Gastric bypass
surgery has nutritional side effects for which you must compensate.
Obesity is a serious threat to your health. One option is a surgery called biliopancreatic diversion, more commonly known as gastric bypass surgery. In this procedure, surgeons reduce the amount of stomach you use. The practical effect is that you feel full after consuming a much smaller amount of food than usual. However, because part of your digestive system is being bypassed, you will need to use supplements to compensate for certain vitamins of which your body will not be naturally absorbing healthy amounts.
Vitamin D and Calcium
Among the vitamins and minerals your body won't absorb from food as effectively are vitamin D and calcium. After weight loss surgery you could have problems with brittle bone disease, osteoporosis or other bone related diseases. Calcium helps maintain bone density and vitamin D helps you absorb calcium, so a deficiency in both could cause the problem to compound.
Vitamin B12
While most vitamin supplements do not contain significant levels of vitamin B12, your surgeon might suggest monthly shots of it. Your surgeon will let you know if his office offers them, or where you can get them.
Folic Acid
In addition to multivitamins, leafy green vegetables, citric fruits, peas, nuts, melons and berries are also good folic acid sources. Folic acid helps prevent heart disease, some kinds of cancer, and anemia.
Other Vitamins and Minerals
Post gastric bypass patients can also suffer from iron, vitamin A, and zinc deficiencies. Speak with your surgeon to find out which supplements and in what quantities he recommends as part of your recovery.
