Bariatric Surgery is a weight loss procedure in which we make changes to our stomach and hence there is a change in digestion system which limits the amount of nutrients your body receives, even while following a healthy diet.
There are different kinds of surgery which are LSG ( Laproscopic sleeve gastrectomy), MGB ( Mini Gastric bypass) & RYGB (Rouex-en-y- Gastric bypass). In LSG we need to take multivitamins for a year and protein powder for 3-4 months. In the other two surgery we need to take multi-vitamins for life time and protein powder for 3-4 months.
All vitamins are important for us but among them deficiency of some vitamins can impact healthy badly. As a result, below mentioned vitamins are recommended:
Multivitamins:
Choose a multivitamin which cover the major vitamins. Take guidance from your doctor for choosing a correct multi-vitamin. Avoid gummy vitamins and vitamin skin patch. Not all supplements are equal, even when they are designed specifically for people who’ve had weight-loss surgery, Such as the duodenal switch, often require more daily supplementation to maintain normal levels of vitamins. Check with your dietitian or bariatrician to determine if your vitamins and mineral routine is meeting your need.
Calcium:
Daily calcium needs are 1,200 -1,500 milligrams per day after a Bariatric surgery. The calcium consumed from food counts toward your daily goal. If your diet is high in calcium, you should adjust how much you take in supplemental form.
Your body is only able to absorb 500-600 milligrams of calcium at one time. To enhance absorption, take your supplement as 2 divided doses throughout a day .Calcium citrate is the preferred form of calcium. Take calcium with meals.
Iron:
The recommended dose of elemental iron required to replete iron stores is in the range of 180-220 mg per day. Avoid taking iron with calcium. Keep at least 4hrs of gap between calcium and iron medicine.
Low levels of iron can lead to anemic conditions. So, strictly regulate your iron levels. If you find fatigue, brittle nails, shortness of breath then co-relate your iron levels immediately.
Vitamin- D3:
You will need 3,000 IU OR 75 mcg of vit. D3 daily. Add the amount of Vit. D in your multivitamin and calcium supplements to determine if you are meeting your vit. D needs. If you are not, you may need to consider taking an additional vit. D3 supplement.
Vitamin B12
You can take this supplement by putting it under your tongue or having it injected. Discuss with your health care team which option may work best for you. If taking B12 by monthly injection, you will need a prescription from your health care professional.
So, its important to review your vitamin and minerals levels annually. Ideally, your bariatric team should complete this review. If you cannot manage to do this, then at least your family doctor should know your weight loss surgery history.
Protein:
Protein, the most important macro- nutrient which will have its vital role after the surgery. Protein gives strength and helps in building muscle block. Apart from this it also helps in losing weight giving more satiety to the patients. We recommend protein- powder for the duration of 3-4 months to balance the levels of protein.
Take a note of this; it might help you in future.