Weight loss surgery helps morbidly obese patients lose weight by restricting intake, blocking calorie absorption or both. The most common type of weight loss surgery, the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, combines restriction and malabsorption aspects by creating a small stomach pouch and bypassing part of the digestive system where calories and nutrients are absorbed, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Accordingly, postoperative patients must supplement their diets with certain nutrients for the rest of their lives to maintain their health.
Multivitamins
Postoperative gastric bypass patients need an excellent-quality multivitamin every day that provides 200 percent of the RDA -- recommended daily allowance -- of at least two thirds of the nutrients contained within the product, says Linda Aills, R.D., lead researcher in a study published in the March 2008 issue of Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases. Patients should select a complete adult multivitamin with at least 400 g of folic acid and 18 mg iron. Dosing begins the day after surgery but in a liquid or chewable form until the patient is later able to tolerate the pill or tablet form.
Calcium and Vitamin D
The body needs calcium for strong bones and teeth, as well as for proper functioning of the brain, muscles, heart and nerves, according to WhyWeight.com. Since a postoperative gastric bypass patient's body no longer absorbs calcium efficiently, patients must take approximately 1200 mg per day of calcium supplements with added vitamin D to avoid muscle spasms, weak or fractured bones and teeth. Patients must take divided doses because the body can absorb only 400 to 600 mg at a time. Although several forms of calcium supplements are available, gastric bypass patients need to take calcium citrate because their bodies absorb it better than other forms. Vitamin D helps with maintaining the proper levels of calcium in the body.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 helps with many functions in the body, including the nerves, DNA and RNA production, making red blood cells and other substances important for the cardiovascular and immune systems, according to WhyWeight.com. Vitamin B12 deficiencies cause fatigue, weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, anemia, rapid heart beat and numbness and tingling of the hands. Postoperative gastric bypass patients do not absorb vitamin B12 through food so must take 1000 mcg a month by injection. If the patient prefers, he may take daily doses by nasal spray or under the tongue.
Iron
In addition to the iron contained in the multivitamin, postoperative gastric patients at risk for anemia or who are menstruating need an iron supplement to bring their daily totals to 50 to 100 mg, says Aills. Although iron deficiency may cause no symptoms, patients who develop anemia may feel tired and less able to exercise.
Member Comments