When you agree to bariatric surgery, you agree to a lifetime of vitamins and supplements. However, you may be wondering what the difference is between all of these vitamins on the market. You can find vitamins just as easily at the grocery store as you can from a bariatric vendor. There are some differences between them, though. If you have deficiencies, you may need the extra ingredients. Check with your surgeon before changing your vitamin regimen around to be sure you are on the right track.
B-12 and Folate
Vitamin B-12 deficiency is commonly deficient in people who have had bariatric surgeries. According to "Nutrient Deficiencies Secondary to Bariatric Surgery," this is due to a lack of intrinsic factor that is produced in the stomach. Bariatric vitamins have more vitamin B-12 than regular multivitamins. Folate deficiency can also occur after surgery, although it is less likely. Some specialty bariatric vitamins can have twice as much folate as common vitamins.
Thiamine
Thiamine is also known as vitamin B-1, and it can be malabsorbed in bariatric surgery patients. According to "Nutrient Deficiencies Secondary to Bariatric Surgery," it is deficient due to lack of food, lack of gastric acid and the vomiting that sometimes comes with gastric surgery. Bariatric vitamins provide much more thiamine in their blends than vitamins targeted toward the general public. In fact, all of the B vitamins are well represented in bariatric blends to avoid deficiencies.
Fat-Soluble Vitamins
The fat-soluble vitamins are vitamins that are transported within fat in the body. They are vitamins A, D, E and K. The body can be deficient in these vitamins because it has a difficult time absorbing fats after bariatric surgery, according to "Nutrient Deficiencies Secondary to Bariatric Surgery." The difficulty of the absorption of vitamin D also interferes with your ability to absorb calcium. Most bariatric vitamins have these vitamins in higher numbers than regular vitamins. However, there are specialized vitamins you can buy that specifically target the fat-soluble vitamins.
Supplements
In addition to a multivitamin, it is important that you take other supplements if you are a bariatric surgery patient. Calcium is an absolute necessity in order to keep your bones strong because your body cannot absorb calcium as effectively anymore. Vitamin D must be taken along with the calcium to aid its absorption. Iron is also necessary because most bariatric patients suffer from iron deficiency anemia due to malabsorption caused by the surgery. It is important to take all of your vitamins and supplements daily to prevent long-term adverse affects.
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