Gastric bypass surgery is an effective weight-loss technique for people who have been unable to lose weight with diet and exercise alone. One of the drawbacks of this surgery, however, is that the shortened digestive tract has a difficult time absorbing some vitamins, including B vitamins. B vitamin deficiencies can cause a variety of symptoms, including anemia.
Step 1
Take vitamin supplements. Taking a daily multivitamin will help prevent deficiencies of "water soluble" vitamins (vitamins that dissolve easily in water), such as vitamin B1.
Step 2
Take B12 supplements. B12 deficiency can be a problem for patients who have recently had gastric bypass surgery because B12 does not easily dissolve in water, so it is harder for the intestines to absorb. A study published by Dr. Brolin from the New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School found that taking B12 supplements could prevent vitamin B12 deficiency in 81 percent of patients.
Step 3
Receive vitamin B12 injections. In the event that you are still unable to receive sufficient vitamin B12 by taking supplements after gastric bypass, you may need to receive weekly vitamin B12 injections from a physician.
Things You'll Need
- Multivitamin
- Vitamin B12 supplement
- Vitamin B12 injection
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