ASMBS Bariatric Vitamin Guidelines and Easy Ways to Get What You Need
Are you working hard to get in enough protein and water after bariatric surgery? Great job! Now, those nutrients are critical, but so are a few others. Essential vitamins and minerals are just as important for healthy weight loss. Here is what you should know about the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) bariatric vitamin guidelines and how to get enough.
Importance of ASMBS Guidelines
Bariatric surgery patients need to know that they may be at risk for vitamin and mineral (or micronutrient) deficiencies after surgery and for the rest of their lives. The ASMBS guidelines point out that many weight loss surgery patients are deficient in one or more essential nutrient even when they follow their bariatric diet. The guidelines say which nutrients are at highest risk and how much to aim for.
What Do the Guidelines Say YOU Need?
The ASMBS guidelines recommend a multivitamin and mineral supplement for all bariatric patients. Calcium should be taken separately up to three times daily. In addition, some vitamins or minerals are more likely to be deficient in patients with certain bariatric surgery procedures, especially roux-en-Y gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, and duodenal switch.
Be sure to ask your doctor what you may need, too. These are the vitamins and minerals that are most likely to be deficient among certain weight loss surgery patients.
- Vitamin B12
- Thiamin (B1)
- Iron
- Calcium
- Vitamin D
- Folic acid (folate)
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- Zinc
- Copper
The Power of Bariatric Vitamins
Can’t you just take a regular multivitamin to get your nutrients? It’s tempting, but not the best idea because non-bariatric multivitamin supplements may not have anywhere enough of the vitamins and minerals you need. For example, the recommended amount of vitamin B12 for weight loss surgery patients can be over 10 times the amount for other adults.
Bariatric Vitamins the Easy Way
BariatricPal Multivitamin One is formulated according to ASMBS guidelines. They come in capsules with or without iron, or in great-tasting chewables with iron (ask your doctor whether you should be taking iron and how much). Add a few BariatricPal calcium chews each day, and you will be hitting the recommendations. The BariatricPal Store also has multivitamin patches in case you do not like capsules or chewable tablets.
Total Nutrition
The BariatricPal Store also has additional supplements. For example, you may need extra Vitamin B12 or iron. It can also be tough to get enough omega-3 fats and dietary fiber, so ask your doctor what you may need. It is sure to be available at The BariatricPal Store!
The BariatricPal Store has all the bariatric vitamins you need to meet ASMBS requirements, and they are easy to take. While you are at the store, check for the rest of your bariatric needs, such as protein supplements, liquids and foods for the post-op diet progression, and low-carb, high-protein snacks, entrees, and desserts that can keep you on track for the long haul.
