So, you’ve recently undergone weight-loss surgery. You’ve taken a bold step and demonstrated responsibility for your health. Now you’re wondering how to recover and continue eating right. Doctors often prescribe micronutrients. After bariatric surgery, your body receives less food, and this causes you to lose weight. However, your body can’t absorb vital nutrients as well due to reduced stomach volume and changes in digestion. Therefore, you’ll need to take lifelong supplements – vitamins and minerals. And then you can feel good and energetic! Let’s talk more about diet after bariatric surgery.
Diet doesn’t help, nor does exercise. But losing weight is essential! After all, excess weight negatively impacts the health of your heart, liver, and other organs. Sometimes, excess weight triggers heart attacks. In desperation, people resort to bariatric surgery. It effectively treats obesity and the associated metabolic complications. But this is the first step. And then a person must maintain a healthy lifestyle and eat well.
After bariatric surgery, patients sometimes report micronutrient deficiencies. Perhaps they had a poor diet or an unhealthy lifestyle. After surgery, it’s essential to replenish their diet with essential nutrients. After all, the body has just changed to the digestive system. A post-surgery diet should be balanced and contain sufficient macro- and micronutrients. If diet alone fails to replenish the deficiencies, the doctor will prescribe supplements. Vitamins and minerals are essential for the body’s normal development and functioning.
Vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K are fat-soluble vitamins. Vitamin K improves ophthalmological complications and is a powerful antioxidant. It also helps maintain blood clotting factor levels. Vitamin A is another powerful antioxidant. It helps fight recurrent infections and improve immunity. Vitamin D regulates bone mineralization, inhibits vascular calcification, and regulates numerous enzymatic systems. Fat malabsorption is sometimes observed in patients after surgery. Therefore, taking these vitamins is beneficial.
B12, B1, and B9 are also beneficial. Vitamin B12 absorption is nearly impossible without sufficient gastric juice and a special enzyme, the production of which drops sharply after surgery. B12 prevents irreversible nerve damage, which manifests as numbness, tingling, and pain. Its deficiency leads to severe anemia, causing chronic fatigue and weakness.
B1 deficiency can develop rapidly, especially in the first months after surgery, and can be dangerous. A severe deficiency of B1 causes Wernicke’s encephalopathy, which manifests as confusion and impaired coordination. It can become irreversible.
Vitamin B9, also known as folic acid, is often prescribed to pregnant women. Along with vitamin B12, it plays a role in tissue healing and blood renewal. These water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the body. After surgery, their deficiency develops quickly and unnoticeably. So, be sure to take the vitamins your doctor prescribed. Your recovery will be smooth!
Zinc improves intestinal fluid absorption, helps flush out microorganisms, and supports the regeneration and integrity of the mucosal lining. It is essential for enzymatic metabolic processes. It is found in abundance in meat, fish, cereals, and almonds. Some patients may have difficulty absorbing iron. You may need to take supplements.
Drink plenty of water after surgery. This will prevent dehydration and help you feel better. This will support your digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall gastrointestinal function. Drinking enough water supports kidney function, helps eliminate toxins from the body, and promotes weight loss. It will also promote satiety and encourage you to eat less. Drinking the right amount of water also aids wound healing.
Reduced stomach capacity and altered eating habits can make fluid intake difficult. So, pay special attention to your health. Drink at least 2-3 liters (64-96 ounces) of still water or other sugar-free liquids per day. Take small sips throughout the day. You can drink herbal tea. And very importantly! Stop drinking liquids 15 minutes before meals. Avoid drinking liquids during meals, as this quickly flushes food out of the stomach. You can drink water 30-60 minutes after meals.
Limit caffeine intake to 240-470 ml per day. Avoid sugar and fat. Noticed dizziness, dark urine, or dry skin? These may indicate dehydration. Be sure to consult a doctor.
You’ll need to monitor portion sizes for a while. Now you can eat smaller amounts. So, watch your diet and try not to overeat. It’s better to eat smaller meals more often. This will minimize the risk of gastric pouch distension or gastrointestinal complications. This will also help you gradually lose weight to a healthy level. You’ll notice how you feel better and experience a surge of strength and energy. Be sure to listen to your body.
After surgery, try to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Seek help from a specialist to determine the proper diet and exercise program. Take care of your health. Eat vegetables and fruits, drink more water, and eat less sugar. Set your table beautifully and use small plates. This will help you eat less while still thoroughly enjoying your meals.
Take care of your emotional state. Have supportive people around you. Family, friends, or a support group will provide a sense of support. You can consult a psychologist if you experience symptoms of depression or fatigue. Adapting to new things, even better ones, can be difficult. Be especially gentle with yourself along the way. And of course, don’t forget to maintain nutritional management after bariatric surgery. An experienced doctor will create a mineral and vitamin intake plan for you. Follow up with a specialist to make timely dietary adjustments.
You’ve taken a crucial step toward health. You’ve decided to have surgery. Now it’s important to support your body. Our team understands that every patient is unique. We support clients from the decision to undergo weight-loss surgery through full recovery. We will help you create the right nutrition plan, rich in all the beneficial ingredients.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Bilton at the Bariatric Surgery Center of Tuscaloosa. We will help you lose weight and get healthy.
