Gastric bypass surgery requires a commitment to a nutritional lifestyle. If you are not willing to commit to taking vitamins and eating the correct amounts of protein, you should not get this surgery because you will cause yourself problems in the long run. From the larger nutritional considerations of proteins and carbohydrates to the smaller concerns of iron and zinc, you must read through the information your surgeon gives you on diets and follow through on it for the rest of your life.
Protein
Protein is one of the most important nutritional considerations after gastric bypass surgery, and you should eat your protein first to ensure you get your required amount before eating other foods. The recommendation for protein is 65 grams of protein per day for women and 80 grams per day for men, notes the University of Missouri Medical Center. In the beginning, you can get this nutrient from protein supplements, but as you get further out from surgery, get your protein from lean whole food sources.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are sugars and starches. Eating simple sugars can lead to a condition known as "dumping syndrome," which is characterized by rapid heartbeat, sweating, nausea and dizziness. To avoid this, do not eat foods that contain more than 15 to 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving, advises the University of Chicago Hospitals. Also, do not eat foods with sugar, high-fructose corn syrup or any sugar within the first three ingredients.
B Vitamins
Many gastric bypass patients experience deficiencies of the B vitamins. Thiamine deficiency is common before surgery and is likely after surgery. A B-complex vitamin or multivitamin is usually enough to bring levels to normal. Vitamin B-12 is low in gastric bypass patients because the smaller stomach does not produce enough intrinsic factor to produce B-12. Sublingual B-12 tablets are usually recommended for this deficiency. Folate deficiency occurs after gastric bypass because the part of the intestine that absorbs folate is bypassed. A multivitamin, B complex or folate supplement can help, depending on how low your levels are.
Vitamin D and Calcium
Vitamin D deficiency and calcium are closely related. Vitamin D comes naturally from sunlight, and it helps your body absorb calcium. If you are low in vitamin D, your doctor will likely prescribe you a supplement in addition to the vitamin D that is part of your calcium. Calcium deficiencies occur in gastric bypass patients because the part of the intestine that absorbs it is bypassed, as with folate. However, not having enough calcium can lead to osteoporosis, so it is important you get your calcium. You must take calcium citrate, not calcium carbonate because of changes in your stomach structure. You should take at least 1,500 milligrams of calcium per day.
Iron and Other Deficiencies
Iron absorption is also affected by gastric bypass surgery. As a result, iron deficiency is common. To absorb iron after your surgery, you must take iron fumarate, gluconate or chelate. The regular dosage is 36 milligrams of iron per day, but you may need more if you have anemia. Vitamin A and zinc deficiencies can occur after gastric bypass, but taking a good multivitamin will protect you from the side effects low levels can cause.
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