Post-Bariatric Surgery: The Vital Role of Vitamins and Supplements
Bariatric surgery brings about changes in your digestive system that might reduce your body's absorption of nutrients, even when you eat a nutrient-rich diet. Consequently, it's essential that you incorporate vitamin and mineral supplements into your daily routine. You'll likely need to continue taking these supplements lifelong, starting from the blended food stage of your diet post-surgery.
By choosing a reliable and recommended source like BariatricPal, you can rest assured that you are receiving the necessary vitamins and supplements required for post-surgery recovery.
The Risks: Health Complications Post Bariatric Surgery
- Anemia: This might occur due to deficiencies in iron or vitamin B12.
- Neurological Issues: Memory loss or irritability can arise due to a lack of B12.
- Bone and Kidney Diseases: These might occur due to alterations in your body's calcium and vitamin D absorption.
Recommended Vitamins and Minerals
Multivitamins: Initially, it's beneficial to take multivitamins twice daily, once in the morning and once before bed. Specialized multivitamins for people who have had bariatric surgery are available at BariatricPal such as BariatricPal Multivitamin One, J1 One per Day Bariatric Multi Caplets by Bariatric Eating, MultiVitamin Plus Topical Patch by PatchAid, and a lot more.
Calcium: Depending on the type of bariatric surgery you've undergone – sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, or duodenal switch, your daily calcium requirements will vary. Food-derived calcium counts towards your daily goal, so if you consume a lot of calcium-rich foods, you might need to reduce your supplemental intake accordingly. However, individuals who have undergone bariatric surgery often face challenges with meeting their daily calcium intake due to limitations in food options. This is where BariatricPal steps in. BariatricPal offers a vast array of calcium supplements to cater to your specific needs. Some examples include BariatricPal Sugar-Free Calcium Citrate Soft Chews, Celebrate Calcium PLUS 500 Chewable, and BariMelts Calcium Citrate.
Vitamin D3: You will need to consume 3,000 international units, or 75 micrograms, of vitamin D3 daily. Remember to account for the vitamin D content in your multivitamins and calcium supplements to meet your daily target. You can also find vitamin D3 supplements at BariatricPal such as Vitamin D-3 (High Potency) Softgels by NOW Foods and Nature's Way Alive! Calcium + Vitamin D3 Gummies 60 gummies.
Vitamin B12: This can be taken sublingually, i.e., placed under the tongue, or through injections. Ask your health care provider about the most beneficial method for you. If you opt for oral intake, the recommended dosage is 500 micrograms daily. If you choose injections, you will need a prescription from your doctor. BariatricPal's selection of vitamin B12 supplements is designed to cater to postoperative bariatric patients' needs. Examples are BariatricPal 1,000mcg B12 Sublingual Quick Melts, Journey B12 Jellies by Bariatric Eating, and BariMelts B12 Plus Vitamins.
It's important to review your vitamin and mineral levels yearly. Preferably, this should be done by your bariatric team. If that isn't possible, ensure your primary health care provider is aware of your surgical history and can shoulder the responsibility of checking nutrient levels through annual blood tests. Choosing quality supplements like those found on BariatricPal can make a significant difference in your recovery and long-term success after weight loss surgery.
