Importance of Micronutrients post-Bariatric Surgery -

Bariatric surgery also called as weight loss surgery works by altering the position of the stomach and small intestine. It is the most effective on-going treatment for obesity and its associated metabolic complications. It is done when diet and exercise haven’t worked or when you have serious health problems because of your weight. Anyone above BMI 40 qualifies for this surgery.

How Nutrition helps post Bariatric surgery?

Micronutrients play an important role in managing both pre and post Bariatric surgery.

In pre-operative patient’s micronutrient deficiencies are commonly seen although they exceed the calorie intake than the recommended amount. Regardless of high calorie intake the micronutrient deficiencies may be present due to the poor quality of diet and poor lifestyle habits.

In post-operative patients the nutritional demand of the body is high due to the modifications in the stomach. A well balanced diet with sufficient amount of macronutrients and micronutrients as per the requirements of the patient is adequate to maintain the post-operative phase. If the patient’s nutritional requirements are not met through the diet prescribed then additional supplements are recommended so that the patient is not deprived of any essential nutrients.

Micronutrients in Bariatric surgery -

Vitamins and minerals are essentially needed by our body to develop and function normally. In Bariatric surgery generally our focus is on certain important micronutrients. Vitamins such as Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K which are fat soluble vitamins. Other water soluble vitamins like Vitamin B12, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B9, are also closely monitored. Minerals such as Iron and Zinc are essential monitored.

Importance of Vitamins in Bariatric surgery-

Vitamins are classified into fat soluble and water soluble.

Fat soluble vitamins like Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K are vital as fat malabsorption could be a concern for some patients after the bariatric surgery

Vitamin A is a potent antioxidant and fights against the recurrent infections and improves the immunity. It improves ophthalmologic complications such as night blindness or ocular xerosis and it is also a strong antioxidant and hence fights the free radicals present in the body
Vitamin K helps to maintain clotting factor levels and therefore it is essential for post bariatric patients.
Vitamin D regulates bone mineralization, inhibition of vascular calcification, and regulation of numerous enzyme systems
Vitamin E

Water-soluble vitamins like Vitamin B12, Vitamin B9, Vitamin B1

Vitamin B12 when reduced affects the production of intrinsic factor by a limited number of parietal cells with consequent decrease in cobalamin-intrinsic factor complex formation and absorption.
Vitamin B9 may be reduced because the of the absorption site which may get affected post surgery

Role of Minerals in Bariatric surgery -

Zinc: It is needed for enzymatic metabolic processes. Helps in improving the absorption of fluids from the intestine, helping with the clearance of organisms, and supporting regeneration and mucosal integrity. It is likely to have an immunity-related mechanism. Food like meat, fish, cereals, and almonds should be consumed to overcome the same.
Iron: There might be issues with iron absorption, hence iron-rich food or supplements are required.

Patients generally have questions like, will there be hair loss post Bariatric surgery?

It cannot be emphasized enough that vitamins and minerals are vital to overall health.

Few patients might face hair fall problems after surgery, however, micronutrients cover up for the same. Vitamins like Vitamin C, and Vitamin D. Minerals like Zinc and Iron are helpful.

We at Aastha Healthcare make sure that you lead a healthy life post-surgery. Our team of Nutritionists ensures that the right diet and right workout regimen are given for long-term goals.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Manish Motwani, Bariatric & Metabolic Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgeon — Written by Ruchika Bachwani