Your bariatric surgeon is talking about the supplements you must take after surgery.
It’s only natural that you have some questions.
- What are the best bariatric vitamins for your needs?
- Why do you lose hair and what are the best vitamins for hair loss after bariatric surgery?
- Can anyone take bariatric vitamins even if they haven’t had surgery?
You could use the same supplements formulated for the average person.
But products formulated specifically for bariatric patients, better meet your nutritional requirements. After all, post-surgery, your stomach capacity is significantly reduced, affecting nutrient absorption.
Let’s explore how bariatric surgery affects nutrition and the importance of supplements and how to find the best bariatric vitamins for your journey.
Table of Contents
Importance of Proper Nutrition After Bariatric Surgery
Post-surgery, your digestive tract needs time to heal and adapt. Your surgeon removed or bypassed a major part of it. So, digestion and nutrient absorption no longer happens as they used to. This means your diet must change too.
The path to a balanced diet after surgery begins with liquids. Gradually you progress to soft foods before finally evolving into a whole foods diet. Along with these specialized meals, your team will recommend nutritional supplements. In our experience, it’s important for patients to find the best liquid vitamins for bariatric patients during the early stages because they are easier to absorb when the digestive system is still healing.
That’s because good nutrition is the key to having enough energy to perform daily tasks. It also supports your general health and well-being, preventing issues like developing a bariatric surgery vitamin deficiency.
Immediately post-surgery, balanced nutrition enhances your recovery. Protein and micronutrients promote wound healing and better energy levels.
Muscle loss is common when you lose weight as rapidly as you do after bariatric surgery. Protein-rich foods and supplements counteract this effect while promoting optimal weight loss.
You now have a reduced capacity to eat food and absorb nutrients. You must take special care to ensure you meet your nutritional needs. Complications of nutrient deficiencies like anemia and osteoporosis are common after bariatric surgery.
Finally, nourishing your body post-surgery ensures long-term success. It prevents weight regain and reduces the risk of chronic conditions.
Common Nutrient Deficiencies Post-Surgery
Altering your digestive system leads to weight loss and better health. But to reap these rewards you must ensure your body is as well nourished after surgery as it was before.
Nutrient deficiencies affect your ability to heal after surgery. A low nutritional status also influences your long-term health and weight management.
Signs your body isn’t getting all the nutrients it needs:
- Fatigue
- Pins and needles
- Weak immunity
- Slow wound healing
- An irregular heartbeat
Research suggests screening of levels of certain nutrients. These include thiamine, folate, vitamins A, D, and K, zinc, and copper. Yet, the most common nutrient deficiencies are:
- Vitamin B12: Stomach acid and other biological factors are essential for vitamin B12 absorption. Bypassing the stomach means less of these are available. The result is fatigue, anemia, and neurological problems.
- Iron: Dietary changes often result in eating fewer iron-rich foods. Less iron is also absorbed after surgery. The combination leads to iron deficiency, characterized by fatigue, anemia, and weakened immunity.
- Calcium: Along with vitamin D, calcium is critical for bone health. Osteoporosis and bone fractures occur with reduced absorption of these nutrients.
These are the deficiencies seen most often in weight loss surgery patients. But they are not the only nutrients affected. Consult with your healthcare team to ensure your diet meets your nutritional requirements.
Recommended Bariatric Vitamins and Supplements
Prevention is better than cure. That’s why your surgeon recommends bariatric vitamins and supplements.
Scientific studies show low vitamin and mineral levels are common even before surgery. Then, after the procedure, nutrient levels drop even more.
Some procedures affect your nutritional status more than others. Consider the type of surgery you’ve had when planning your nutrition regime.
For example according to a 2017 study from the World Journal of Diabetes the average prevalence of anemia is lower following Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) (17%) and reaches 45%-50% after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and Biliopancreatic diversion (BPD)
The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) provides nutrition guidelines for bariatric patients.
The baseline supplement recommendations post bariatric surgery include the following:
Multivitamin and Mineral
Don’t take a handful of single vitamin and mineral pills. A multivitamin makes it easier to stick with taking your supplements long-term.
Choose a bariatric multivitamin with iron formulated with your needs in mind. It should provide you with all the ASMBS-recommended micronutrients, including iron.
Calcium Citrate
After weight loss surgery, your body can no longer absorb calcium well. Supplements become an essential part of your daily nutrition routine.
It is used to maintain strong bones and teeth, in blood clotting, muscle contractions, healthy nerve function, and maintaining a regular heartbeat.
The ASMBS recommends a minimum intake of 1500 mg per day. The best way to get it is from calcium citrate—a form of calcium that is most easily absorbed.
Bari Life’s bariatric calcium chews contain calcium citrate and 1000 IU of vitamin D3 to boost absorption. They are also available in 5 delicious flavors.
Vitamin B12
Your vitamin B12 requirements depend on the type of procedure you have. If you’ve had gastric bypass surgery, you may have to have vitamin B12 injections to ensure you get enough.
Others may be able to maintain a healthy level of this vitamin by taking oral supplements.
How to Choose High Quality Bariatric Vitamins
Choosing the best supplement for you can be a daunting task. Simplify your search by choosing specialized formulas. Those designed for bariatric patients contain the right amount of key nutrients.
Also, ensure the vitamins and minerals are in forms that are easily absorbed by the body. Liquid, chewable, and sublingual supplements are often better tolerated by bariatric patients.
Finally, check for certifications. Third-party testing ensures better quality supplements. They are free from contaminants and provide the stated amount of each nutrient.
Foods to Complement Your Vitamin Intake
Diet is the cornerstone of good nutrition. Supplements are essential for anyone who has had weight loss surgery. But whole foods are the best source of energy and micronutrients.
Work with your dietitian to create a meal plan rich in the following foods:
- Protein foods: Lean meat, fish, eggs, and dairy help maintain your muscle mass, provide energy, and support your recovery post-surgery.
- Vegetables: Leafy greens and other vegetables are a natural source of essential nutrients to complement your supplement regimen.
- Nuts and seeds: High in essential fats, vitamins, and minerals, nuts and seeds give you a sustained release of energy and support overall health after bariatric surgery.
The Best Way to Get Your Bariatric Vitamins
Bariatric surgery changes the structure and function of your digestive system. It affects digestion and absorption. If you’ve had weight loss surgery, you now have specific nutritional requirements.
It means working closely with your healthcare providers. Regular screening and blood tests help pick up nutrient deficiencies. Early treatment with the appropriate supplements helps to avoid potential health complications.
A healthy diet, combined with the routine intake of supplements can prevent deficiencies. The right nutrients enhance weight loss and support your health and well-being.
Conclusion
Bariatric vitamins play a vital role in supporting the health and recovery of individuals after weight loss surgery. The unique digestive changes resulting from procedures such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy significantly impact nutrient absorption, necessitating specialized supplements. Bariatric vitamins, like those from Bari Life, are formulated to meet these specific needs, ensuring patients maintain essential nutrient levels such as calcium, iron, and vitamin B12.
Alongside a balanced diet rich in protein, vegetables, and healthy fats, these supplements help prevent common deficiencies, support muscle mass, promote healing, and enhance overall well-being. Regular consultations with healthcare providers and routine supplementation can help bariatric patients achieve long-term success in their weight loss and health journey.
What are your tips and tricks to post-bariatric success?