Calcium is an essential nutrient for bariatric patients. This mineral helps to support healthy bones, teeth, muscles, and nerves, as well as helping the body absorb other vitamins and minerals more efficiently. For this reason, it’s important that those who have undergone weight loss surgery understand the importance of calcium and ensure they are getting enough of it. In this article, we will discuss the reasons why calcium is essential for bariatric patients and provide guidelines on how to ensure adequate intake after weight loss surgery.
Understanding Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery involves reducing the size of the stomach and/or intestine in order to help patients with obesity or severe weight problems lose significant amounts of weight. While bariatric surgery has proven to be very helpful for many patients, it can cause nutrient deficiencies if not properly managed.
This is because the body’s ability to absorb certain vitamins and minerals is reduced after surgery. So if you are preparing to undergo bariatric surgery, choose a qualified doctor to manage your care and ensure that you are getting the proper nutrition to help maintain your health. You may also check out https://bariatricsurgeries.com/locations/guadalajara/ for more information about bariatric surgery.
Importance of Calcium for Bariatric Patients
Calcium is a mineral necessary for numerous body functions, including building and maintaining strong bones, nerve function, and blood clotting. After weight loss surgery, bariatric patients may face several challenges in maintaining proper calcium levels. Some of these challenges include:
- Decreased appetite: Since bariatric surgery reduces the size of the stomach, patients may find it difficult to eat larger meals. This means they would be getting enough calcium from their diet.
- Reduced absorption: Even if a patient is getting enough calcium in their diet, their body may not be able to absorb it as effectively due to reduced intestine length and/or malabsorption issues caused by surgery.
- Vitamin D deficiency: Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, and many bariatric patients are deficient in this vital vitamin. Without enough vitamin D to aid in absorption, calcium may not be properly assimilated into the body.
How to Ensure Adequate Calcium Intake?
Maintaining healthy calcium levels after weight loss surgery doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some tips to help bariatric patients get sufficient amounts of this essential mineral:
1. Consume Calcium-Rich Foods
Incorporate calcium-rich foods into your diet, such as dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified products. For example, yogurt or cottage cheese can be a delicious low-calorie snack loaded with calcium and protein.
2. Use Calcium Supplements
Sometimes, it’s difficult to get enough calcium from diet alone. In such cases, bariatric patients may need to rely on calcium supplements. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance on choosing the right supplement and the appropriate dosage.
3. Track Your Calcium Intake
Keeping track of your daily calcium intake will ensure you’re meeting your needs. Utilize a food diary or a smartphone app to monitor your calcium consumption and adjust your diet or supplements as necessary. And remember skipping breakfast after the surgery might not be the best approach to maintaining optimal calcium levels. So, make sure to include calcium-rich foods in your breakfast and other meals.
To Sum Up
Calcium is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in bariatric patients’ health. Though weight loss surgery can have an impact on calcium absorption, the right diet and supplementation plan can help ensure adequate intake of this vital mineral. Follow the simple tips outlined in this article to maintain healthy levels of calcium after your bariatric procedure. With the right approach, you can ensure your body is getting enough calcium to support optimal health and well-being.