The Ultimate Guide to Bariatric Vitamins
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The Ultimate Guide to Bariatric Surgery Vitamins
In the world of bariatric surgery, maintaining a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle habits can feel like a complex puzzle. And a key piece to that puzzle? Vitamins. Bariatric vitamins are not the most exciting topic to discuss but, they are an absolute non-negotiable after surgery. As individuals undergo procedures like gastric bypass or gastric sleeve, their bodies undergo significant changes in the way they absorb and utilize essential nutrients. Vitamins designed specifically for bariatric surgery patients are so useful because they help to bridge the nutritional gaps that might arise after surgery.
While you might understand the importance of vitamins, it can feel overwhelming when you discover the numerous brands, forms, and types of options available. Additionally, you might even be hesitant to take vitamins due to past experiences with nausea or other negative experiences. The good news? There are tons of options available and most patients can find something that works for them in the long run. Whether you're a pre-operative patient researching the essentials or a post-operative individual looking for long-term guidance, this blog post is your comprehensive guide to it all!
Why do you need vitamins after bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery (ex. gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, duodenal switch, etc.) alters the digestive system and impacts how much food can be consumed at a time and how nutrients are absorbed. This change increases the importance of specific vitamins and minerals to prevent deficiencies and support overall health.
Some of the most common nutrient deficiencies are related to:
Vitamin B12: red blood cell production, brain function, and energy levels
Iron: immune system support, energy, brain function, and sports/exercise performance
Calcium: bone health, muscle and nerve function, and supporting vitamin D absorption
Vitamin D: reduces inflammation, supports immune function, glucose metabolism, and bone health
and Folate: blood cell formation, helps in the production of protein
Symptoms of vitamin deficiencies can include fatigue, muscle weakness, brittle nails and hair, “pins and needles” sensation in hands or feet, among other things.
What kinds of vitamins do you need after bariatric surgery?
The American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (A.S.M.B.S.) recommends a variety of vitamins and minerals to support optimal wellness. You can check out their guidelines here. Bariatric brands are recommended because they meet the A.S.M.B.S. guidelines and use versions of vitamins and minerals that are easily absorbed. Many WLS patients can meet their needs using a bariatric multivitamin with iron and additional calcium. Additional vitamins may be necessary based on a patient’s diet or lab values.
And remember, more is not always better. Taking excess vitamins or minerals can cause inflammation. If you’re interested in adding additional supplements to your regimen beyond a multivitamin and calcium, discuss your plans with your medical team.
Choosing the right bariatric vitamins
Bariatric vitamins are sold in chewable, liquid, capsule, and patch versions. Despite being labeled as bariatric-friendly, not all of them are quality options.
RECOMMENDED
Chewable bariatric vitamins
Many surgeons and surgical centers recommend starting with a chewable option while patients are on the transitional diet and healing from surgery. After the first few weeks or months, most patients are given the option to transition to a pill or capsule form long-term if desired. While these can be easier to digest in the early stages, many report a strong odor and flavor, making them difficult for some people to tolerate.
Capsule bariatric vitamins
These options are usually the most popular long-term because they’re easy to swallow and minimize the need for multiple reminders to take vitamins throughout the day. If the potency of a one-a-day vitamin is too intense, bariatric brands also make versions that require you to take 2-3 capsules per day but at smaller, more tolerable doses.
NOT RECOMMENDED
Liquid bariatric vitamins
Very few brands offer liquid versions of bariatric vitamins but, the most popular brand requires patients to purchase a dispenser machine (think of it like a coffee pod machine). While these can be easy to use when at home, it makes traveling with vitamins more difficult. Additionally, many of these vitamin “pods” lack key nutrients recommended by A.S.B.M.S. and require additional supplementation.
Bariatric vitamin patches
Just stick a patch on your skin daily to receive all your nutrient needs. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, that’s because it is. As lovely as this sounds, there is a high risk for vitamin deficiencies with the use of these products. After talking with multiple pharmacists and experts, they suggested taking an EXTRA multivitamin if you planned to use a patch. My recommendation? Skip the patch and save yourself money and the risk of deficiencies.
Bottom line: There is no “one-size-fits-all’ vitamin because each patient has their own needs and preferences. Be sure to talk to your surgical team about the vitamins that are best for you!
Best Bariatric Multivitamins
Timing and schedule of bariatric vitamins
Vitamins should be taken consistently to ensure that micronutrient needs are met. Here are some tips on incorporating vitamins into your daily routine:
Make sure to take vitamins with or between meals to minimize the risk of nausea
Set timers or reminders to take your vitamins
Use pill organizers when you’re on the go
If you spend a lot of time out of the house, buy a few extra bottles to keep at your office/in your purse/etc.
How long do you need to take bariatric vitamins?
Forever. Yep, you need vitamins for the rest of your life. Otherwise, you run the (very high) risk of developing deficiencies with side effects, some of which are non-reversible. Be sure to follow up with your healthcare team at least annually so you can assess if your needs change over time.
Have more questions about vitamins after weight loss surgery? Drop them in the comments below!
