his article is part of a series on Living Well after Gastric Bypass that covers diet, nutrition, and weight control. Read the first article in the serieshere.If you are a bariatric patient, I ask you to take two things to heart:#1 Vitamins and Minerals are Very Important#2 Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies are Seriouitamins and Minerals are Very Important
Vitamins and minerals are essential for nearly all biochemical processes necessary for life. Vitamins and minerals are needed to produce energy, fight disease and repair injured tissue. People who have undergone gastric bypass surgery and other weight-loss surgeries have increased need for vitamins and minerals.
Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies are Serious
It is not unusual to havevitamin deficienciesfollowing weight-loss surgery. Bypassing the small intestine is a component of gastric bypass surgery that decreases the amount of calories absorbed from food, and thus aids in weight loss. Likewise, since most vitamins and minerals are absorbed in the small intestine, a lesser amount of these vitamins and minerals are absorbed when the intestine is shortened.
As a gastric bypass patient,I have experience both iron deficienciesand overloads of Vitamin B12, which have led to health consequences.
In the near-term,iron-deficiency anemia, pernicious anemia, and osteoporosis(in both sexes) may develop, although usually not in the first postoperative year.
In the long-term, a diminished intake of vitamins and minerals may raise the risk of chronic disease, including cardiovascular disease, colon cancer, bone fractures and birth defects. Too heavy intake of vitamins and minerals may increase the risk of cancer, heart attack, osteoporosis, and stroke.
Detecting Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies
Patients who have had weight-loss surgery should anticipate taking vitamin and mineral supplements for the rest of their lives. In addition to a nutritious diet, iron, calcium, vitamin B12 sublingual, and a multi-vitamin are widely recommended by bariatric surgeons. However, this is a minimum requirement and you likely will need additional vitamin and mineral supplements to achieve optimal health.
Bariatric patients should receive annual lab testing to check vitamin and mineral levels in their blood work - sooner iffatigue and/or shortness of breathare present as these could be signs of deficiencies.
Deficiencies you will want to check for include:*Iron(readIron Deficiency after Gastric Bypass Surgery)
- Calcium(readCalcium after Gastric Bypass Surgery)
- Vitamin B12(readGastric Bypass Patients Must Take Vitamin B12 Sublingual Everyday for Energy)
- Folic Acid(readScreen for Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Folic Acid after Gastric Bypass Surgery)
- Vitamin D(readThe Importance of Vitamin D after Gastric Bypass Surgery)
- Vitamin A and Vitamin K(readScreen for Vitamin A and Vitamin K Deficiency after Gastric Bypass Surgery)
- Thiamine(readThiamine Deficiency After Gastric Bypass)
- Trace Minerals -magnesium, chromium, copper, selenium, andzinc(readTrace Mineral Deficiency after Gastric Bypass)Read the referenced articles for more information on each vitamin and mineral's importance in the bariatric diet.Determining Your Vitamin and Mineral Needs
Be aware that iron and vitamin B12 needs will differ from person to person. It is only by checking blood levels that you and your healthcare professional will be able to determine the dosage that is right for you, as well as any other supplements you may need. I had to go through a series of blood tests over the course of a few months to get my iron and B12 dosage right. Too much or too little iron and B12 can have serious health implications. You will want to be sure that you are giving your new body the best chance for optimal health.
What to read next:Water Loading After Gastric Bypass SurgeryReferences:
Johns Hopkins White Papers, Nutrition and Weight Control, http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/alerts_index/nutrition_weight_control/24-1.htmlaccessed 10-5-12SpectrumDiabetesJournal.com http://spectrum.diabetesjournals.org/content/18/2/82.full accessed 10-5-12
Get more weight loss, fitness, and healthy living ideas:More shareposts fromMyBariatricLife on HealthCentral
我的故事……
You can read aboutmy decisionto have weight loss surgery back in 2003, and since that timemy journeyfrom processed food junkie to healthy living so as to maintain a lifetime of obesity disease management. My wish is to help you on your own journey oflifetime obesity disease management. Whether you are planning or have had bariatric surgery, or you want to lose weight through non-surgical means, my shareposts along the way will help you to navigate your journey successfully.