What Vitamins Should I Take After Gastric Bypass Surgery
Posted on May 12, 2015 in Nutrition, Weight Loss Surgery
Following gastric bypass surgery, you must adopt a new diet that involves ingesting fewer calories and taking a number of vitamins to help you lose weight and maintain a healthy system. The food and drink you consume may not provide enough nutrients on their own, and taking vitamin supplements can help make up for the deficiency. These vitamins can be found at most local health food stores, pharmacies, and even some grocery stores, and our skilled bariatric surgeon, Dr. Rishi Ramlogan, will advise you of which ones will be best for your needs. Some of the supplements he may recommend include:
- Calcium: To maintain bone strength
- Vitamin B12: To prevent anemia and protect blood cells
- Vitamin D: To promote calcium and phosphorus absorption
- Multivitamin: For comprehensive support and to fill nutrition gaps
- Iron: To prevent anemia and to help store oxygen in muscle tissue
In addition to these, Dr. Ramlogan may also advise taking other nutrients, such as protein or folic acid, depending on your dietary needs. Each vitamin performs a vital service, and you should be sure to take the recommended dosage as instructed throughout the day with fluids. In many cases, you will have to take multiple pills multiple times a day, and you should discuss how to best schedule your doses to maximize their benefits and suit your lifestyle.
How Much To Eat
Suggestions for how much to eat include the following:
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You should have 4 to 6 small meals per day, following your bariatric dietitian’s recommendations.
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You will have a planned, scheduled diet for almost 2 months. When you are eating a more normal diet, stick with the recommended foods. Use a small plate. Eat slowly and chew well. Stop eating when you are satisfied, and don’t keep eating until you feel a full feeling. You can stretch the stomach pouch if you do that.
Bariatric Fusion Bariatric Multivitamin Capsules Without Iron For Post Bariatric Surgery Patients Including Gastric Bypass And Sleeve Gastrectomy 2 Capsules Daily 60 Count 1 Month Supply
Features :
- MAX POTENCY: Each small, quick dissolving Bariatric Multivitamin capsule contains the highest amounts of 21 essential vitamins and minerals required after bariatric surgery.
- FORMULATED FOR YOUR NEEDS: Designed by a bariatric surgical team to meet the needs of their weight loss surgery patients. Over 15 years have experience has helped us develop the best bariatric products on the market. Formulated to maximize absorption after gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and lap band surgery. Meets or exceeds the ASMBS Guidelines.
- EASY DAILY REGIMEN: only 2 Bariatric multivitamin capsules per day for gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and lap band patients. Meets or exceeds ASMBS guidelines.
- AFFORDABLE: Each bottle is a one month supply and priced to be a winner!
- MADE IN THE USA: Sugar free, gluten free and made in the USA!
Additional Info :
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Benefits Of Fish Oils
Omega-3 fatty acids strengthen the hearts electrical system, preventing heart rhythm abnormalities. Within the artery walls, omega-3 fatty acids inhibit inflammation, which is a factor in plaque build-up. Therapeutic doses of fish oils are therefore used to prevent the re-blockage of arteries that commonly occurs after angioplasty, a procedure in which a small balloon is used to open blocked blood vessels.
Omega-3 fatty acids are also effective general anti-inflammatories. Other preliminary evidence suggests that fish oils have many additional benefits, including prevention of graft failure after heart bypass surgery.
Why Cant I Take One Pill
The biggest reason is that you cannot take calcium and iron together as they compete against each other to get absorbed. They are not team players.
Most bariatric vitamins will now contain iron . Calcium is the one that will need to be taken separately.
The ASMBS recommends Calcium Citrate in no more than 500 mg at one time . For Gastric Band, Sleeve and Bypass you will need 1200-1500 mg each day. This means youll likely take 500 mg three times a day .
If you had a DS or SIPS/SADI operation you will need 1800-2400 mg of calcium citrate a day which means four times a day. You can count calcium in your foods to get to this range as well.
For more of your big post-op questions join the Bariatric Food Coach Membership! Gain access to all our videos, meal plans and support network.
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How Long Do I Need To Take Vitamins After Bariatric Surgery
After bariatric surgery, vitamins fill in any nutritional gaps that might arise from the change in eating habits or from the procedure itself. As a bariatric dietitian, two of the most common questions I get asked from pre-operative patients is how long they will have to take vitamins and which ones they should take.
How Long to Take Vitamins
What I tell patients is that having weight loss surgery, whether its gastric sleeve or gastric , means there will always be a need for some type of nutrient supplementation. This is because a portion of your stomach, where vitamins and minerals are absorbed, is removed during the surgery causing your bodys needs to be greater. Taking a high quality multivitamin/mineral supplement and calcium will be important following surgery
At New Jersey Bariatric Center, we have postoperative patients do blood work at their 3 month visit after surgery. This is to check for healthy vitamin and mineral levels. In some cases, results may indicate that the blood levels of a supplemented nutrient are within the normal range and the supplement can be discontinued.
After the first year, annual blood work and a yearly visit with your surgeon is the best way to assess long-term nutritional status. Meeting regularly with your bariatric dietitian is another way to ensure all your nutrient needs are being met.
Option : Nascobol Package
- B12 Nascobol Spray spray in one nostril once per week
- Multivitamin take two tablets before bed
- 1500 mg of Calcium Citrate + D3 take 500 mg three times a day at least 2 hours apart
- Iron take three tablets before bed
- 1500 IU Vitamin D as needed anytime during the day
There are many options and combinations for supplements to take after weight loss surgery. No matter which brand you choose to take, the only thing that matters is that you continue to be diligent about taking your vitamins to avoid any deficiencies.
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Calcium And Vitamin D
After weight loss surgery people must take 1,000 to 1,500 mg of calcium every day. Vitamin D helps the organism absorb calcium more effectively. Calcium is an essential mineral in the body and helps to keep the muscles healthy as well as blood vessels and the central nervous system. Around 99 percent of calcium of the body is stored in the teeth and skeleton.
What Happens If I Dont Take Vitamins After Gastric Bypass
Not taking vitamins after gastric bypass surgery and skipping vital supplementation can be incredibly dangerous. Nutrients work together, not individually. The body relies on a steady supply of these essential nutrients together not independently. Thats why after gastric bypass surgery, you cant simply eat enough food and potentially absorb nutrients in the same way before surgery you need to supplement your daily healthy food intake with vitamins and mineral supplements.
So, what happens if you dont take supplements and vitamins after gastric bypass surgery? There are a number of specific conditions that can be driven by inadequate mineral and vitamin absorption after gastric bypass. These include:
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Patients With Low Vitamin Concentrations
As an exploratory analysis, we reviewed the 10 patients with the lowest vitamin concentrations in two ways. First, we reviewed electronic medical records to check whether patients clinicians had noted any clinical signs and/or symptoms of vitamin deficiency. Second, we reviewed whether vitamin concentrations at the subsequent clinical visit were within the normal range. Possible biochemical signs of deficiency were not considered. Only patients with vitamin concentrations below the lower reference range were considered, and therefore at some time points fewer than 10 patients were reviewed.
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Follow Your Diet Carefully
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. Your body needs protein to build muscles and other body tissues, and to heal well after surgery. Low-fat protein choices include:
- Skinless chicken.
- Whole eggs or egg whites.
- Beans.
- Dairy products, which includes low-fat or nonfat hard cheeses, cottage cheese, milk, and yogurt.
After gastric bypass surgery, your body will not absorb some important vitamins and minerals. You will need to take these vitamins and minerals for the rest of your life:
- Multivitamin with iron.
- Vitamin B12.
- Calcium and vitamin D. Your body can absorb only about 500 mg of calcium at a time. Divide your calcium into 2 or 3 doses during the day. Calcium must be taken in the citrate form.
You may need to take other supplements also.
You will need to have regular checkups with your provider to keep track of your weight and to make sure you are eating well. These visits are a good time to talk with your provider about any problems you are having with your diet, or about other issues related to your surgery and recovery.
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How To Take Fish Oils
If you have had bypass surgery with grafts made from veins: take 4 grams of fish oils a day.
As an anti-inflammatory: take 30 to 40 milligrams of EPA and DHA per kilogram of your body weight a day.
For doses greater than 3 grams, you should consult your doctor because of an increased risk of bleeding.
Take fish oils with meals. Supplements may be easier to tolerate if you take them in divided doses. Try 1 gram 3 times a day instead of 3 grams in one sitting.
Dont buy cod liver oil to get your omega-3 fatty acids. It contains high amounts of vitamin A and vitamin D, both of which can be toxic in large doses.
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What Are The Best Vitamins To Take After Bariatric Surgery Here Are Some Vitamins To Support Your Health After A Gastric Bypass Surgery
Bariatric Multivitamin
A bariatric multivitamin is essential to health for those who have had a bariatric procedure. Bariatric multivitamins are much different than a regular multivitamin you would find at a drug store. Bariatric multivitamins should contain higher levels of vitamins and minerals than a typical multivitamin. The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery recommends that bariatric patients take a multivitamin with high doses of B1, B12, vitamin A, and vitamin D.3
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Bariatric Fusion Bariatric Multivitamin One Per Day Capsule With 45mg Of Iron For Post Bariatric Surgery Patients Including Gastric Bypass And Sleeve Gastrectomy 30 Count 1 Month Supply
Features :
- AFFORDABLE: Each bottle of Bariatric Multivitamin With iron is a one month supply and priced to be a winner!
- EASY DAILY REGIMEN: ONE Bariatric Multivitamin with Iron capsule per day for weight loss surgery including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and lap band patients.
- MAX POTENCY: Each small, quick dissolving capsule contains the highest amounts of 21 Bariatric specific essential vitamins and minerals required after bariatric surgery. Packed with over 21 Bariatric specific vitamins including 45mg of Iron.
- FORMULATED FOR YOUR NEEDS: Designed for maximum absorption by a bariatric surgical team to meet the needs of their bariatric patients. Over 15 years have experience has helped us develop the best bariatric products on the market. Meets or exceeds the ASMBS Guidelines.
- MADE IN THE USA: Sugar free, gluten free and made in the USA!
Additional Info :
Bariatric Fusion Mixed Berry Bariatric Multivitamin Soft Chews For Post Bariatric Surgery Patients Including Gastric Bypass And Sleeve Gastrectomy 60 Count 1 Month Supply
Features :
- GREAT TASTING, BARIATRIC MULTIVITAMIN: Our delicious and smooth soft chew formulation is specifically designed for Bariatric patients after weight loss surgery! Your daily vitamins have never tasted this good.
- EASY DAILY REGIMEN: Only 2 Great Tasting Soft Chews Per Day! Our soft chew bariatric multivitamin is a perfect supplement after weight loss surgery.
- FORMULATED FOR YOUR NEEDS: Designed by a bariatric surgical team to meet the needs of their weight loss surgery patients. Over 15 years have experience has helped us develop the best bariatric products on the market. Formulated to maximize absorption after gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and lap band surgery. Meets or exceeds the ASMBS Guidelines.
- AFFORDABLE and CONVENIENT: Our perfect combination of Bariatric vitamin and minerals are priced for affordability. Each chew is individually wrapped making them convenient for travel.
- MADE IN THE USA: Sugar free, gluten free, Certified Kosher and Halal, and made in the USA!
Additional Info :
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How Can I Prevent Loose Skin After Bariatric Surgery
A Balanced Diet Can Reduce Loose Skin After Weight Loss Surgery. After bariatric surgery, a balanced diet with plenty of protein can help you keep the weight off, retain lean muscle, and feel better than ever. This diet may help to some degree to minimize loose or excess skin.
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What Are The Best Vitamins For Post Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery includes lots of different procedures performed on people with obesity. They are commonly referred to as weight-loss surgeries, aiding patients in losing weight. From here, the patient is at a more reasonable level to begin losing weight without putting themselves at risk.
Did you know that doctors highly recommend you take vitamins before and after bariatric surgery? Its true, and its because bariatric surgery can disrupt certain processes in your body particularly around the digestive system. As a result, you may have trouble producing or absorbing certain vitamins and minerals. So, doctors recommend you take supplements to ensure you achieve optimal nutrition after the surgery. Not all the procedures are the same, depending on the procedures are the requirements. Some procedures are more disruptive in the absorption process of certain micronutrients.
What vitamins should you take post-bariatric surgery? Typically, there are four main supplements you need to take:
- A multivitamin
- Vitamin D
- Iron
These vitamins and minerals are absolutely essential and should be taken regularly after your surgery. Ideally, you will work with a qualified dietician to create a proper plan to follow. This will tell you when you need to take which supplements, and how much of each one you require.
Why are these vitamins important? If you carry on reading, youll see a breakdown of each vitamin, what it does, and why you need it
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Nutritionist Recommended Vitamins After Gastric Bypass Surgery
Losing substantial weight is the goal of gastric surgery, but this loss should result in enhanced health rather than a decrease in health. To promote health while quickly losing weight, incorporate gastric bypass vitamins as a regular part of your daily life. The basic regimen of vitamins will be the same for most bariatric patients, but each individual patient should follow the gastric bypass vitamins list prescribed by his or her medical team.
The importance of your vitamins after gastric bypass should not be overlooked. Its imperative that you take them and that you return regularly for blood work to make sure that youre taking the right ones at the right levels. The consequences of not taking vitamins after gastric bypass are too dire to be ignored.
The vitamins for gastric bypass are necessary to ensure that your lessened intake of food and altered anatomy dont result in a vitamin deficiency, to help you avoid issues that youre more prone to experience after the procedure, or to treat an existing deficiency thats occurred due to nutritional limitations or health concerns. As part of your pre-op education, you should have a clear understanding of the answer to the question: What vitamins do I need after gastric bypass?
Multivitamins
Calcium
Vitamin D
The regimen of vitamins needed after gastric bypass surgery includes Vitamin D. Not only is it vital for absorbing calcium, it also prohibits the development of breast, prostate, and colon cancers and dementia.
Iron
Gastric Bypass And Gastric Sleeve Vitamin Requirements
Weve put together a number of combinations that will meet your requirements for post-op gastric bypass and gastric sleeve patients. Choose an option that best fits your lifestyle.
Option 1
*Calcium inhibits the absorption of iron, so even these all-in-one multivitamins have everything in on tablet you may not be getting as much iron as you need.
Option 2
*If your surgeon recommends more than 18mg of iron per day, you can find a bariatric multivitamin with 36mg of iron or add an additional iron supplement.
Option 3
*If your surgeon recommends more than 18mg of iron per day, you can find a bariatric multivitamin with 36mg of iron or add an additional iron supplement.
Option 4
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Vitamins After Gastric Sleeve
When undergoing a gastric sleeve, the outer curve of the stomach is removed , making the space for food much smaller. The feelings of hunger then sharply decrease because the hunger hormone is largely housed in the part of the stomach that is removed. The main reason why you need to take supplements of vitamins and minerals after your operation is that in addition to eating less, you now have a very limited amount of hydrochloric acid in your stomach which is needed for the activation and absorption of various vitamins and minerals. Based on current research, supplements are required for the rest of your life after your sleeve. If you are taking Baricol® Complete, you will need either 2 Powder sachets, 2 Effervescent, 3 Chewable, or 5 Tablets. These contain all of the vitamins and minerals you need after WLS according to the Nordic guidelines. Please consult your doctor.
