Undergoing bariatric surgery is a major health event that comes with both risks and benefits.
For the surgery to be successful, you need to take great care with your diet post-surgery.
Both multivitamins and bariatric calcium replacement can be hugely beneficial following this surgery.
Benefits of Bariatric Surgery
Most people who have this surgery are morbidly obese because for others, the risks tend to outweigh the benefits, as there are other less risky methods of weight loss.
But for those who have perhaps no other way to lose weight and improve their health, this surgery provides the following benefits:
- Immediate weight loss which often continues over the following 18 to 36 months
- Improved health for conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart conditions, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea.
Many patients also find their overall mood and psychological health have also improved, together with decreased feelings of depression and anxiety, and an increase in energy that enables them to accept more active lifestyles post-surgery.
Bariatric surgery changes your digestion and limits the amount of nutrients your body receives, even while following a healthy diet. You will need to take vitamin and mineral supplements daily for the rest of your life. Begin taking your supplements when you start the blended food stage of your diet.
Long-term health complications of weight-loss surgery
There are several complications that can arise from bariatric surgery, including:
- Anemia due to a deficiency of iron or B12
- Neurological complications, such as memory loss or irritability from a lack of B12
- Bone and kidney disease due to changes in the way your body absorbs calcium and vitamin D
As a result, multivitamins, and vitamins D3 and B12 are often prescribed or recommended, along with calcium.
Calcium
Calcium is absorbed in the small bowel, and because this is affected by bariatric surgery, it no longer does this as well as it did previously.
While we think of calcium as good for strengthening our bones and teeth, it also plays an important role in reproduction, maintenance of a healthy nervous system, as well as blood vessel contraction.
It is difficult to find out if you are calcium deficient because when this occurs, your body will steal calcium from your bones to meet its needs.
Your blood levels of calcium revealed in your blood tests will look good, but the calcium in your bones may be depleting.
This can lead to bone loss, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and metabolic bone disease.
You may need up to 2,400 milligrams per day of calcium. The calcium consumed from food counts toward your daily goal, so if your diet is high in calcium, you should adjust how much you take in supplemental form.
Your body is only able to absorb 500–600 milligrams of calcium at one time.
Flavored soft calcium chews are a supplement that tastes great, includes all your required vitamins and minerals, are convenient, promote bone and metabolic support, and are gluten and sugar free. These have 500 milligrams of calcium in each chew and are a great way to ensure you are getting the right amount of calcium after bariatric surgery.
