Bariatric Vitamin Deficiency – Don’t Fall Victim
You could be malnourished and not even know it! Normally when we have health problems, we become aware of them when our body starts showing symptoms. Unfortunately for bariatric patients, vitamin deficiency symptoms aren’t likely to show themselves until malnutrition is at an advanced stage.
Vitamin deficiency is an easy pit to fall into after your weight loss surgery–you have to actively avoid it. While your modified digestive system is great for creating a “new you,” it isn’t as good as it used to be when it comes to absorbing the nutrients from your food. That’s why malabsorption can be a big problem if you don’t supplement what you eat.
Iron, B, D, & E
Iron deficiency is a common example of malabsorption after bariatric surgery. Your body is likely to have a harder time digesting iron now, which can leave you tired, weak, and anemic. Iron supplements that are easy to digest are essential to avoiding fatigue, muscle weakness, and anemia.
B vitamins are another important class of nutrients your body needs. If you don’t get enough of them, you’re going to end up feeling tired all the time. There’s a reason why energy drinks usually contain massive amounts of vitamin B–but we wouldn’t suggest you start drinking them; extended use can be pretty rough on your metabolism. Lack of the various Bs can also contribute to depression.
Vitamins like B6, B12, D, E, and folic acid will help keep your immune system healthy, keep you energized–even fight cancer! Vitamin B6 is critical in maintaining hormonal balance and proper immune function. Vitamin E is great for your skin–it’ll help keep your skin smooth and elastic as you lose weight, and will also combat skin cancer if you spend a lot of time in the sun.
A Quick Caveat About Your Bariatric Supplements
While bariatric vitamin supplements are essential to your health after surgery, keep in mind that you should never replace a meal with just a handful of vitamins. It can be tempting to think that this will help you lose weight even faster, but it just isn’t so. Eating vitamins in place of a meal is just as unhealthy as eating a meal without taking your vitamins!
Most people in general don’t get all of the vitamins they need. Bariatric patients are a special case because of the way their new bodies absorb vitamins and minerals. If you’re not taking supplements, you should be. If you’re going to have the surgery then make sure you go all the way and lead a healthy life forever after. It’s really the only way to create the perfect new you!