July 2022
Jacqui Lewis - BHSc Nutritional and Dietetic Medicine
Why is a Multivitamin After Bariatric Surgery so Important?
While undergoing Bariatric Surgery is ultimately life-saving,
it is also a lifelong commitment to taking good care of your body. Due to the nature of the Bariatric procedure, your body no longer absorbs some vitamins and minerals the same way it did before the surgery. Supplementation with Bariatric vitamins and minerals will protect you from long-term deficiency, which can cause more severe problems in your body.
This is why taking a multivitamin after Bariatric Surgery is critical for you to live The Best Of Your Life!
Multivitamins: BN Chews Iron Free, BN Chews, BN Caps
Essential Minerals: BN Cal, BN B12, BN Iron
Four key areas of your body are susceptible to nutrient deficiencies.
1. Bone Density
There is a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and bone density. A huge percentage of patients enter their surgery deficient in vitamin D.
Post-Surgery, Bariatric patients do not absorb calcium as they did before surgery. Calcium absorption is initiated by the help of vitamin D. Vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin K are key nutrients for maintaining bone health.
Long-term vitamin deficiencies can cause osteoporosis or make bones brittle, increasing the risk of fractures and breaks.
Calcium citrate for Bariatric patients is better absorbed than carbonate form. The ASMBS shows calcium citrate is absorbed more effectively in smaller doses throughout the day after surgery than calcium carbonate. High-risk patients for developing these deficiencies are post-menopausal women and those with a family history of bone disease. They need to be monitored closely for life after surgery.
2. Nervous System & Brain Health
Vitamins B12, D, E, folate and copper all contribute to a healthy nervous system and brain. Symptoms of deficiency in these vitamins include:
- General weakness
- Fatigue
- Pins & needles / loss of function
- Burning feet
- Itchiness
- Memory loss / brain fog
- Mood instability
While these seriously affect your health if left unchecked, they can be prevented with BN Healthy Multivitamins.
3. Blood & Immune System Health
Your blood and immune system are supported by nutrients including iron, folate, and B12. A deficiency can cause anemia, which occurs when there are not enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body’s organs. Symptoms of anemia are:
- Tiredness / weakness
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling like you have a case of the blues
- Anxiety
- Poor sleep maintenance (can get to sleep but not stay that way)
Although there are several types of anemia, iron deficiency is the most common. Anemia affects the production of healthy blood cells. If severe enough, anemia can have far-reaching effects on
- Cognition
- Energy production
- Immune function
- Overall feeling unwell
After surgery, a lack of stomach acid impacts the body's ability to absorb iron. Removal or bypassing most of the stomach also removes the protein responsible for transporting B12. This is why a Bariatric vitamin supplementation such as the BN Multivitamin is necessary for your daily routine.
4. Protecting Lean Muscle Tissue
Not all pounds are created equal. Although a decreasing number on the scale is the goal after Weight Loss Surgery, this needs to come from fat loss, not lean tissue. Lean muscle tissue keeps you strong and supports your body's ability to burn calories steadily during rest.
When you lose weight rapidly, this signals a "starvation" mode to your body, which will hold on to excess weight because it doesn't know when the next meal is coming. What happens then?
Your body begins to burn lean tissue instead of the fat you want to burn instead. Not only does protein help your body's metabolism, but it is also vital for supporting:
- Healthy liver function
- Mood stability
- Satiety
- Prevents fluctuating glucose levels which reduces cravings
Your body will shed excess fat when you feel fuller longer and don't crave that Snickers bar at 3pm. Although lean protein does not come in a pill form, there are various sources, even if you're on a tight schedule. BN Pure Pro Whey Isolate Protein Powder provides on-the-go protein sources your body needs to keep your metabolism going.
All BN Healthy products are formulated specifically for Bariatric patients following the ASMBS Guidelines with the highest quality ingredients to ensure optimal bioavailability and absorption.
