At least once in our lives, we’ve all been told to take our vitamins, most likely in our early child years. While chewing our tasty Flintstones vitamins, we probably were unaware of the health benefits that these candy-like vitamins possessed. As adults, we have a far better understanding of the importance of taking our vitamins as a growing child. But did you know that the health benefits of vitamins also extend to bariatric patients? And it is vital to understand the formulation of bariatric vitamins and why they are optimal for health following surgery.
Post – Weight Loss Surgery Nutrient Deficiencies
According to the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), there is a major health concern in regards to bariatric patients: an increase in micronutrient deficiency post – weight loss surgery. How can this be, you may ask?
When you undergo a weight loss surgery procedure, the intestinal tract is inevitably altered due to either restrictive operations, malabsorptive operations, or even a combination of the two. The goal of these procedures is to either restrict calorie consumption per day or to alter absorption, which results in malabsorption of fat in the food that you consume. What does this mean for bariatric patients? These procedures lead to a limit in food volume intake and present individuals with nutritional deficiencies. In other words, bad news!
But don’t worry! There is also good news and it come in the form of the ASMBS guidelines.
ASMBS Guidelines to the Rescue
The ASMBS guidelines were created specifically for those with increased nutrient needs after undergoing a weight loss surgery procedure. These guidelines recognize the restrictive and/or malabsorptive properties that weight loss surgery leads to.
Perhaps you are wondering why exactly these guidelines are so important. Well, without these guidelines, many individuals that have undergone weight loss surgery would present untreatable nutritional deficiencies that could be detrimental to living a healthy and normal post-operation life.
Deficiencies can be individualized based on the procedure performed, resulting in a need for specially formulated vitamins, generally these are labelled “bariatric vitamins.”
Common deficiencies after bariatric surgery include:
- Protein
- Calcium
- Vitamin D
- Thiamin
- B-complex vitamins (specifically vitamin B12)
- Folic acid
- Vitamin A
- Iron
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin E
- Zinc
- Copper
With so many common deficiencies, it is recommended that patients take a complete daily multivitamin to maintain healthy nutrient levels.
Hair, Skin & Nails Rejuvenator
You may have heard rumors that high stress levels can lead to hair falling out. Well, the natural stress response that bariatric procedures induce prove this rumor true. Hair loss is a common symptom among bariatric patients and also tends to be a symptom of the protein deficiency that many experience post-surgery. But thanks to Bariatric Fusion’s latest product, patients no longer have to concern themselves with hair loss!
Bariatric Fusion’s Hair, Skin & Nails Rejuvenator product is specifically formulated for bariatric patients battling hair loss, brittle nails, and dry skin. The rejuvenator was created to prevent or minimize hair loss after weight loss surgery, while also combating nail and skin issues that may arise due to the common zinc, iron, copper, and B-complex vitamin deficiencies found among patients.
Bariatric Fusion Supports the ASMBS Guidelines
Bariatric Fusion strives to support the ASMBS guidelines in its production of all products. Our protein is a complete meal replacement designed with the ASMBS recommendations in mind. It is intended to provide convenience and affordability, while containing the highest quality protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are essential before and after weight loss surgery.
Our customers are our top priority, which is why our “1 Per Day” multivitamin provides all the essential vitamins in one capsule, while meeting the ASMBS guidelines.
Since vitamin B12 is poorly absorbed in pill form due to the lack of intrinsic factor in the stomach after bariatric surgery, we formulated our vitamin B12 as sublingual B12 to enhance absorption, as recommended by the ASMBS guidelines.
Our B12 isn’t the only thing that stands by the ASMBS! Our calcium provides 500mg in a single soft chew that can be taken three times a day or as directed by your doctor in the form of calcium citrate, as recommended by the ASMBS guidelines.
Bariatric Vitamins: The Bottom Line
It is important to know the outcomes that bariatric surgery leads to for your body and your nutritional needs. The ASMBS guidelines are in place to protect you by reducing the occurrence of nutrient deficiencies after surgery. Find a vitamin that follows these guidelines and meets your needs.
Bariatric Fusion offers a wide range of products specifically formulated for all bariatric patients. We continuously support the recommendations of the ASMBS guidelines to keep our customers safe and healthy post-surgery!
Shop our website and save 10% with code MBL10.
Bariatric Fusion
References: ASMBS Public/Professional Education Committee (2008). Bariatric Surgery: Postoperative Concerns.
