If you are looking to undergo weight loss surgery, there are many different factors to consider. Talking in detail to your doctor about your overall health is critical prior to surgery. During these initial conversations, your doctor will get your general health history and run some tests to see if you are a candidate for the surgery.
These tests will indicate if you have any nutritional deficiencies that could impact your recovery. Unfortunately, people that struggle with obesity can suffer from many different nutritional deficiencies, including vitamin D, which is very common.
Deficiencies before surgery
In a recent study from Johns Hopkins, researchers found that one in five patients undergoing weight loss surgery had three or more deficiencies, with a lack of vitamin D levels in 71% of them. This is a common irregularity in the body for people that are obese. Not having enough vitamin D can also be linked to depression, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.
Why should a lack of vitamin D be corrected before surgery?
Insufficient levels of vitamin D can cause problems such as inflammation and higher infection risk. In addition, wounds can take longer to heal in patients that have low vitamin D, so it is very important to have these levels checked before undergoing surgery.
It is easier to be corrected before surgery and can help reduce any surgical complications that could happen. Furthermore, vitamin D will help improve overall health in the long run, helping your body to absorb calcium and promote bone healing and growth.
How is vitamin D deficiency corrected?
If your doctor determines that your levels are not high enough, you may be advised to take vitamin d supplements that will help boost your levels back to the normal range. Your doctor will also talk to you about a general eating plan and diet that can help introduce healthy foods that are rich in vitamin D. You may also be advised to get outside more and get some sunlight, which can help.
Ready to talk to a doctor about your weight loss journey and potential surgery? Contact our team of professionals at WeightWise today! For a preview of what you can expect, please watch a free online seminar. We look forward to hearing from you!
My wife is going for surgery but they said her vitamin D level was very low she was told to take medication for 30 days and then we can do the surgery I was just wondering is that OK is that normal procedure and does it work should everything be fine?
Hey Obdulio! Yes, adding in vitamin D is very common prior to surgery. Vitamin D aids with wound healing, so surgeons typically would like to increase vitamin d levels to help aid with wound healing post-surgery. We also typically like to correct low lab levels prior to surgery to decrease vitamin deficiencies from occurring post-surgery.
I am having a triple fusion on my left foot and before I can have the surgery my doctor put me on 50,000mg of vitamin D to be taken once a week. As my foot injury is severe and I am in quite a bit of pain and can’t bear any weight on my foot I am surprised that they would make me wait so long for the surgery. It will take 3 1/2 to 5 hours for the surgery and then I will have to go to a rehab facility for at least 2 months to start my recovery process. I’m told that I won’t be fully recovered for at least 1 1/2 to 2 years.