Weight Loss Surgery Vitamins

Due to the significant changes that your body will experience after weight loss surgery, most especially the restriction or malabsorption of calories or nutrients, you will need to supplement your diet with vitamins and minerals. The degree to which you will need supplementation largely depends on how your body reacts to the surgery and which procedure you have undergone. Nutritional supplementation may only be a simple multivitamin or can include iron, B12, and calcium.

Further, getting enough protein is a crucial part of losing weight while staying healthy after the procedure. Protein is digested slowly allowing you to feel fuller longer. Generally speaking, patients should consume about 65g of protein per day after surgery. Protein can be consumed in the form of a shake or a protein bar, however be mindful of the caloric value of the supplement, including the amount of sugar and fat it contains.

Bariatric-specific vitamins, minerals and supplements come in many shapes and sizes, and finding the right ones can take time and research. Asking other bariatric patients about their experiences with different brands of vitamins and asking our office for advice can help make the choice a little easier.

No matter which vitamins you choose, it is critically important that you consume the nutritional supplements that are prescribed to you after surgery. These supplements will ensure that your weight loss is safe and measured, avoiding deficiencies that can lead to serious health problems.