Avoiding Nutritional Deficiencies After Weight Loss Surgery

After weight loss surgery you are going to need to adjust your diet. In the first weeks following your surgery, you will need to restrict yourself first to liquids, then to small servings of easy to digest food, allowing your body time to adjust to the changes the procedure created. You will need to carefully plan your meals to make sure that you get a well-balanced diet during this time.

One of the most common nutritional deficiencies after weight loss surgery is protein. You will need at least 60 to 80 grams of protein each day to help your body heal and also to maintain lean muscle mass on your body. Doctors suggest that you eat your protein foods first to make sure you are getting enough. Lean fish, protein shakes and skinless chicken that has been cooked soft and cut into small pieces are all good protein choices after bariatric surgery.

People who have had weight loss surgery also need to guard against vitamin deficiencies. Your body will be less able to process fat soluble vitamins like vitamins K, D, A and E. Taking a high quality multivitamin each day can help you to avoid vitamin deficiencies. If you are showing low levels of particular vitamins, your doctor may also recommend other supplements, as well.

Mineral deficiencies are also a risk after bariatric surgery. Calcium, zinc and iron are three minerals you may not be able to absorb as well after surgery as you did prior to the procedure. Taking vitamin D and calcium together helps your body to absorb these nutrients better. Make sure that your multivitamin provides iron and zinc. You may also need to take a separate iron supplement to make sure that you are getting enough of this important nutrient. Most pharmacies in the Tampa and Lakeland area should have a variety of supplements to help ensure that your needs for these nutrients are met.