Last Updated on November 7, 2022 by
Bariatric surgery is a weight loss method that helps obese people reduce their weight and improve their health. But the process of losing weight can be even more challenging than losing it on your own, especially if you’re taking vitamins and supplements.
As with any new diet or lifestyle change, it’s important to consult with your doctor before making any changes to your vitamin regimen.
Here are some vitamins that are especially important for bariatric patients:
Vitamins A, C and E
These three vitamins are often found in multivitamin supplements, but the amount of each varies depending on the brand and formulation. Many bariatric patients find that their vitamin intake after surgery is not enough to meet their daily needs for these nutrients. In fact, many doctors recommend taking a separate vitamin supplement that includes these three ingredients.
Iron
This mineral is crucial for delivering oxygen throughout the body. Iron deficiency can cause fatigue, weakness and difficulty concentrating — all of which are common after surgery. Your doctor may prescribe an iron supplement or suggest eating foods rich in this mineral, such as red meat and dark leafy greens like spinach or kale.
Bariatric surgery is one of the most effective ways to lose weight, but after the procedure, patients become more susceptible to vitamin deficiencies. In fact, some studies have shown that up to 80 percent of patients develop vitamin D deficiency.
Vitamin D deficiency can lead to bone pain, muscle weakness and fractures — all common post-bariatric surgery symptoms. It’s important for bariatric patients to get enough vitamin D from their diet or supplements to prevent these complications from developing.
Here are some vitamins that are beneficial for bariatric patients:
Vitamin A: Vitamin A helps maintain healthy eyesight and reproductive health. It also promotes growth and development in children and helps with tissue repair in adults. Research has shown that vitamin A deficiency may contribute to osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
There are certain vitamins and minerals that are important for bariatric patients to take. These include:
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Vitamin B12
Iron
Folic acid
Calcium and magnesium.
Bariatric vitamins are specially formulated to make sure you get the nutrients you need after weight loss surgery. Before getting bariatric surgery, it’s important to talk with your doctor about what vitamins and supplements you should take to support your health during this transition.
Bariatric surgery is designed to help people lose weight by limiting the amount of food they can eat at one time or by removing part of their stomach. It’s a serious operation with serious risks and side effects, so it’s important to make sure that you’re taking the right vitamins and supplements before, during and after this procedure.
Best vitamins for bariatric patients
Vitamin B12 deficiency is common among people who have had bariatric surgery because they have less absorption of nutrients in their small intestine due to the bypassing of part of it during surgery. Vitamin B12 is needed for red blood cell production, which makes up about 95 percent of all blood volume in adults, according to MedlinePlus. If a patient develops a deficiency in this vitamin following bariatric surgery, they could develop anemia or other complications related to low levels of healthy red blood cells in their body.
If you’ve had bariatric surgery and are concerned about deficiencies in certain vitamins or minerals that may occur as a result, talk with your doctor about what kind
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, which are needed for bone health. It also helps build muscle mass, maintain normal growth and development in children and adolescents, and keep the immune system healthy.
According to the American Dietetic Association, it’s difficult for people who have undergone bariatric surgery to get enough vitamin D from their diets alone. Studies show that eating vitamin D-fortified foods or taking supplements can help prevent rickets (a bone disorder caused by vitamin D deficiency) in children who are at risk of developing it. In addition, research suggests that supplemental vitamin D may aid in weight loss (it helps your body metabolize fat) by reducing inflammation and increasing insulin sensitivity — both of which are common after surgery. However, more research is needed to determine whether increasing your intake of this nutrient will boost your weight-loss efforts post-op.
Take 2000 IU of vitamin D daily after surgery if you’re over age 50 or deficient in this nutrient (the recommended daily allowance for adults under age 70 is 600 IU).
The vitamin supplements below are the most effective, within a budget and important for bariatric patients.
If you’re looking for a good multivitamin, these are the best options on the market. There’s a lot of junk out there, and finding the right one can be tricky—we hope this guide helps clear things up, and helps you make an educated choice.
Bariatric Advantage Protein Drink Mix is one of the most popular products out there. It’s similar to other protein shakes, but with a lower price. You get a lot for your money, too: no artificial sugars or sweeteners, high in protein, only 3 total grams of carbs per serving, and always shipped fresh to your door. There’s a reason this is the
Make sure to talk with your health care provider before taking any supplements. They may recommend that you take certain vitamins, such as a multivitamin or additional vitamin D or calcium. You should let them know about all the over-the-counter products you take as well as any prescription medications, particularly blood-thinning medications.
Fat burners are a tool. Just like a bariatric diet or exercise plan, they should be looked at as one piece of the puzzle to achieving weight loss goals. Any true and lasting fat burning results will come from overall lifestyle changes, starting with cutting calories. If you’re not seeing slow and steady weight loss each week, it’s time to take a critical look at what you’re eating–not just which supplement you’re taking.
One study has shown that prebiotics might have some undesired side effects. Another study found that in obese women, prebiotics could reduce appetite and help weight loss. Still, not all studies have given positive results and the conclusive evidence remains inconclusive. Therefore, the use of prebiotics to treat obesity is still being explored and no definite conclusion has been reached as to their effectiveness.