Bariatric surgery may be the only option for some obese individuals to be able to get down to a healthy weight, but it is not without complications and risks. One of these risks is malnutrition, and even if a person does not look malnourished, malnutrition is possible and can cause multiple health problems. Before having bariatric surgery, talk with your doctor about how to reduce your risk of becoming malnourished and signs you should look for that signal you need more nutrients.
Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery is typically used for patients who are morbidly obese and have not been able to lose weight with traditional methods such as diet and exercise. According to the Cleveland Clinic, to qualify for bariatric surgery, patients must weigh at least 100 pounds over a healthy body weight for their height or have a body mass index, or BMI, over 40. If you have a BMI of 35 to 40 but have obesity-related illnesses such as heart disease or diabetes, you may qualify for the surgery. Talk with your healthcare provider to see if you qualify for bariatric surgery and what kind of bariatric surgery may be best for your situation.
Malabsorption of Nutrients
Certain forms of bariatric surgery alter the amount of food and calories the body absorbs, which impacts the amount of nutrients an individual absorbs. Physicians Ayaz Virji and Michel M. Murr, in a 2006 article in "American Family Physician," say that patients who have undergone this type of surgery need to take a high-potency multivitamin containing vitamin B-12, iron and calcium. Menstruating women are especially at risk for an iron deficiency and may need parenteral infusions. If you have a surgery that causes malabsorption, consult your healthcare provider about constructing a meal plan or taking nutritional supplements to avoid malnutrition and related complications.
Eating After Surgery
After bariatric surgery, your first meals will be sugar-free clear liquids. When it is deemed appropriate, you will progress to small portions of pureed foods, like 1-oz. pureed meat or 1/2 oz. of pureed vegetables. Depending on the kind of surgery you had, this stage can last three to six weeks. This diet minimizes the stress on your new stomach and gives your body a chance to recover. Frequent eating and drinking will help you get the nutrition your body needs after surgery. High-protein meal replacements or meal supplements may be necessary to avoid malnutrition during this time. When your doctor deems it safe, you can progress to eating soft, solid foods that are healthy for you, with protein supplements between meals. Your healthcare team can help you decide when you can eat other foods again.
Considerations
After your bariatric surgery, it may be beneficial to work with a nutritionist who specializes in bariatric nutrition to construct a meal plan that provides an adequate amount of calories and nutrients necessary to avoid malnutrition. Your entire way of eating and approaching meals changes after bariatric surgery, and professionals can help you develop new habits and meal preparation techniques.
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