Bariatric or weight loss surgery is a life-changing decision for those that are obese or morbidly obese. Along with regular physical activity and an improved diet, bariatric procedures are proven to be the best way to lose large amounts of excess weight and keep it off in the long run. But the surgeries, such as a gastric bypass or gastric sleeve, alter the way your body gets nutrition, so it’s important to know the best vitamins for bariatric patients.
Although each surgery is different, how your body digests food is altered in many procedures and the proper amount of vitamins and minerals aren’t absorbed as easily. Additionally, you won’t be eating as much food as you did or the same types of food as before, so you won’t be getting the same amount of nutrients you once did.
These additional supplements and vitamins after bariatric surgery ensure your body gets all the nutrition it needs. This is especially important during the first two weeks after surgery when you are restricted to an all-liquid diet. Eventually, you will start to introduce solid foods again and get back some of the nutrients you were missing after surgery. But the supplements will still be needed because of the lack of absorption.
We recommend taking vitamin and mineral supplements before surgery as well so your body can build up levels that may be lacking because of a poor diet or other physical limitations. At WeightWise, we want to give you the best chance at success, and making sure your body has everything it needs throughout the process is the first thing we establish.
Best Vitamins for Bariatric Patients
Bariatric surgery can impact nutrient absorption and metabolism, making proper vitamin supplementation crucial for patients. Here are some essential vitamins for bariatric patients and why you may need them.
- Vitamin B12
- Calcium with Vitamin D
- Iron
- Probiotic
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is vital for maintaining the health of the nervous system. It plays a key role in the formation of myelin, a protective covering around nerves that facilitates proper nerve signal transmission. It’s also essential for the production of healthy red blood cells and for converting food into energy through its role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
Other functions include cell division, growth, and tissue repair. Adequate B12 levels support the body’s ability to heal and regenerate, which is particularly important for bariatric patients during the post-surgery recovery phase. B12 also plays a role in cognitive health and brain function–not having enough B12 has been linked to cognitive decline, memory problems, and even mood disorders.
Calcium with Vitamin D
Calcium with Vitamin D is important for bariatric patients due to its role in maintaining bone health and overall well-being. Bariatric surgeries, such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, can interfere with how the body absorbs calcium and Vitamin D, increasing the risk of vitamin D deficiency, calcium deficiency, and potential health complications.
Calcium supplements are also essential for proper muscle contraction and nerve function and contribute to cardiovascular health. It also plays a role in supporting the immune system and hormonal regulation that can impact various bodily processes.
Iron
Iron is crucial for bariatric patients because it helps prevent anemia, a common postoperative complication in patients. Anemia can occur when the body doesn’t have enough iron to produce the hemoglobin it needs to carry oxygen in the blood. This can lead to fatigue, weakness, and a decreased quality of life.
After bariatric surgery–and maybe even before a procedure–patients may struggle to absorb enough iron from their diet due to changes in the digestive system. This means you need to make sure you get enough iron through supplements as a vital part of post-surgery care and overall health.
Probiotics
Probiotics can be important for bariatric patients due to their potential benefits in supporting gut health, nutrient absorption, and overall well-being after undergoing weight loss surgery. Bariatric surgeries, such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, can bring about changes in the digestive system that may impact the gut microbiota and nutrient absorption.
It’s important to note that the specific benefits of probiotics for bariatric patients can vary based on the individual, the type of surgery performed, and the overall health status. Before starting any probiotic supplementation, it’s recommended for bariatric patients to consult with their healthcare provider.
A healthcare professional can provide guidance on selecting the right probiotic strains, dosages, and duration of use based on the patient’s unique needs and post-surgery considerations. Regular monitoring of nutrient levels is essential to ensure optimal health and well-being after bariatric surgery.
Best Vitamins For Bariatric Patients: Work With the Experts
Depending on the procedure, certain bariatric multivitamins will be needed to give your body what’s needed to avoid nutritional deficiencies and for normal bodily functions. How many doses throughout the day and other recommendations will be discussed between you and your surgeon or dietitian.
There are several different ways you can take these supplements, either in pills, chewable, or liquid forms. However, many gummy vitamins won’t give you everything you need due to their manufacturing process. Your WeightWise team will work with you to ensure you’re taking the proper supplements to keep your body up and running. There are good studies are available that show bariatric surgery formulated vitamins are better at maintaining levels after weight loss surgery than regular formulations.
WeightWise offers a wide variety of vitamins and supplements, including calcium citrate chewies, B12 speedy melts, multivitamin drinks, iron capsules, and more. When you work with WeightWise, you’re getting more than just a surgery–every patient is assigned a dietitian, an exercise physiologist, and a patient advocate.
We take a holistic view of the surgery, both before and after your gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, duodenal switch, or whatever procedure is right for you. We keep everything under one roof to make it easier for you to prepare, recover, and stay on the weight-loss plan that’s right for you