After undergoing surgery, it’s important that you keep on top of your nutrition. This is because post-surgery, as explained by our GP, your body absorbs vitamins differently. This is a larger issue with a gastric bypass than a gastric sleeve, but it’s still an issue. James, for instance, has iron deficiency anaemia due to his new iron deficiency. Let’s break it down to make sure that you get what you need.
Iron
You may not be absorbing iron from food that well after your surgery, so really load up on the iron-rich foods, mainly the meats. These are excellent sources, especially beef, pork, and chicken.
Beans and Lentils: Add them to soups, stews, or salads. And if you don’t like the taste of spinach or other leafy greens, hide them in smoothies or stir-fries.
If you’re not getting enough iron in your diet, your doctor may recommend a supplement. Keeping up your iron level can help lower your risk for fatigue and weakness.
Calcium
Calcium is integral for healthy bones, especially post-surgery. Here’s how to make sure you get enough:
Dairy: Good old milk, cheese, and yoghurt.
Leafy Greens: Kale and broccoli slip easily into placating recipes or stir-fries.
Plant Milks: Fortified options, like almond or soy milk, work really well if you’re dairy-free.
If your diet lacks calcium, you may need a supplement. Your doctor will be able to tell you how much you need.
Vitamin B12
B12 is needed for your nerves, and it plays a major role in making your DNA. Since your surgery, your body might not be able to absorb it very well. Here’s what you can do:
Foods Rich in B12: Eat plenty of meat, fish, and dairy.
Supplements: If your levels are too low, your doctor may prescribe B12 pills or even shots.
Follow-up Appointments
Monitoring what you eat isn’t the only thing that requires follow-up appointments. In fact, follow-up visits to the doctor are extremely important as well. They will continue monitoring your levels of each nutrient and dosing as such.
Blood Tests: These will detect any deficiencies before they become too problematic.
How to Monitor Yourself
Log the food you consume to make sure that you are hitting your macronutrient and calorie targets.
Meal prep will be much easier with meal planning and packing nutrient-dense food.
Drink lots of fluids, especially if you are supplementing. We have many more tips on other pages about vitamins and supplements.
Eating well and supplementing wisely will help you feel your best after surgery. Take care and stay healthy!