Bariatric Surgery Weight-Loss Products
Bariatric surgery is a drastic and effective approach to resolving morbid obesity. There are several types of bariatric surgeries offered, including gastric bypass and the adjustable gastric band. All bariatric surgeries change the way you eat and how you absorb nutrients. After surgery you will need to stock up on several types of bariatric surgery weight-loss products in order to maintain your health and prevent deficiencies.
Protein Supplements
Consume approximately 60 to 80 grams of protein daily after surgery. Protein is needed for wound healing, energy and for nutritional standards. Normally protein is consumed through protein-laden foods such as meats, beans and eggs, but after surgery, you will not be able to consume large quantities of food, and you may not be able to tolerate common sources of protein. Use protein supplements instead. Protein supplements are available in powder and liquid form, which allows you to mix them in with easy-to-digest foods such as hot cereals, puddings and yogurts. You can also purchase specialty protein drinks, foods and snack bars from bariatric food manufacturers.
Vitamins
Take multivitamins daily to ensure that you are providing your body with enough vitamins and nutrients. Gastric bypass patients suffer from permanent malabsorption, which reduces the amount of nutrients the small intestine is able to absorb. Take adult-strength multivitamins that contain iron. Vitamins must be in chewable or gummy form, as your small stomach pouch will not be able to tolerate a standard vitamin.
In addition to multivitamins, doses of vitamin B12 and vitamin D will need to be taken in order to maintain adequate levels in the body.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is essential for the production of red blood cells, which are responsible for delivering oxygen to all parts of your body. Bariatric surgery patients are at an increased risk for a vitamin B12 deficiency, which can lead to anemia, pale skin, nausea, diarrhea or constipation and weight loss. An untreated vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to neurological problems, a poor sense of balance, depression and numbness or tingling in the fingers and toes.
Take 500 mcg worth of chewable or gummy vitamin B12 supplements daily, or speak to your physician about a monthly injection.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D aids with calcium absorption. A vitamin D deficiency can lead to muscular weakness, bone weakness and osteoporosis. Prevent a vitamin D deficiency by supplementing your daily food consumption with vitamin D. Vitamin D supplements are available in chewable and liquid form.
Calcium
Calcium is necessary for bones, muscle contractions, and the secretion of enzymes and hormones. Take 1,000 to 1,500 mg of calcium citrate daily to prevent the development of a calcium deficiency.
Tips
Speak to your nutritionist before using any type of bariatric surgery weight-loss products. Your health, metabolism, appetite and the type of bariatric surgery you have had will all determine what protein, vitamin and mineral supplements you'll need to take. Dosages and the frequency of use can differ among different products and bariatric patients, so it's important that you use them under medical supervision only.
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