As noted in a prior post, I had once experienced a dramatic depletion of energy after my StomaphyX surgery. After a period of exploration to discover what the cause might be, I was directed by a bariatric surgeon to begin taking vitamin B12.
At an earlier consultation with my Endocrinologist (a diabetes specialist), Vitamin D had been recommended to increase energy. This was because my blood work showed that I was Vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D deficiency is a condition that is common after gastric bypass. Reports have identified deficiency of Vitamin D in bariatric patients to be as high as eighty-four percent.
Supplements After Gastric Bypass Surgery
The need for vitamin and mineral supplements following weight-loss surgery has been well-documented. Bariatric surgeries change the body's capacity to absorb vitamins, minerals and nutrients because the amount of food that is eaten will be less. Supplements are necessary to address gastric bypass vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
While there are a number of recommended bariatric supplements, the focus of this post will be on three supplements that increase energy: vitamin B12, vitamin D, and ribose.
Sublingual Vitamin B12 After Gastric Bypass
Vitamin B12 for gastric bypass patients will be discussed only briefly in this post. For additional information please refer to my sharepost, "Gastric Bypass Patients Must Take Sublingual Vit. B12 Everyday for Energy." Vitamin B12 helps with blood cell formation and nerve function. Gastric bypass patients should take Vitamin B12 sublingually every day.
Vitamin D After Gastric Bypass
Most of the population is vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D deficiency is even more prevalent under the following conditions: colder climates, during months when there is less light, and among people who work indoors. This is because vitamin D is a product of sunlight. It is formed in the skin due to an action of ultraviolet light. Dietary sources are fatty fish, liver, eggs, and fortified foods.
Vitamin D also is needed for absorption of calcium and to maintain serum calcium to preserve bone mineralization. Calcium and vitamin D are critical for the promotion of bone growth as well as maintenance of the bones.
The health benefits of vitamin D include prevention of cancer, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and diabetes.
Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency are muscle pain, bone fractures, fatigue, low immunity, depression, and problems sleeping. The highest level of vitamin D available in a bariatric supplement protocol is 1600 IU.
Ribose After Gastric Bypass
I found ribose useful to address my tiredness after gastric bypass. However opinions of ribose are divided between those who endorse it and those who do not.
Ribose is a kind of sugar that is produced slowly in the body and is not found in food at all. Many people who have low energy have difficulty producing and maintaining ribose because ribose is metabolized differently than regular sugar. It is not clear if metabolizing ribose is effected further by gastric bypass surgery.
