Just as processed and packaged foods increasingly contain many additional components not related to the food itself such as preservatives and dyes, many vitamins are also packed with unnecessary compounds. The results are supplements that are being pitched as beneficial for human health, when in fact they may mislead consumers and contribute to malabsorption. The arena of weight loss surgery has brought this issue into a pretty clear light. Because bariatric patients who choose these surgeries become sensitive to impure foods and supplements, they are a great example of the need to seek out a quality vitamin.
What is a Quality Bariatric Vitamin?
Vitamins Chewable
No Fillers - When we think of the typical vitamin we think of a convenient little packet of nutrition pressed into a pretty little pill. We don't often think about all the stuff that accompanies the beneficial nutrients, like fillers and binders that can actually impede the absorption process. For bariatric patients especially, it is critical to seek out a nutritional supplement that doesn't use binders and fillers as ingredients. Absorption is the key, so look for bariatric vitamins that dissolve easily. Thankfully, there are now companies that have acknowledged this issue and provide a quality product.
No Sweeteners or Colors - In addition to absorption, a vitamin shouldn't contain calorie loaded sugars or coloring. The bariatric diet is very strict about omitting all undesirable sweeteners, so stay clear of those children's chewable vitamins that are brightly colored and sugary sweet. They will do more harm than good.
How to Avoid Malabsorption on the Bariatric Surgery Diet
A bariatric specific supplement is an integral part of successful and prolonged weight loss for the gastric bypass or gastric binding patient. Malabsorption from a lacking vitamin can actually cause a variety of unwanted health issues, such as anemia. Remember to chew food very thoroughly on the post surgery diet as well as space out meals and snacks throughout the day. This will also benefit the entire digestion process and will help to avoid any complications.
Reaping the Rewards of the Weight Loss Surgery Diet
It may not be the most fun thing in the world to carefully watch and meter out food on this diet, but remember, you will be losing many, many pounds of unwanted fat and the comorbidities that accompany it if you pay attention. After all, isn't that the ultimate goal of all of this? Stick to the basics, study healthy foods, space out meals and snacks, chew your food well, and stick to bariatric supplements that will be easily absorbed by the body.