Post-Bariatric Surgery Vitamins and Supplements | UPMC (2024)

FAQs

What is the best vitamin to take after bariatric surgery? ›

Vitamin Recommendations for Patients

Gastric Bypass: Doctors recommend that gastric bypass surgery patients take a complete multivitamin, calcium with Vitamin D, iron and Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Vitamin B12.

Malnutrition is a serious complication of bariatric surgery. If you do not take your supplements you risk the following: Anaemia. Poor bone health and osteoporosis.

You will need to make sure you are getting enough protein, vitamins, and minerals while you are losing weight quickly. Eating mostly protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will help your body get the nutrients it needs. Protein may be the most important of these foods early after surgery.

1) Gummy vitamins are high in sugar content. These empty calories lead to weight gain. 2) The body does not as easily absorb gummy vitamins as other types of vitamin supplements. Thus, bariatric surgery patients may not be getting the full benefit of the vitamins and minerals they need.

Vitamin B12 deficiency can result from inadequate secretion of intrinsic factor, limited gastric acidity and, above all, the bypassing of the duodenum, which is the main site of vitamin B12 absorption.

The most common clinically relevant micronutrient deficiencies after gastric bypass include thiamine, vitamin B₁₂, vitamin D, iron, and copper.

But what can you not eat after gastric bypass? Firstly, avoid foods that are high in sugar or fat. This could include bread, pasta, pizza, and cookies. And avoid carbs or excess sodium while you're still healing, for several weeks.

Without an adequate amount of proteins in the diet, the body can begin to show signs of a deficit. Increased Hunger: Cravings and poor food choices can be accelerated with irregular eating patterns and skipping meals. Unlike carbohydrates which provide the body with quick energy, proteins take longer to digest.

Multivitamin and Mineral supplements are mandatory for life after you have had a gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy. Some multivitamins and minerals can be prescribed by your GP. Alternatively you can purchase some over the counter from pharmacies and supermarkets.

Foods that are high in sugar are likely to cause dumping syndrome. This is because high amounts of sugar draw more water into the small intestine and can move gastric contents faster. High fat foods can also cause dumping syndrome in some people.

What don't they tell you about gastric sleeves? ›

The surgery is on your stomach, not your head.

Food addiction doesn't go away overnight just because you're incapable of eating all of the things you want to eat. For me, it was almost like I didn't know who I was after I couldn't spend all day eating. I still spent all day thinking about eating, at first.

The earliest indication of deficiency is often hair loss. In severe cases, deficiencies can lead to edema, emaciation, anemia, altered hair texture, and hypoalbuminemia. Thiamine deficiency poses a long-lasting risk for individuals who have undergone bariatric surgery.

Dry, crunchy foods are not recommended after gastric bypass surgery because they can be challenging to digest. Dry-roasted nuts, crackers, and pretzels should all be avoided, as these can create a blockage in the stomach or intestine.

Anemia due to a deficiency of iron or B12. Neurological complications, such as memory loss or irritability from a lack of B12. Bone and kidney disease due to changes in the way your body absorbs calcium and vitamin D.

A well-balanced diet and proper hydration are effective ways to prevent saggy skin after weight loss surgery. Consuming foods rich in vitamins and nutrients that support skin elasticity, such as vitamin C and collagen, improves skin appearance.

Bariatric-specific pills are better absorbed as these contain bariatric friendly salts, cause less irritation to your stomach and intestines, and help prevent vitamin deficiencies better than OTC multivitamins.

Several essential vitamins, e.g., B12, C, D, and E, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties and may promote wound healing.

For B12, it is recommended to take a daily dose of 2.4 mcg for adults. Most people receive this amount of intake if they follow a healthy diet. Even if you're using vitamin B12 to help you lose weight, it is best not to overdo it as there are side effects of upping the dosage.