No Gummy Vitamins Post Bariatric Surgery | West Texas Bariatrics (2024)

FAQs

No Gummy Vitamins Post Bariatric Surgery | West Texas Bariatrics? ›

Low nutrient content

1) Gummy vitamins are high in sugar content. These empty calories lead to weight gain. 2) The body does not as easily absorb gummy vitamins as other types of vitamin supplements. Thus, bariatric surgery patients may not be getting the full benefit of the vitamins and minerals they need.

Malnutrition is a serious complication of bariatric surgery. If you do not take your supplements you risk the following: Anaemia. Poor bone health and osteoporosis.

Daily vitamin and mineral supplements should be taken for a lifetime. Chewable and liquid forms are recommended for at least the first 3-6 months after surgery as they may be better tolerated and better absorbed. Progression to capsules or tablets may be an option and can be discussed with the dietitian.

Vitamin Recommendations for Patients

Gastric Bypass: Doctors recommend that gastric bypass surgery patients take a complete multivitamin, calcium with Vitamin D, iron and Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Vitamin B12.

Neurological Disorders. An early experienced symptom of vitamin deficiency after gastric bypass surgery is usually neurological related to inadequate absorption of vitamin B1 (thiamine).

You need high amounts of some of the vitamins and minerals, and Flintstones chewables simply do not deliver. For example, the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) suggests at least 12 mg thiamin (vitamin B1) per day, while a chewable has 1.5 mg. You will also be short on: Vitamin A.

After your gastric bypass, high-fat meats like bacon, sausage, bologna, and salami should be avoided entirely. Not only are these types of meat fatty and high in calories, but they can also cause digestive issues due to their rich fat content. Eating high-fat meats can lead to more stomach discomfort and diarrhea.

Literature data show that patients who have undergone bariatric surgery are at risk for vitamin B12, thiamine, folic acid, and vitamin A, D, and K deficiency^[15-19]. These deficiencies in patients can be observed in a wide range together with systematic and neurological findings.

Without an adequate amount of proteins in the diet, the body can begin to show signs of a deficit. Increased Hunger: Cravings and poor food choices can be accelerated with irregular eating patterns and skipping meals. Unlike carbohydrates which provide the body with quick energy, proteins take longer to digest.

What don't they tell you about gastric sleeves? ›

The surgery is on your stomach, not your head.

Food addiction doesn't go away overnight just because you're incapable of eating all of the things you want to eat. For me, it was almost like I didn't know who I was after I couldn't spend all day eating. I still spent all day thinking about eating, at first.

The 10-year outcome after gastric sleeve surgery tends to be good. Studies have found that most people are able to maintain an excess body mass loss of between 51% and 54% 10 years after surgery. 3 This means they lost around half of their extra weight and were able to keep it off for 10 years.

Beverages to Avoid After Bariatric Surgery

Some drinks may irritate your healing stomach and should be avoided after bariatric surgery, including: Caffeine for at least 3 months after surgery. Carbonated beverages for at least 3 months after surgery. Alcoholic drinks for at least 6 months after surgery.

You'll want to avoid purchasing gummy-textured multivitamins, because they do not contain the proper amounts of vitamins and minerals to support your post‑surgery dietary needs.

Hair loss after bariatric surgery can also sometimes be caused by nutritional deficiencies. Because you have to restrict your calorie intake after surgery, your protein intake may not be high enough. It's also possible you're not getting enough of certain vitamins.

Protein. Preserve muscle tissue by eating foods rich in protein. High-protein foods include eggs, meats, fish, seafood, tuna, poultry, soy milk, tofu, cottage cheese, yogurt and other milk products. Your goal should be a minimum of 65 to 75 grams of protein a day.

Capsule, chewable and liquid medications can be taken immediately after surgery, but tablet medications need to be broken up or crushed for the first three months. This prevents medications from getting stuck in the digestive tract or not being fully absorbed.

Can I use edible cannabis after bariatric surgery? There is not enough research to say if using cannabis in foods or drinks is safe. Talk to your healthcare team if you want to use cannabis products after having bariatric surgery.

What Are Common 'Problem' Nutrients? According to the most recent reviews, bariatric surgery patients are commonly at risk for deficiencies of water-soluble vitamins B12, B1, folate and C; fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K; and the minerals iron, zinc, selenium, calcium, magnesium and copper.

You will need the following:

Take your supplement with or after food to reduce the risk of side effects such as nausea. Calcium is an essential mineral for your bone health, cell and muscle function, and is better absorbed with the presence of vitamin D.