People who undergo bariatric surgery, a medical procedure that leaves the body with either a limited ability to digest food or the need to eat much less food, may have a higher likelihood of developing a vitamin deficiency. As a result, bariatric vitamins are typically prescribed to people both prior to and after surgery. The purpose of bariatric vitamins is to prevent illnesses related to the reduction in the amount and the kind of nutrients that the person’s body is able to easily absorb.
Typically, bariatric vitamins are made specifically for people who have had bariatric surgery. They usually come in a variety of forms, such as chewable tablets, liquids or capsules. Generally, people are encouraged to use the chewable or liquid forms of the vitamins for the first few months after surgery. This is because they are easier to absorb than solid capsule bariatric vitamins. Once the person begins to eat solid foods, then many bariatric surgeons will encourage their patients to use solid capsule vitamins.
There are many different brands of bariatric vitamins, and they come in a variety of flavors, such as orange, lemon, cherry, watermelon, and even chocolate. These specialized vitamins are important because bariatric patients have a higher risk of becoming deficient in certain vitamins and minerals over others. For example, vitamins B12, D, A, and K are rarely absorbed well for many bariatric patients. In addition, calcium and iron are also lacking. As a result, many patients are encouraged to take a complete multivitamin, but they are also encouraged to take supplements of calcium, iron, and vitamins B12, D, A, and K.
Generally, a full medical history is taken on a patient before she undergoes bariatric surgery. Usually, blood work is taken prior to surgery as well. The blood work and medical history are used to help the doctors learn of any deficiencies that exist before surgery. As soon as a doctor recommends bariatric vitamins, the patient should take them. They will make the patient stronger for the surgery and will prepare her for life after surgery. Most patients take a daily regimen of bariatric vitamins for the rest of their lives after they have had bariatric surgery.
While some bariatric vitamins may be expensive, it is important to purchase only vitamins of the highest quality. In most cases, they should be free from fillers and sugars. It is also best to find vitamins that do not list artificial colors and flavors as ingredients.
