What role do vitamins play in bariatric surgery?

General immune health and support are top of mind for many of us.  As you know, following bariatric surgery there are several recommendations for micro-nutrient supplementation in order to help prevent nutrient deficiencies.  Here is a quick review of various nutrients and their impact on our immune health.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, an antioxidant, has long been studied for its impact on our health and well-being and is vital to help white blood cells fight off invaders and regular intake has been shown to promote health.

  • There are no current established post-bariatric surgery guidelines for the amount of vitamin C you should take. Be sure that your multivitamin provides you with at least 100% of the daily value.

Vitamin D

While traditionally thought of for its role in bone health, vitamin D is a powerful nutrient that serves many functions within the body—including support of the immune system.  Having a deficiency of vitamin D can negatively impact immune function.

Many bariatric surgery patients are deficient in vitamin D both before and after surgery.  Be sure you are getting your labs checked at least one time a year after surgery so that your doctor can guide you on the proper dose.

  • After bariatric surgery, it is recommended that you take at least 75 mcg (3,000 IU) per day of vitamin D until your blood levels of vitamin D reach >30ng/mL. Some patients need even more than this amount each day in order to reach a normal vitamin D level in their blood.

Vitamin A

Studies continue to show that many patients are deficient in vitamin A after bariatric surgery, and this fat-soluble vitamin is necessary to support the body’s ability to have a strong immune response.

  • The range of vitamin A that is recommended after surgery is between 5,000-10,000 IU each day depending on which procedure you had.

Zinc

This mineral plays a key role in boosting our immune systems.  Widely available as a supplement, it can be an important player in supporting immune health.

After bariatric surgery it is recommended that you consume between 8-22 mg of zinc each day depending on your gender and surgical procedure.

Selenium

This trace mineral is also a key nutrient for immune function, and it acts as an antioxidant, which helps the body defend against challenges.

There are no established guidelines for the post-bariatric patient for selenium intake, just that your multivitamin “contains” selenium.

Probiotics

Probiotics not only support gut health, but studies have shown that depending on the probiotic strain they can influence the immune system.  Certain strains have been found to increase immune response, especially in children.

  • There are no established guidelines for the post-bariatric patient for supplemental probiotic intake; speak with your health care provider for guidance on selecting a probiotic that best supports your needs.

Keeping the immune system strong and responsive is important to maintain health.  Bariatric surgery patients have additional challenges in maintaining an adequate intake of these nutrients and often require larger amounts due to reduced absorption.  Taking your supplements can help you stay on a healthy path.

 

Article provided by https://www.bariatricadvantage.com/

 

Happy National Doctors’ Day!

We are grateful for Dr. Dyslin and his amazing leadership. Thank you for providing the best care to our patients and community!

 

Announcing Virtual Visits – COVID-19

At Trinity Bariatric Institute, our priority has always been the health and safety and overall well-being of our patients.  We want to keep you updated with the most recent information regarding COVID-19.

This week Governor Abbott has asked the medical community to postpone all elective medical procedures and surgeries.  This includes any surgeries that are not immediately necessary or life-saving.  If you are currently scheduled for Bariatric Surgery, Reflux Surgery or The Obalon Balloon Procedure, a member of our staff will be in contact with you to discuss your options.  All insurance approvals for Bariatric Surgery will be honored in the future if we are forced to reschedule your surgery.

If you are considering weight loss surgery or have a new patient appointment already scheduled with us, do not let this temporary mandate deter you from your goals.  The insurance approval process typically takes 3-6 months and sometimes up to 12 months.  We are still conducting new patient consultations.  We also offer psychological and dietitian visits via telehealth.  We are excited to now offer virtual appointments with Dr. Dyslin.  These convenient virtual visits will be available for new patients, follow up patients, and post up patients unless you need a weight check or wound care/staple removal.

This situation is changing at a rapid pace so this information may change in the coming weeks.  We will keep our patients updated as we get new information.  We at Trinity Bariatric Institute are committed to your health and safety.  We will continue to go above and beyond the standards put in place by the CDC for your safety.

We are increasing the frequency of our normal sterilization’s procedures of each room before and after every patient.  We are taking steps to ensure that the waiting room, bathroom and door handles are sterilized multiple times a day.

We are working hard to prevent the spread of sickness by pre-screening every patient before they come in.  Any patients with upper respiratory illness are being rescheduled to a later date.

Our staff is screened daily to make sure they do not have symptoms or have recently traveled.

We are practicing social distancing by limiting the seating in our waiting room to 2-4 people at all times, 6 feet or more away from each other.  Please call our office when you arrive for your appointment, before entering the building.  The receptionist will notify you when it is safe to enter for your visit.  This is to avoid crowding in our waiting room.  We are limiting visitors to our clinic at this time.  Please do not bring anyone to your visit including children, spouse or family.  All visitors will be asked to sit in the car to wait on you.  If you have children, need translation or walking assistance please request a virtual visit.  This is a convenient way for you to stay home and still have a face to face visit with Dr. Dyslin.

We look forward to seeing you, please call us with any questions you may have.  817-832-7227

We will continue to care for our community and offer life changing weight loss surgeries, as well as post-operative care.

Sincerely,

David Dyslin, MD, FACS, FASMBS

Trinity Bariatric Institute