Vitamins

Vitamins can be generalized as a group of organic substances, present in minute amounts in natural foodstuffs, that are essential to normal metabolism however when insufficient amounts are present in the diet then a person may develop deficiency diseases

Vitamins are organic compounds made use of by the human body for a large number of biochemical functions such as functioning as antioxidants, cofactor bio-molecules, hormones, etc. Vitamins by necessity have to be obtained through diet as they cannot be synthesized in sufficient quantities by the body. Vitamins are classified by their biological and chemical activity, not their structure. There are two classes of vitamins, water soluble and fat soluble.

Long-Term Diet Suggestions

Your bariatric procedure is permanent. You typically only have one chance at success and you need to concentrate on losing as much weight as possible and then fighting to maintain that weight-loss. Because of the nature of the surgery, you must focus on lifestyle changes.

Healthy choices will help you for the rest of your life.

Calcium

Low calcium intake is considered a contributing factor to obesity and associated co-morbidities such as hypertension. Insulin Resistance Syndrome has been hypothesized to develop as a result of low calcium intake. A healthy calcium intake facilitates the excretion of fecal fat and may help increase core body temperature.

Nutritional Concerns after Bariatric Surgery

New behaviors take time to learn. The first few months after your operation represent a sensitive time both psychologically and physiologically. Depending on your operation, it is very important to allow any connections between the stomach and the intestine to heal. The first few months post-op are also complicated by problems with judging adequate hydration. You must be cognizant and careful that obesity and over-eating may be signs of an addiction behavior.

Vitamin Supplements and Medications

We strongly encourage a healthy balance diet after bariatric surgery. Even with a balanced diet, it is difficult to consume enough variety to ensure that you are meeting all of the recommended amounts of each vitamin regularly.

Solid Foods after Bariatric Surgery

Like the other phases of the post-bariatric surgery diet, the exact timing of Phase III of your diet will vary. Phase III of your diet typically starts at the beginning of week 5 and continues for the rest of your life. The goal is to choose healthy, balanced meals and make lifestyle changes to become the new healthy you. You should continue to follow your previous routine that you used for previous diet phases for meal times and vitamin supplementation.

What can I do to prepare for surgery?

Bariatric surgery is like other major abdominal surgery. You can best prepare by knowing the benefits and risks of surgery, and by closely following your doctor's instructions.

– Understand the surgical process and what to expect afterward.
– Keep in mind that you’ll never be able to eat the way you did before, and that you’ll have to watch what and how you eat for the rest of your life.
– Talk to people who have had bariatric surgery.
– Write down your reasons for having bariatric surgery and outline your plans to maintain your weight loss after surgery.
– Practice the post-op diet

What are the possible side effects of bariatric surgery?

There are multiple side effects that can occur after laparoscopic gastric bypass or laparoscopic gastric sleeve.

Side effects include:
– Vomiting
– Dumping syndrome
– Nutritional deficiencies
– Gallstones
– Need to avoid pregnancy temporarily
– Nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, excessive sweating, increased gas, and dizziness

This is just a short list. Please speak with your surgeon regarding possibilities relating to your specific comorbidities.

What is the biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS)?

BPD/DS is a combination restrictive and malabsorptive procedure that reduces the size of the stomach by 70%. The pouch is still a bit larger than with other procedures that use restriction. By connecting the pouch to the lower part of the small intestine, absorption of calories and nutrients is greatly reduced.

What type of post op support do you have?

We have weekly support groups in both English and Spanish. Please call the office to check which is scheduled.

Detailed question

There are a multitude of questions that people have regarding support after the operation. We have moved away from large support groups to smaller groups.

What type of post op support do you have?

The group meetings that you attended prior to surgery are available to all patients post surgery. We encourage you to remain part of the bariatric patient community. It is a good idea to come and ask questions and network with other patients. As you lose weight and gain confidence and enthusiasm it is important to remember that the surgery is not a cure for obesity. Attending group meeting will remind you that weight gain is a possibility and weight maintenance is hard work. If you have specific food related questions and already a patient of Dr. Belsley that please feel free to reach out to