The question of which, if any vitamin supplements to take following a successful laparoscopic band surgery is one that comes up fairly often and one that could potentially have more than one answer.
Lap Band surgery is different from any other type of weight loss surgery, with procedures like gastric bypass surgery the digestive system is totally disrupted and absorption of nutrients may be effected, or practically inhibited, making it a necessity to use vitamin supplements. Lap band surgery doesn’t directly affect the absorption of vitamins and minerals, so the necessity of taking supplements may depend on the individual patient’s situation or the advice of a dietician or nutritionist.
How Lap Band Works
During the process of the lap band procedure an adjustable band is placed around the upper portion of the stomach. Depending upon the individual patient’s reaction both immediately following the procedure, and in the days to come, saline can be injected or removed to loosen or tighten the band as necessary for comfort. The band decreases the area of the stomach being used for digestion, requiring the patient to consume less food in order to be full – as a patient of the lap band procedure you will be eating less food so your dietician may feel it necessary for you to supplement your food in order to be eating a fully balanced diet.
The First Weeks
In the time immediately following the procedure, up through the first three to four weeks of recovery it’s necessary for the patient to consume mainly fluids and pureed foods as the band begins to heal. If a nutritionist or dietician deems it necessary for a recovering patient to supplement their diet during this time, the supplement will have to be in either liquid or chewable form because a full size pill could cause vomiting due to the smaller opening entering the stomach.
Many precautionary measures must be taken during the first month with food as the patient recovers. As solid foods are reintroduced back into the diet the portions must remain very small and be chewed thoroughly as the stomach adjusts and even after solids are back in place a full size pill could still cause some problems.
After the First Month
Once four weeks of recovery have passed by with no problems to speak of, the portions can begin to get slightly larger and it becomes safe for the patient to swallow a regular size pill without having any concern, though by this time a dietician may have a nutritional plan completely in place that may not require the patient to use any form of supplementation.
Among some of the common vitamin supplements suggested are a regular multi vitamin and a simple calcium supplement with vitamin D. Both of these supplements are easily found at any pharmacy or health food store in both chewable and liquid form for a patient in the beginning stages of recovery, and if a dietician or nutritionist feels it necessary to continue supplementation beyond the first month the patient can choose to continue with the liquid or chewable or opt for the traditional pill form of either supplement.
Many clinics that perform Laparoscopic band procedures have nutritional experts on hand and at their patients’ disposal to create a healthy diet plan in order for the patient to be able to successfully transition into a healthier lifestyle. These professionals are there to answer whatever questions you may have regarding your diet and will be able to readily direct you to the right form of supplementation for you, should you need any.
It’s best to take full advantage of the services provided to by these professionals because they will have been in contact with the doctor that performed your procedure and will have full knowledge as to your level of recovery and your specific nutritional needs as you progress through to a full recovery.
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