Bariatric surgery helps morbidly obese patients lose weight by limiting the size of the stomach, rerouting the digestive system or both. Products marketed for bariatric surgery patients, including the Bariatric Advantage brand, help these patients to maintain their health while losing weight rapidly.
Vitamins and Minerals
Bariatric surgery patients need dietary supplements such as calcium, iron, and vitamins D, B complex and B-12 to maintain their health since they eat less food and, in some cases, do not absorb nutrients normally, says Linda Aills, R.D., lead researcher in a study published in the September 2008 issue of "Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases." For example, gastric bypass patients generally need multivitamins, iron, calcium citrate, vitamins D and B-12 daily for the rest of their lives, according to Bariatric Advantage. Although patients may use over-the-counter supplements from the drugstore, these products often do not provide sufficient amounts of the nutrients needed by a bariatric surgery patient. Many patients prefer products designed for their needs, including those offered by Bariatric Advantage. Available in liquid and chewable forms, vitamin and mineral supplements from Bariatric Advantage come in kits for each type of procedure -- adjustable gastric band, gastric bypass and gastric sleeve -- as well as separately, says Bariatric Advantage. Flavors such as chocolate, cherry, cinnamon, mint and others improve palatability.
Protein Supplements
After surgery, bariatric patients need between 60 mg and 80 mg of protein a day to maintain lean muscle mass while losing large amounts of weight, says Aills. Bariatric Advantage offers whey protein powder in chocolate and vanilla flavors that provide 16 g of protein per scoop, according to the product website. This supplement mixes easily with water and other liquids. Another protein product, ProJoe, provides 20 g of protein per 120 calorie serving. The flavors -- mocha, chai and vanilla -- contain caffeine and 3.5 g of sugar as well.
Meal Replacements
Meal replacements contain protein, carbohydrates, fat and other nutrients in amounts that approximate a full meal. Often used to help patients lose weight before bariatric surgery, they also provide a quick and convenient source of nutrition after surgery. Bariatric Advantage offers ready-to-drink and mixable powders in individual-sized and multi-serving containers. A 150 to 160 calorie serving provides 27 g of protein, 7 g of carbohydrates and 1.5 g of fat, as well as vitamins and minerals, according to the product's website. Made of whey protein isolate, the products come in vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, banana and unflavored versions to mix with juice, yogurt, milk, soup or other liquids.
Miscellaneous Products
Bariatric Advantage sells several optional products useful for bariatric surgery patients. Chewable probiotics help to restore the bacteria normally present in the digestive system, improving digestion of food. Devrom, marketed as a chewable internal deodorant, helps to neutralize odors from gas and bowel movements, according to the product's website. Bariatric Advantage also sells copper, vitamin A and zinc supplements on their website.
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