Nutritional Supplements after Gastric Bypass

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Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies
Most common nutrition deficiencies after gastric bypass surgery are:

• Calcium deficiency may lead to weakened and broken bones or a collapsed spine.
• Protein deficiency may lead to serious cause of ill health and temporary hair loss and skin problems
• Iron deficiency may lead to dizziness, chronic fatigue, and low blood count.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency may lead to tingling of hands and feet, nerve damage, difficulty walking or holding things, paralysis.
• Other vitamins such as B1. Multi-Vitamin Supplement  should be optimized for bariatric patients.

• Strength - strong enough so that it would provide each patient with the essential vitamins and minerals to maintain healthy lab results following surgery.
• Fast Dissolving - to provide a product in a form that would dissolve quickly, allowing for minimal waste and maximum absorption and return to the body.

• Convenience - to provide the patient with the necessary overall daily requirements; meanwhile, providing the patient with a simple system to follow.

• Fillers - The vast majority of multi-vitamins, individual supplements and protein products today whether in pill, chewable, or powder form contain at least 25% filler. Filler is a chemical product which is either put into the product to hold it together, to flavor, or to enlarge the product. Fillers prevent much of the necessary absorption bariatric patients require for health maintenance.

• Absorption - The filler will hinder the absorption of the product you’re taking. Picture an orange -- the inside being the vitamins which aid you, and the skin being the filler. You cannot get to the precious vitamins with an exterior shell preventing access to them. The same holds true for fillers. If the filler binds to the vitamins and minerals, they are not readily available for absorption.
• Harmful - The filler may be harmful to your system in either the short or long term. Allergic reactions can have an effect on many organ systems in the body including the brain, which often displays symptoms such as fatigue, memory loss, depression, anxiety, hallucinations and insomnia.
• Lab results - Your labs may suffer if you’re taking vitamins with fillers, and if you do not get your labs done on a regular basis, you may find that what you thought you were doing to keep yourself healthy is in fact doing the opposite.

• Citrate - Calcium combined with citrate (Carbon, Oxygen, Hydrogen & Water) has long been known as the top quality compound available for maximum absorption of calcium.
• Boron - Studies indicate that boron improves calcium metabolism and utilization. The main dietary sources for obtaining boron are fruits and vegetables. Natural sources of boron include black beans, spinach, tomatoes, peaches, apricots, strawberries, apples, and cantaloupe. The level of boron in each item is based on the level of boron found in the soil where they are grown. Boron has been found to have positive results in postmenopausal women in areas of prevention and reduction of osteoporosis and arthritis. It can enhance, as well as mimic the effects estrogen produces on calcium metabolism. It also assists in activating vitamin D to its most active form.
• Vitamin D - Vitamin D is best known for its ability to aid the absorption of calcium. It also exerts many anti-cancer properties, especially against breast and colon cancer.
• Form - should be quickly dissolving and contain minimum of fillers. Should dissolve within five (5) minutes of ingestion. This allows for the most opportunity for digestion, and most important absorption.

Proteins Supplements after Gastric Bypass Surgery.
Proteins help build the structure of all the tissues of the body such as hair, nails, skin, eyes, and our organs. Proteins are used to form enzymes, hormones, and various body fluids and secretions. As antibodies, they are involved in the function of the immune system.

Proteins in the diet are classified as complete or incomplete depending on whether they contain all the essential amino acids or not. Animal proteins are usually complete whereas plant proteins are often incomplete.

Most bariatric surgeons recommend that patients supplement with some type of protein until they are able to obtain recommended levels from their food sources or even as an ongoing complement.

Your body cannot store protein and must receive a fresh source everyday. For those who are not tolerating meat very well, consider trying soy products as soy is considered a complete protein even if it is not as bio available. Soy is made into all types of products such as hot dogs, bacon, sausage, cheese, milk, burgers, ground round and tofu. Most of these products come in low-fat versions. Don’t forget those beans that are a good source of protein and fiber. If you have gas problems with legumes and beans, you can put a drop of Beano on the first bite and that will usually help.

Look for products with at least 18 of the 20 amino acids, 3 grams of sugar or less, low carbohydrates, lactose free, and no added vitamins and minerals as you are already getting enough from you multivitamin/mineral supplements you are taking. Most can be mixed with water. Some products come pre- mixed and are very portable.

Keep following in mind when looking for protein supplements:

• Pre Digestion - Pre-digested means that the amino acid peptide chain has been severed. This is the first stage of digestion. Severing this step allows for faster absorption, which is essential for the Bariatric Patient.
• Quality - Most protein products provides 30 grams of protein per serving, but often includes ingredients the bariatric patient should avoid.
• Convenience - Powders require much work to prepare, thick and heavy and often including ingredients the bariatric patient should avoid. Liquid form reduces the necessity to use additional products to consume it.
• Taste - Most protein products don't taste well. Most products are adding flavors to make consuming the necessary amino acids tastier than before.