Gastric bypass implies a reduction in the size of the stomach to reduce weight. This will also lead to reduction in the absorption of essential minerals and vitamins.
These will have to be supplemented in the form of liquids or chewable. Any reduction in their intake will cause serious deficiencies in the nutritional requirements of different systems in the body.
Liquid Vitamin
Some of the vitamins and minerals that need to be supplemented after gastric bypass include:
• Vitamin B-1: This can be consumed in the pill form. This is essential for good health of the heart, nervous and digestive systems.
• Vitamin C: This vitamin assists in absorption of iron in the body post gastric bypass. This is necessary for processes in the cells, improving immunity and healing of wounds.
• Vitamin B-12: With the removal of the duodenum, this vitamin can not get absorbed in the body. Supplements in the form of pills or injections can be taken.
• Iron: With the removal of the duodenum, iron does not get absorbed in the body. Supplements are essential to avoid anemia.
• Calcium: The intake of this mineral should be about 1000mg in a day in order to avoid osteoporosis.
Certain vitamins assist in better absorption of other vitamins in the body. Some cautions to be borne in mind for intake of supplements post gastric bypass are:
• Do not consume vitamin supplements with milk or its products since this will interfere in absorption of iron.
• Do not consume calcium along with other vitamin supplements.
• Maintain a 2 hour gap between consumption of iron and calcium supplements or dairy products.