While weight loss surgery can and does change lives for the better, it requires lifelong lifestyle changes. This includes taking supplements of important vitamins and nutrients to stave off deficiencies that can be caused by the surgery.
Some bariatric surgeries — such as gastric bypass, biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) and duodenal switch (BPDDS) — work by malabsorption, meaning that the body blocks the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals. This can result in serious nutritional shortfalls. Other restrictive procedures — such as Lap Band — also may cause nutritional shortfalls because people can no longer eat certain types of food and must restrict the volume of those foods that they can tolerate.
Nutritional needs vary based on the individual as well as the type of surgery, but here's a primer on your post-bariatric surgery nutritional needs.
Multivitamins
Most bariatric surgeons will suggest a daily multivitamin after weight loss surgery. However, multivitamins alone may not meet your specific nutritional needs. Talk to your doctor to see if you have to supplement your supplement.
Tip: Chewable and liquid multivitamins are the most easily absorbed, and are recommended after all bariatric surgery procedures. They are also less likely to cause heartburn and ulcers after gastric banding and gastric bypass surgery.
Protein
You must consume sufficient amounts of protein after bariatric surgery. Protein speeds wound healing, preserves lean body mass and enhances fat-burning. Most registered dieticians (RDs) recommend eating high protein foods first to avoid becoming too full, too fast, and not having room later on. Most people need to eat approximately four ounces (or more) of protein each day. Specific recommendations vary. Talk to your doctor or an RD.
Iron
Anemia is common in the months and years following weight loss surgery. Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia after bariatric surgery. This risk is heightened after gastric bypass and other malabsorptive surgeries in women who are still menstruating, and in the super-obese (body mass index of 50 or above). Some people may need more than what is found in their multivitamin.
Vitamin B12
Most multivitamins do not contain adequate levels of B12. Some surgeons may suggest (and offer) monthly vitamin B12 shots. Others may recommend 500 micrograms of B12 taken under the tongue (sublingually) daily. These are readily available at many drug stores. Regardless of the form, vitamin B12 may help boost your metabolism, and enhance your weight loss efforts as you begin your life after bariatric surgery.
Folate
Folate or folic acid is another B-vitamin. Folic acid is known to prevent neural tube defects in pregnant women. It also prevents anemia, certain cancers and heart disease. Your multivitamin should contain 400 to 800 micrograms of folate. Ask your doctor if you need more. Foods that are rich in folic acid include leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, berries and melon, dried beans, peas and nuts. Enriched breads, cereals and other fortified grain products also contain folic acid.
Calcium
Calcium is important for bone health. After weight loss surgery, you may be at risk for the brittle bone disease osteoporosis and related fractures. This is a direct result of the nature of the surgeries. To compensate, most surgeons recommend a diet rich in calcium, combined with 1,200 to 1,500 milligrams of calcium supplements, split into two doses and taken twice daily. Older women may require more calcium.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D aids the absorption of calcium, which is needed to build strong bones after weight loss surgery. It is known as the sunshine vitamin because the human body produces it only when exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D also is added to multivitamins and milk.
Vitamin D deficiency is linked to a host of chronic diseases, including certain cancers, heart disease, osteoporosis, stroke, diabetes, immune system problems and inflammatory diseases. What's more, obesity increases risk of Vitamin D deficiency.
Recommendations for vitamin D supplements are tiered based on blood levels. Most surgeons recommend supplementation starting at 2,000 international units per day. Get tested to see where you stand.
Additional supplements to consider:
People with heart disease can consider Coenzyme Q10
People with joint pain can consider glucosamine
Antioxidant juices like pomegranate, goji, blueberry, acai, etc...
Fish Oil for mood and heart health
Nutrition Month
Showing posts with label obesity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label obesity. Show all posts
Friday, June 17, 2011
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Glucose control during pregnancy with chromium
Chromium is necessary for your body to use sugar correctly as well as for the breaking down of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. If you’re unable to get enough chromium from the foods that you eat, or if your body needs more chromium, supplements are the ideal choice. If your body is deficient in chromium you may experience nerve problems or be at risk for Type 2 diabetes.
Chromium is involved in glucose metabolism and is the major mineral needed for insulin production. Chromium is beneficial for both high and low blood sugar problems.
"Chromium works with insulin to drive sugar from your blood into the tissues of your body for use or storage. This mineral is so important in sugar tolerance that severe deficiencies of it cause a diabetes-like illness to develop" Eades, Mary Dan, The Doctor's Complete Guide to Vitamins and Minerals, 1994, The Philip Lief Group, Inc.
Chromium GTF (glucose tolerance factor) is a very easily absorbed form of chromium, naturally derived from yeast in the safe trivalent form. GTF chromium is naturally bound to glycine, glutamic acid, cysteine and niacin. In contrast, industrial chromium is in a hexavalent form and can be toxic.
Benefits
Balances blood glucose levels
Helps to curb sugar cravings
May aid in the maintenance of healthy weight
In order to stay in good health it’s vital that you eat a diet that is balanced. If your body is lacking in certain vitamins and minerals talk to your doctor about
(1) which foods you should add to your diet to get more of these vitamins and minerals, and
(2) which supplements can be of benefit to you.
Chromium can be found in variety of foods such as wheat germ, cheese, brewer’s yeast, and grape juice. The RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) for chromium will vary depending on your age, health, and body size. Pregnant or lactating women will require more chromium. In the US chromium supplements are generally found as chromium picolinate or chromium gtf. There have been conflicting reports regarding chromium picolinate during pregnancy, so I have included only links to chromium gtf.
The upper limit for the RDA for pregnant women taking chromium per day is 200 micrograms.
Before taking any supplement that is purchased over the counter make sure that you read the instructions and carefully follow the directions. Take note of any precautions that are listed. If you have allergies talk to your doctor about chromium.
Chromium is involved in glucose metabolism and is the major mineral needed for insulin production. Chromium is beneficial for both high and low blood sugar problems.
"Chromium works with insulin to drive sugar from your blood into the tissues of your body for use or storage. This mineral is so important in sugar tolerance that severe deficiencies of it cause a diabetes-like illness to develop" Eades, Mary Dan, The Doctor's Complete Guide to Vitamins and Minerals, 1994, The Philip Lief Group, Inc.
Chromium GTF (glucose tolerance factor) is a very easily absorbed form of chromium, naturally derived from yeast in the safe trivalent form. GTF chromium is naturally bound to glycine, glutamic acid, cysteine and niacin. In contrast, industrial chromium is in a hexavalent form and can be toxic.
Benefits
Balances blood glucose levels
Helps to curb sugar cravings
May aid in the maintenance of healthy weight
In order to stay in good health it’s vital that you eat a diet that is balanced. If your body is lacking in certain vitamins and minerals talk to your doctor about
(1) which foods you should add to your diet to get more of these vitamins and minerals, and
(2) which supplements can be of benefit to you.
Chromium can be found in variety of foods such as wheat germ, cheese, brewer’s yeast, and grape juice. The RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) for chromium will vary depending on your age, health, and body size. Pregnant or lactating women will require more chromium. In the US chromium supplements are generally found as chromium picolinate or chromium gtf. There have been conflicting reports regarding chromium picolinate during pregnancy, so I have included only links to chromium gtf.
The upper limit for the RDA for pregnant women taking chromium per day is 200 micrograms.
Before taking any supplement that is purchased over the counter make sure that you read the instructions and carefully follow the directions. Take note of any precautions that are listed. If you have allergies talk to your doctor about chromium.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)