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Bariatric Vitamins for Optimal Results After Bariatric Surgery

Taking vitamins has become widely popular for adults in the past decades for everyday use, however, here at the Mexicali Bariatric Center, we cannot stress enough the major role taking vitamins has after bariatric surgery for optimal results.

Vitamins don’t just help keep the body healthy, they also play an important role in regulating bodily functions, such as sleep, hunger, nutrient absorption and energy storage. Deficiencies may lead to important health hazards. For example, a folate deficiency (an important vitamin in cell regrowth) may lead to anemia.

Although no vitamin has yet replaced the nutrients you can receive by eating actual food, taking them after surgery is key for best results.

Blood work before surgery will determine if you are deficient in any nutrients and, if you are, surgery may need to be postponed. Before surgery, even though you are eating large portions, vitamins may be needed to complement our meals. Your doctor will help you determine if you need a vitamin regimen before surgery and what to take if your blood work shows deficiencies.

After bariatric surgery, your body is especially vulnerable to vitamin deficiencies. Remember you will be following a liquid diet during the first 20 days after surgery and once you can eat solid food, it may be much more difficult for your body to absorb vitamins. Basically, your body is mainly concentrated in healing and the surgery won’t allow your body to hold enough food from which to draw vitamins. This is why taking vitamins is essential after your surgery. Both restrictive and malabsorptive bariatric procedures require a strict vitamin plan to be followed. Vitamin deficiencies do not present symptoms immediately, it may be years before you know you are lacking in an important nutrient, so it is important to follow the prescribed regimen correctly and have blood work done as instructed to monitor your health. After your test results are reviewed you may need to make changes to the vitamin plan you are following to better accommodate your lifestyle and food choices.

Bariatric surgery is a lifetime decision and making that decision will mean a true life commitment to keep the weight off and keep your body healthy. Following a continued vitamin plan is part of this commitment.