Benefits of Bariatric Vitamins
Vitamins and minerals are important for all of us, and getting enough from the foods we eat can be challenging. This is particularly true after weight loss surgery. Taking daily supplements is recommended for patients after surgery to make sure they get the vitamins and minerals they need.
Our office is proud to provide excellent nutritional care throughout the bariatric surgery process. Keep reading to learn more about how bariatric vitamins and nutritional supplements after weight loss surgery can pave the way for long-term weight loss success!
The Importance of Bariatric Vitamins and Daily Supplements after Surgery
Your body requires the right balance of vitamins and minerals to regulate important body processes for weight loss, including hunger and appetite, fat and sugar metabolism, energy storage, and nutrient absorption.
The best way to get the nutrients your body needs is through food. However, weight loss surgery restricts the amount of food you can eat, reducing your body’s ability to absorb nutrients from food. Malnutrition can result if you aren’t getting the vitamins and minerals necessary to function properly.
Most patients need to take daily supplements after bariatric surgery, usually for the rest of their lives. This not only helps them to get the nutrients their bodies need but also helps with weight loss. Many of the body processes that vitamins and minerals help to regulate are related to losing weight; for example, metabolic rate and energy storage.
The Role of Nutritionists
A good nutritionist is an important part of your weight loss surgery team. Meeting with a nutritionist before and after your surgery helps you avoid deficiencies and improve weight loss results. Prior to surgery, your doctor and nutritionist should develop a clear picture of your specific dietary needs by discussing the following with you:
Existing health problems
Previous diet habits
Weight history
Any deficiencies prior to surgery found through blood work.
Your doctor and nutritionist will also discuss factors that might impact long-term success, like cooking ability, access to healthy food, work environment, level of support, readiness for change, and financial situation. After surgery, a nutritionist can help you create a diet and supplement plan based on your needs.
Nutritional Deficiencies After Gastric Sleeve and Gastric Balloon Surgeries
Both the gastric sleeve and gastric balloon procedures are considered restrictive bariatric surgeries, which means they don’t allow the body to hold as much food. This limits the number of vitamins and minerals available through diet. Thankfully, supplements can help patients avoid nutritional deficiencies after weight loss surgery. Without proper nutrition after bariatric surgery, patients may develop nutritional deficiencies including:
Calcium
Iron
Folate
Thiamine
Vitamins A, B12, D, E, and K
Zinc
What Bariatric Vitamins and Minerals Do You Need?
People often wonder what supplements they should take after surgery. This varies based on the type of weight loss surgery you choose, what your nutrient levels were like before surgery, and other factors that may affect the way your body absorbs nutrients. This makes it important to follow your doctor’s recommendations. Some of the common vitamins and minerals that bariatric patients require to include the following:
Vitamin A – Promotes the immune system, growth, vision, and reproduction; is essential for good overall health.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) – Essential for converting food to energy, brain function, and nerve function.
Vitamin B12 – Contributes to the functioning of the nervous system and the growth and replication of cells.
Vitamin C – Promotes healing of wounds.
Calcium – Helps to develop and maintain strong teeth and bones and facilitates healthy brain and muscle function.
Vitamin D3 – Reduces inflammation and promotes cell and bone growth.
Folate – Necessary for growth, it creates neurons and red blood cells.
Vitamin K – Plays a key role in bone health and blood clotting.
Guidelines for Taking Supplements
As you work with your doctor or nutritionist to develop a routine for taking supplements, keep these general guidelines in mind:
Take vitamins with food to reduce nausea and promote absorption, but avoid taking them with dairy.
Choose chewable or liquid supplements and avoid gummy or time-release vitamins.
Consider supplements designed for weight loss surgery patients.
Take calcium citrate at least twice per day. Do not take other forms of calcium supplements.
Do not take iron and calcium at the same time; separate them by 2-4 hours.
Take supplements with the USP (U.S. Pharmacopoeia) initials or logo; the USP regulates the quality, strength, purity, and consistency of medications.
Document your vitamin and mineral intake.
Cost of Supplements
The amount you can expect to pay for supplements after weight loss surgery depends on the type of surgery you have, your body and where you buy the supplements. Most gastric bypass patients pay between $35 and $55 per month, while gastric sleeve and gastric balloon patients usually pay between $20 and $35 per month.
Weight Loss Surgery with Dr. Borland
Dr. Borland is a nationally recognized bariatric surgeon offering affordable weight loss surgery. From creating a healthy diet plan following surgery to determining what supplements you need to maintain a healthy balance, our team offers complete nutritional care. Call 337-364-0809 today to schedule your consultation and learn more about the benefits of supplements after bariatric surgery