After Lap Band, Take your Vitamins

Bariatric surgery has proven to be a powerful tool to help you lose weight, and many who have failed with traditional weight loss attempts have found success with a weight loss surgeon in Sarasota. Lap band surgery is a common option that does not interfere with the normal digestive pathways of the body. Instead, it modifies the stomach by reducing its size. Since this does reduce the amount of food intake, it is a good idea to correct vitamin and mineral deficiencies before the procedure and absolutely necessary to supplement afterwards.

High-quality supplements are so critical to follow-up, because the lowered intake, poor food choices, and new or previously undiagnosed intolerance to certain foods will reduce micro-nutrient levels. This can cause serious health problems, and doctors have spent some time identifying the micro-nutrients most likely to be needed. Talk with your weight loss surgeon in Sarasota about the best vitamin supplements for you.

Multivitamin Supplements: In the first weeks following lap band surgery, a liquid or chewable multivitamin that contains at least 100% of two-thirds of the vitamins in it is preferred. Children’s vitamins are not recommended, because the recommended daily allowance of each nutrient for children is much lower than for adults. In case this is necessary, it is important to compare the RDA of both and match the dosage. Takings vitamins with food is suggested, but certain supplements will reduce absorption of others and should not be mixed.

Calcium and Vitamin D: Calcium should be taken separately, as it can interfere with iron uptake. Combining a calcium citrate supplement with Vitamin D will increase absorption and protect bone mineral density during weight loss.

B Vitamins: Bariatric patients are especially prone to deficiencies in B vitamins. A B complex supplement will prevent the damage this can cause, while maintaining digestive, circulatory, and nervous system health.