journey, but it should also be a place of community and expression free of judgment.
While you may want a local support group you can also look at ProCare Health as another support system during your weight loss journey. Each week we bring to you Bari Connected, a live support system hosted by Brenda Hoehn, MSN, RN. And during each event, Brenda is available to help answer questions, give guidance and support to bariatric surgery patients. You can also view previous events for additional education and guidance. Just check out our YouTube channel at ProCare Health Vitamins and Supplements and our podcast Bari Connected on your favorite podcast station. For quick access to this month's events check out our website under the tab Bari Connected tab. We know that bariatric surgery means you'll be on a lifelong journey towards better health. ProCare Health is here to help you through every step of the way.
Find out more about Bari Connected.
Product Specific
What Should I Look for in a Quality Whey Protein Supplement?
For Bariatric Patients, Whey Isolate is generally preferred with high amounts of protein and low amounts of sugar and carbohydrates. Whey Isolate is simply whey protein that has been filtered in a process that removes the lactose in the powder itself. This is to create a leaner, low fat protein source.
Our whey protein isolate contains over 90% pure protein content with under 1% lactose or milk fat. On the other hand, Whey protein "concentrate" can offer anywhere between "only" 10-15% protein content per serving with over 50% lactose and almost 2% fat. For anyone who is lactose intolerant or has issues digesting dairy products then whey isolate is very beneficial.
ProCare Health Protein Powder in Chocolate or Vanilla would be a great option as it has one gram of carbs, and less than one gram of sugar per serving—while providing 26 grams of high-quality Whey Isolate protein. Our protein formula has added digestive enzymes that help support healthy digestion, optimize the breakdown of fats, carbohydrates, and protein, and promote optimal nutrient absorption. We’ve also added an electrolyte blend that supports balance in your body, so you avoid dehydration. To top it all off we’ve also added our Immunity Support Blend of Vitamin D, Vitamin C, and Zinc.
It’s a lot more than your typical protein powder. Get yours today! https://procarenow.com/procare-health-whey-isolate-protein-powder/
What is TruCal®?
TruCal® is a calcium form which is derived from milk. Fresh milk is used, the lactose and protein are filtered out and you are left with calcium plus 6 other key minerals essential to bone health: Zinc, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Iron, and Copper. Our bones contain more than just calcium and TruCal® provides a make-up very similar to actual bone composition. It enhances both calcium absorption and mineral retention, and it is clinically supported to improve bone density and bone tensile strength. In short, it achieves what calcium fortification alone cannot.
With TruCal® we avoid the grittiness you get from rock forms like Citrate and Carbonate, so it’s easier to add to a variety of products. TruCal® doesn’t need stomach acid for absorption—making it a great option for bariatric surgery patients. And unlike Carbonate, it doesn’t contribute to kidney stones.
Pick up your TruCal® calcium products at: https://procarenow.com/products/calcium-supplements/
Are ProCare Health Products Gluten, Kosher, Sugar, Lactose—Free?
ProCare Health offers a wide range of products, so let's go down the list one at a time.
The multivitamins are all gluten free, as are the calcium and protein options. Our Multivitamin Capsule and LiquaCel Collagen Protein are sugar free. Our Calcium Chews do utilize all-natural sugar.
Most of our products are Kosher. The list includes:
- ProCare Multivitamin Soft Chews
- Calcium Soft Chews
- Dark Chocolate Calcium Bars
- ProCel Unflavored Protein
- LiquaCel Collagen Liquid Proteins
- FiberCel Fiber supplement
Our one-a-day multivitamin capsule is not certified Kosher but the usual ingredients of concern —the capsule and Magnesium Stearate—are both vegetarian based.
All our multivitamins are lactose free.
Calcium Chews and Chocolate bars are very low in lactose: >.01%.
ProCare Whey Protein Isolate contains very low lactose but does contain milk proteins.
What ProCare Health Items Work with a Keto Diet?
Many ProCare products would be great additions to a healthy diet, but these are the best for a Ketogenic diet:
- Our capsule multivitamin with 0 sweeteners, 0 carbs, and 0 calories.
- Our Calcium Citrate Capsules come with 0 sweeteners and 0 carbs.
- Our ProCare Health Whey Isolate Protein Powder in Chocolate or Vanilla with one gram of carbs, and less than one gram of sugar per serving, while providing 26 grams of high-quality Whey Isolate protein.
- Ostrim Grass Fed Meat sticks offer a variety of lean, low carb, high protein choices in assorted flavors.
Can anyone who has not had surgery take ProCare Health vitamins?
Yes, our multivitamin line is a great quality option for those looking to elevate their health! The only difference between our bariatric and non-bariatric supplements is the higher dose of certain vitamins and minerals.
Of most concern for a non- bariatric patient are the levels of Vitamin A, Vitamin D-3, and Iron. Most people need around 18mg of iron a day-- those who have had weight loss surgery can need anywhere from 18mg - 60mg of Iron- and even more if there is a history of malabsorption or anemia. We have vitamins with a range of iron levels that can be customized to fit your needs.
If you were to use our vitamins as a non-surgery patient, we would suggest the multivitamin soft chews. These are individual chews that you could take once or twice daily.
Another option is our Probiotic+ Multivitamin. Non-bariatric consumers should take 1 capsule a day. That cuts the levels in half plus you get a good dose of pre and probiotics.
If you have a history of malabsorption issues, we recommend checking with your doctor before taking to make sure there are no concerns.
Our calcium supplements, proteins, and other vitamins are great for anyone looking to enhance their health regimen.
Below are some options we recommend for non-bariatric
patients:
- Calcium Soft Chews – A great option for the whole family! We recommend an adult take 2 soft chews daily, and kids take 1 daily.
- Multivitamin Soft Chews – A great option for the whole family! We recommend an
adult take 2 soft chews daily, and kids take 1 daily. - Probiotic+ Multivitamin – Non-bariatric patients can take 1 capsule daily and receive a good dose of pre and probiotics.
- Prenatal+ - This is a great option for women with a history of low iron (anemia) because it contains a higher amount of iron. We recommend an adult take 1 capsule daily.
- 18mg strength once daily (available in capsule or chewable options) –This is a good option if you are looking to elevate your nutrient levels. We recommend taking every other day due to the high levels of Vitamin A and Vitamin D.
How much protein do I need?
Protein needs vary from person to person. We base these needs on sex, age, lean muscle mass, daily exercise, and overall health. Talk with a registered dietitian or physician to find out how much protein you should be taking per day. They can help you calculate how much protein is suitable for you. However, there are recommendations that medical literature provides for bariatric patients.
Immediately following surgery, you should be consuming around 40 to 60 grams of protein per day as your body adjusts to a smaller stomach and a new way of eating.
Once you transition to solid food, your goal is to consume 60 to 80 grams of high-quality protein every day. Some procedures, like the DS, SIPS, or Sadi, or other health needs could up the amount needed to 120 grams daily.
Learn more here
I am looking for a Gummy type of vitamin. Do you carry them and are they ok to take?
Gummy vitamins are not recommended for post weight loss
surgery patients because, depending on the type of ingredients, they may not
break down in your system. This can cause discomfort and lack of absorption.
Our Soft Chew Multivitamin is a great alternative for a gummy vitamin with three yummy flavor combinations!
Learn more about gummy vitamins and weight loss surgery
patients here.
Can You Tell Me About ProCare Health’s Prenatal Bariatric Multivitamin?
ProCare’s prenatal bariatric multivitamin is customized with both mom and baby in mind. It has lower levels of vitamin A and higher levels of iron and Methylfolate. We also incorporate a pre and probiotic blend that helps with digestion, as well as an overall tummy calming blend that includes ginger and spirulina.
The recommended twice daily capsules can be taken together or separately, and we made sure to make the capsules flavorless and fr ee of artificial sweeteners.
Healthy mom means a healthy baby.
For more info, take a look at ProCare
Health’s Prenatal Bariatric Multivitamin.
How Does ProCare Health’s Probiotic Bariatric Multivitamin Stand Out?
We took our regular bariatric multivitamin capsule with 45mg of iron and added 15 BILLION CFU’s of probiotics, PLUS some prebiotics. Prebiotics are an important addition because they feed the good probiotics already in your body. Our pre and probiotic blends are designed to aid in both digestion and weight loss.
In fact, a Stanford study revealed that patients who added in a probiotic with their multivitamin—post weight loss surgery—lost weight at a faster rate than those who did not. They also saw improved vitamin absorption rates for vitamins like B12.
And if you were to go out and purchase a probiotic and a bariatric multivitamin separately, on average you’d be spending $20 more than if you purchased our all in one, Probiotic Bariatric Multivitamin.
For more info, take a look at ProCare Health’s Probiotic Bariactric Multivitamin.
How are ProCare Health’s Bariatric Once Daily Multivitamins Different Than Others?
The ProCare Health Bariatric Once Daily Capsule is an easy dissolving, flavorless, veggie-based capsule—available in three different Iron strengths: 45mg, 18mg, and Iron free. It contains zero calories, zero carbs, and zero sweeteners—it’s just one capsule to meet all your multivitamin needs.
The chewable is also available in the same Iron levels, but the tablet is flavored and can be broken up into smaller doses if the patient desires.
Both the capsule and the chewable can be taken at any time of day, but we recommend working it into your morning or evening routine, so you never forget.
For more info, take a look at our Bariatric Multivitamin Once Daily options.
Does ProCare Health Have a Bariatric DS/SADI Formula?
Yes! Our DS/SADI capsule is designed to meet the needs of Duodenal Switch and SADI surgery patients. It has increased levels of Thiamine, Zinc, Selenium, Chromium, and Copper. And we’ve added vitamin D, E, & K plus 60mg of Iron. There are no flavorings, no sweeteners, no carbs, no calories, just the supplementation you need in an easy dissolving veggie-based capsule.
You can take it any time of day, though most customers seem to take it in the morning or before bed.
Once capsule once a day is all you need to meet your
multivitamin needs.
View all of our products made for DS & SADI patients here.
Can You Tell Me More About Why ProCare Health’s Bariatric Special 45 Formula Capsule Was Created?
After analyzing the results from our blood work monitoring program, and in speaking with dietitians, we found that patients have unique needs and we wanted to create an option that addresses these. Special 45 has less B12, less vitamin A, and some extra B1. It contains no flavorings, no sweeteners, no carbs, and no calories—just the supplementation you need in an easy dissolving veggie-based capsule.
Take it any time of day, though most customers seem to take it in the morning or before bed. One capsule once a day is all you need to meet your multivitamin needs.
Pick up your Special
45 Capsules today.
Post Surgery
How long do I need to take vitamins after surgery? Why do I need them?
Following bariatric surgery, we recommend that a patient take daily vitamins for the rest of their life. After surgery, your body has trouble absorbing specific vitamins and minerals you would typically receive from foods. To explain things simply, having bariatric surgery works by two different mechanics, one way is restricting how much food and calories can be consumed at once and the other way is known as malabsorption, which restricts how your body is absorbing nutrients. Some surgeries even use both! While both mechanics make weight loss possible, it also invites the possibility of vitamin deficiencies. It is important to note that deficiencies can be different for each person and can vary in severity from minor and medically easy to fix, to life threatening.
Learn more here.
Do I need a Probiotic? What do you offer?
Yes, it is suggested that you add a probiotic (good bacteria) to your daily supplement routine. Studies have shown that adding in a probiotic can help with digestion, improve absorption of some supplements, help with sleep, and aid in overall weight loss.
Our Probiotic+Multivitamin combines your daily multivitamin plus 15 billion CFU’s of probiotics. 2 capsules a day and you can check mark both off your daily list. This combo product also includes a dose of Prebiotics which help feed the good bacteria in your body and get you back on track!
As a standalone probiotic option, our 50 billion capsule is a great option!
Learn more here.
Why should I not use Calcium Carbonate? What should I use instead?
Calcium Carbonate is a cheap, readily available form of calcium that derives from sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. Food and stomach acid are needed for Calcium Carbonate to break down and be absorbed, which is not ideal for post bariatric surgery patients. Post weight loss surgery (WLS) you are typically eating smaller meals, and the stomach has been restricted or reduced, meaning less stomach acid will be present. Because the stomach environment is no longer ideal Calcium Carbonate is not recommended by the ASMBS, as its absorption is hindered in your body.
We recommend Calcium Citrate and TruCal® Calcium for post weight loss surgery. Both forms do not require stomach acid to help break it down for absorption meaning they can both be taken on an empty stomach!
Why do I to need to take calcium and iron separately?
Calcium and iron compete for absorption in your body. While they are both very important post-surgery and for long-term health, they need to be taken at least 2 hours apart. Think of it like 500 calciums and 500 irons are all trying to go through 1 door in a short period of time. Some of each will get through but not all. To ensure the easiest path through the doorway (best absorption) you do not want to take your calcium around the same time as an iron supplement.
We recommend taking a multivitamin in the morning and a calcium supplement (Calcium
Soft Chew or Calcium Citrate) later in the day to space out the doses. Always consult with your doctor for best practices.
How much iron do I need?
Each person will need a different amount of iron based on several different factors, including sex, gender, and health history. Always consult with your healthcare team when determining the appropriate amount your body needs.
Below are general guidelines for needs by surgery provided by the ASMBS:
General guidelines from the ASMBS state the needs by
surgery.
- Non-Weight Loss Surgery – 18mg per day
- LapBand or Sleeve Surgery – 18mg per day
- Gastric Bypass, RNY – 45mg per day
- Duodenal Switch/Sadi Procedures – 60mg per day
*Please note, menstruating women typically need more iron, around 36-45 mgs daily regardless of surgery, but again this can fluctuate based on health history.
Please check with your doctor or dietitian to see what your health history dictates you need. You will also have frequent labs pulled to check on your supplement levels for the first 2 years post-surgery.
My Bariatric Vitamin is Making Me Sick. What Should I Do?
Making your after-surgery supplementation simple and easy is our goal, but everyone's system is different and will continue to change a bit as you heal and get further along. Because we are a one a day option, a full day’s vitamins are all in one pill or tablet. These levels of supplementation are much higher compared to a single dose of others taken multiple times a day.
Any discomfort you are experiencing in terms of tummy issues is most likely due to the high dose of iron. We do have varying iron levels available if you want to try a sample of a different one to see if that helps.
We also suggest either taking your bariatric vitamin with food in your stomach or taking it before bed. We have customers report these changes helped with any discomfort.
Another option is to break the chewable in half and take it as 2 doses throughout the day. This cuts the vitamin dose in half which may agree with your system better.
If you have the capsule, you can open it, and consume the powder in two separate doses by mixing it with a liquid of your choosing.