Starting your journey with bariatric surgery is a life-changing decision that can lead to better health and wellness. However, it can also feel overwhelming, particularly when it comes to understanding your new nutritional needs. A key part of recovery and weight loss is taking bariatric supplements.
In this beginner’s guide, we break down the essentials of bariatric supplements in an easy-to-understand way. Whether you’re just beginning to learn about your options or need more clarity on what your body requires, this guide offers helpful insights and practical tips.
Why Are Supplements Necessary After Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery changes how your digestive system works, which can affect how well your body absorbs nutrients. Even if you eat a healthy diet, it can be hard to get enough vitamins and minerals from food alone. That’s why taking supplements is important to help prevent deficiencies and support your overall health, especially in the first few months after surgery.
Essential Bariatric Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
To stay healthy and support your recovery after bariatric surgery, it’s important to focus on getting enough vitamins and minerals. The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) guidelines outline key vitamins and minerals you should include in your daily routine.1
1. Multivitamin
Bariatric-specific multivitamins are specially formulated supplements designed for bariatric patients. They provide a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals in a convenient and well-absorbed form.
Why they’re important for bariatric patients: These multivitamins help fill in nutritional gaps, ensuring you receive adequate amounts of key nutrients such as:
Vitamin A for immune function and vision*
Vitamin D for calcium absorption and bone health*
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) for converting food into energy and to support brain and nerve function*
Vitamin B12 for energy and nerve function*
Folate for cell growth and metabolism*
Tips:
If you are just starting your bariatric journey, it is recommended to start with a chewable multivitamin. With time and approval from your provider, you can usually move to a capsule multivitamin.
Choose a multivitamin specifically designed for bariatric patients.
Follow your surgeon or dietitian’s recommendations on dosage.
2. Calcium and Vitamin D
Calcium and vitamin D are essential for maintaining bone health and preventing osteoporosis, particularly important after weight loss surgery. Depending on your multivitamin choice, you may have to also supplement with calcium and vitamin D.*
Why they’re important for bariatric patients: Bariatric surgery patients are at higher risk for bone density loss, making it crucial to ensure sufficient intake.2
Tips:
3. Iron
Iron is essential for producing hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. Depending on your multivitamin choice, you may have to also supplement with calcium.*
Why it’s important for bariatric patients: Post-surgery, patients may experience decreased iron absorption, leading to iron deficiency anemia. Symptoms can include fatigue, weakness, and dizziness.
Tips:
Choose a supplement with ferrous iron for better absorption.
Take high-dose iron supplements separately from calcium to enhance absorption.
4. B Vitamins
B vitamins play crucial roles in energy production, red blood cell formation, and nervous system health. A bariatric multivitamin provides B vitamins, but sometimes an additional supplement is recommended.*
Why it’s important for bariatric patients: Bariatric surgery can affect the body’s ability to absorb B vitamins due to lower stomach acid, reduced stomach size, and restricted food intake.
Tips:
If you are looking for the full range of B vitamins, opt for a B-complex supplement that provides all eight B vitamins—vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B7 (biotin), vitamin B9 (folic acid), and vitamin B12.
These vitamins can also be found in stand-alone supplements for targeted support.
4. Protein
Protein serves as a building block for muscles, organs, skin, and other tissues.
Why it’s important for bariatric patients: Bariatric surgery increases the need for protein due to changes in the digestive system, dietary intake, and the body’s demands during recovery. Protein helps with healing and maintaining muscle during weight loss.
Tips:
Look for a high-quality, complete protein source, such as whey. These contain all essential amino acids.
Opt for a protein isolate, which is often easier to digest.
Protein meal replacements are different from protein powder supplements. Meal replacements contain protein, fiber, carbs, fat, and vitamins and minerals. Protein supplements only contain protein. Either can be beneficial based on where you are in your journey.
Choosing the Right Supplements
Consult your dietitian: Work with a registered dietitian who specializes in bariatric nutrition to develop a personalized supplement plan.
Quality matters: Choose high-quality supplements from reputable brands. If you’re not sure, ask about third-party testing for purity and potency.
Follow recommendations: Stick to the recommended dosages and schedules provided by your healthcare team to ensure optimal absorption and effectiveness.
Conclusion
Bariatric surgery is a powerful tool for achieving weight loss and improved health, but it’s essential to prioritize your nutritional needs through supplements. They can help fill any nutrient gaps, support your healing, and keep you energized as you adjust to your new lifestyle. By focusing on the right micro and macronutrients, you can give your body what it needs to thrive.
Always consult with your healthcare provider or dietitian to develop a supplement plan that fits your needs. Here’s to a healthier, happier you on your bariatric journey!
References
1. Mechanick JI et al. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2020;28(4):O1-O58.2. Sayadi Shahraki M et al. Adv Biomed Res. 2022;11:92.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
This blog is for information and education purposes only. This information is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your bariatric surgeon or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions in regard to a medical condition. A qualified healthcare professional can best assist you in deciding whether a dietary supplement is suitable based on your individual needs.
