Vitamin D occurs naturally in some food sources and is added to others. Food sources include fish, eggs, cod liver oil and fortified milk. According to the Mayo Clinic, exposure to the sun for 10 minutes a day can also produce enough vitamin D to prevent deficiency. Gastric bypass patients are especially at risk for vitamin D deficiency because of limitations and other problems resulting from the surgery. They must take vitamin D supplements for the rest of their lives to avoid bone loss and injury.
Gastric Bypass Limits Intake
In gastric bypass surgery, the surgeon reduces the size of the stomach by stapling it across the top and separating it from the rest of the stomach. The postoperative patient's food intake is limited to the size of the remaining stomach pouch, which holds approximately 1 oz. of food. In contrast, the normal stomach holds about 3 pints. Because their intake is limited, gastric surgery patients are able to satisfy only about 50 percent of their daily need for vitamin D through dietary sources, according to a study titled "The Long-Term Effects of Gastric Bypass on Vitamin D Metabolism" published in the May 2006 issue of Annals of Surgery.
Gastric Bypass Limits Absorption
Vitamin D and calcium are normally absorbed in the first two segments of the small intestine---the duodenum and the proximal jejunum. Gastric bypass surgery limits the body's absorption of calories by redirecting food directly from the tiny stomach pouch into the jejunum, the second segment of the intestine. Since vitamin D and calcium are normally absorbed in the duodenum and the jejunum, the rerouted digestive systems of gastric bypass patients are unable to absorb these nutrients adequately.
Non-compliance
If you have had gastric bypass surgery, you will need to take a variety of dietary supplements, including vitamin D and calcium, for the rest of your life. Gastric bypass patients will not be able to absorb sufficient amounts of these important nutrients through food. Supplements are mandatory. Your surgeon will order laboratory tests periodically to monitor your levels of vitamin D and calcium to identify deficiencies that could cause bone loss and injury.
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