Top 5 Supplements for Bariatric Patients
Experts say that bariatric surgery patients should take vitamins. And that’s not just for a few weeks. It’s for life! Here’s what to know about bariatric surgery vitamins and the top 5 supplements for bariatric patients.
Bariatric Vitamin Recommendations
The ASMBS (American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery) says all patients should take vitamins after bariatric surgery. That’s because nearly all post-op patients are low or deficient in one or more vitamins and minerals.
A daily multivitamin and mineral supplement is a must. Another tip is to look for single nutrients that you may be deficient in. Vitamin B12, vitamin D, and thiamin are common ones. It is best to ask your own doctor, surgeon, or nutritionist exactly which nutrients you need, which brands and forms are best, and how to take them safely and most effectively.
Top Five Supplements for Bariatric Surgery Patients
A multivitamin and mineral supplement is one of the most common supplements for bariatric patients. It should include the B vitamins, vitamins A, C, D, and E, and a range of minerals. These bariatric surgery vitamins and minerals are available in forms such as Capsules, flavored Chewables and Liquids, and Vitamin Patches.
Resist the temptation to use a standard multivitamin. A Bariatric Multivitamin is different from a regular one. It has higher amounts of key nutrients, such as vitamin B12. Also be sure to check that your “multivitamin” is really a “multivitamin and mineral” supplement. Some types only have vitamins, which means you’d miss out on key nutrients such as copper, zinc, and selenium, for starters.
Some patients may need additional iron, or they may take iron separately from their regular bariatric surgery vitamins. Iron supplements for bariatric patients should also have vitamin C to help with absorption. Ask your healthcare provider how much Iron to take and whether to take it with or separately from your Bariatric Multivitamin.
Calcium is a mineral that is needed for bone health. Reduced bone mass is a common problem after weight loss surgery. It can be a side effect of rapid weight loss. Plus, post-op patients can be deficient in dietary calcium if they are lactose intolerant or are avoiding many types of foods. Calcium Pills can be large, but Calcium Patches and delicious Calcium Chews are other options.
Vitamin D is one of the vitamins after bariatric surgery that is often deficient. Plus, it can be a problem even before surgery! You may get it with your Multivitamin or Calcium supplement. Or you might get it separately. Vitamin D can be in Capsules, Patches, and Chewables.
A vitamin B12 supplement may also have high amounts of other B vitamins. These may be involved in metabolism or healthy red blood cell production. Folic acid and thiamin are commonly low in bariatric surgery patients. Vitamin B12 can be in a Liquid or Sublingual form. Ask your doctor to check your levels of vitamin B12 and other B vitamins.
