Bariatric surgery has become more common in the treatment of obesity, and the reason is obvious…it WORKS! In people who have struggled with obesity and have tried various other weight-loss methods, bariatric surgery has been found to be a highly effective method of sustained weight loss. Techniques for this surgery are continuing to improve and though no surgery is without potential risks, these surgeries are becoming safer and less invasive.
Regardless of the type of bariatric surgery a person undergoes, be it a gastric sleeve, gastric band, or gastric bypass, all types put the patient at risk for nutritional deficiencies after surgery. Why is that? Bariatric surgery alters the chemicals in the stomach and small intestine, which may make it more difficult for the body to break down these nutrients in food and/or absorb them. This is particularly true for vitamin B12 and folic acid, which can result in anemia; calcium and vitamin D, which can result in abnormal bone metabolism; and, vitamins B1 and C.
For these reasons, it’s important to increase consumption of foods that are high in these vitamins, such as dairy products, beef, fortified cereals, and leafy green vegetables. The surgeon or one of the members of the care team typically provides a list of foods that are most effective. IV hydration therapy may also be beneficial. All of the IV drips offered at Rejuvenate MKE contain B-complex vitamins, B-12, vitamin C, magnesium and calcium. For more information on why IV hydration therapy may aide in vitamin absorption, check out our previous blog post.
Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Consult with a qualified professional for personalized recommendations and guidance based on your specific situation.
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