Bariatric surgery refers to weight-loss surgeries performed on obese or severely overweight individuals. The procedures reduce the size of the stomach and restrict the amount of food an individual can eat to bring about significant and long-term weight loss. However, restricting food intake and altering the digestive system can lead to nutritional deficiencies after surgery, and individuals must take dietary supplements to ensure adequate nutrient intake.
Multivitamin
Multivitamins are often prescribed after bariatric surgery to prevent vitamin and mineral deficiencies. The Western Pennsylvania Hospital recommends taking a complete multivitamin which contains at least 100 percent of the daily values of necessary vitamins and minerals. For the first few months after surgery, chewable or liquid multivitamins are recommended, as they are digested and absorbed by the body better and help prevent the development of heartburn or ulcers, according to the consumer guide to bariatric surgery. When solid foods can be tolerated, individuals may switch to non-chewable multivitamins.
Other Dietary Supplements
Multivitamins provide a good base for meeting an individual's nutritional needs, but additional supplementation may be required to prevent deficiencies. The Western Pennsylvania Hospital recommends extra supplementation of calcium, iron, vitamin B-12 and vitamin D because some multivitamins do not contain enough of these nutrients or the absorption of these nutrients is disrupted due to bariatric surgery. Iron is important in preventing anemia or low red blood cell levels, vitamin B-12 helps boost metabolism and calcium and vitamin D help promote strong bones and teeth, among many other functions. These supplements are generally available as chewable or easy-to-swallow pills. Vitamin B-12 is also available as a monthly injection or as a lozenge that dissolves under the tongue.
Protein Supplements
Adequate protein intake after bariatric surgery is vital to keep the body healthy because it is required for a variety of bodily processes and aids in the healing process. High-protein supplements are a good and easy way to ensure individuals are achieving their protein goals of approximately 60 to 80 grams per day, according to The Western Pennsylvania Hospital. A variety of high protein supplements are available in powder form that can be mixed with water, which is helpful during the first few weeks of surgery when patients are on a liquid-only diet. Although protein supplements are beneficial, they should only be used to supplement protein attained from food sources in the long term.
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