The rising obesity and associated health risks have resulted in more people opting for bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery is a weight-loss surgery that helps reduce the size of the stomach or change how the small intestine and stomach process food.
Taking vitamins after bariatric surgery is essential as it alters how your body absorbs nutrients from food.
Read more: Which Vitamins Should You Take After Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric vitamins differ from regular ones as they have a higher concentration of nutrients, such as iron, calcium, and folic acid. If you don’t take bariatric vitamins after surgery, you may be at risk for essential vitamins and mineral deficiencies.
Medical Conditions Due to Lack of Vitamins After Bariatric Surgery
1. Iron-Deficiency Anemia
Anemia is a common side effect of surgery and can be exacerbated by not taking vitamins. Iron is essential for producing hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in your blood. Without enough iron, you can develop anemia, which can cause fatigue, weakness, and pale skin.
Post weight loss surgeries, your risk of developing anemia increases due to your smaller stomach size and decreased ability to absorb nutrients. For this reason, it’s essential to ensure you get enough iron through diet and supplements.
If you don’t take vitamins with iron, you may need more blood transfusions or require medication to treat your anemia.
2. Vitamin B12 Deficiency
One of the worst consequences of not taking your vitamins after bariatric surgery is developing a vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is essential for the proper function of your nervous system and red blood cells.
A vitamin B12 deficiency can cause fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss, anemia, and nerve problems. A severe deficiency can even lead to hallucinations and psychosis.
Vitamin B12 is found naturally in animal products like meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy. If you don’t eat these foods regularly, you’re at risk for a deficiency.
3. Calcium Deficiency
Calcium is one of the essential minerals for our bodies. It helps build and maintain strong bones and teeth and plays a role in muscle contraction, blood clotting, and nerve function.
If you don’t get enough calcium after bariatric surgery, you may risk developing osteoporosis (a condition where the bones become thin and weak).
You may also be at risk for calcium deficiency if you don’t take a multivitamin with vitamin D. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium.
4. Protein Malnutrition
You risk protein malnutrition when you ignore your protein intake and don’t meet your daily protein goals. This serious complication can lead to muscle wasting, weak bones, hair loss, and other problems.
To avoid protein malnutrition, ensure you’re eating enough high-quality protein daily. Good protein sources include lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, beans, nuts, and seeds.
If you’re not getting enough protein from food alone, you may need to supplement with a protein powder. Talk to your dietitian or doctor to find a suitable protein powder.
5. Thiamine Deficiency
Vitamins B-12 and B-13 are essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. They also help to form red blood cells and keep the nervous system functioning properly. A lack of these vitamins can lead to anemia, fatigue, and neurological problems.
Thiamine deficiency is the most common vitamin deficiency in people who have undergone bariatric surgery. This is because the surgery can cause changes in the way the digestive system absorbs nutrients.
Symptoms of thiamine deficiency include fatigue, muscle weakness, and nervous system problems such as irritability, depression, and memory loss. If you want to choose bariatric surgery in Mexico,call Dr. Jalil. He is a Board Certified Surgeon who has performed many successful bariatric procedures.
