Why supplements matter
A vitamin a day, keeps the doctors away
Speaking in general terms, it’s simple to understand why bariatric surgery patients are thrown into a life full of daily vitamin and protein supplements: EATING LESS = LESS ABSORPTION OF ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS.
Whether you realize it or not, vitamins and protein play a significant role in the overall health of our bodies. Unfortunately, following your surgery, your food consumption is reduced, thus compromising your ability to absorb the nutrients that your body depends on. This reality is caused both by a reduced intake of food and the different stages of diet that you will go through. Certain foods you won’t be able to have during a period of time. You don’t want to add osteoporosis or night blindness as a stepping stone during your road to recovery.
A tough pill to swallow
Vitamin A, B, C, D and all the letters of the alphabet, calcium, iron, folic acid, protein, zinc….
It’s easy to take things for granted – and the natural absorption of essential nutrients is one of them. Now that your stomach has been dramatically compromised with bariatric surgery, so has your capacity to absorb vitamins and other minerals. Welcome to the daily ritual of consuming vitamin and protein supplement. Here’s a glimpse at some of the nutrients that you will need. Keep in mind that this topic should be discussed with your surgeon and nutritionist.
Can’t move on broken bones - Calcium
Common knowledge dictates that calcium is primarily responsible for strong bones and teeth. After careful research, you’ll come to realize that calcium plays a significant role in other functions of the human body such as; constriction and relaxation of blood vessels, nerve impulses transmission, muscle contraction, and the secretion of hormones like insulin. Following bariatric surgery, there is a dramatic decrease in the production of hydrochloric acid, affecting the absorption of calcium. Your daily intake of calcium will keep diseases, such as the common osteoporosis out of arms reach.
Let the sun shine in – Vitamin D
This fat-soluble vitamin is typically referred to as the “sunshine vitamin”. The body has a way of extracting vitamin D after being exposed to UV-rays from the sun. Vitamin D’s primary function is the official carrier of calcium. Any tasks related to calcium, such as boosting calcium intake, maintaining a normal count of calcium in blood cells and the overall health of bones, are part of Vitamin D’s functions. Basically, if calcium is out of commission, Vitamin D’s out of a job. See the link?
Never too much of a good thing – Vitamin B12
Ironically, the body does not require a large amount of Vitamin B12. Although, that small amount is still significantly important. Vitamin B12 is responsible for the overall health of all cells in the body. Your body also relies on Vitamin B12 during the initial process of turning carbohydrates, fats and protein into energy.
Keeping an eye out – Vitamin A
Being highly general, Vitamin A is the “big kahuna” of all essential vitamins. Between the responsibilities of healthy vision, proper bone growth, healthy reproduction and normal cell division, Vitamin A does most of all maintenance work around the body as well. This is important for the surface lining of intestinal tracts, eyes, respiratory and urinary tracts. Just when you thought the list of responsibilities could not be longer, Vitamin A also assumes “Fighter Vitamin” role. Next to the immune system, Vitamin A is next in command in fighting diseases. You’re going to need that fighter instinct during those low days.
A chain reaction - Protein
Protein has the vital task of making sure things run smoothly. From small activity, such as swinging your legs to big responsibilities like making sure oxygen is carried through in the red blood cells, you can only imagine why we stress the importance of having protein in your diet. Medically speaking, your body needs 22 amino acids in order to function properly. Eight of these amino acids are considered essential since your body can only naturally produce 14. Protein is one of those essential amino acids. When you eat food high in protein or take a protein supplement, the protein is broken down into a chain of amino acids. In return the body reuses these amino acids to create specific protein for different tasks. In the case of bariatric surgery patients, protein is needed to heal, repair and build the body back to fitness. That’s the whole point of your surgery, is it not?
The before and after reality
Obviously, your overall success is determined by what you do after. However, the success of the surgery itself can be heavily influenced by what you do before. Typically, losing weight is a recommendation before surgery. Taking supplements can promote healthy eating habits and in return, make you lose weight. As well, not only will you be helping yourself physically, but also mentally. Getting into the habit of taking supplements is your typical “practice makes perfect” scenario. Take the time to discuss important nutrients with your nutritionist. Vitamin deficiencies are avoidable but can lead, in some cases, to life threatening situations. You’re already going through enough life changes. You don’t need more.
Cheers,
Andy MacLellan
http://www.focus28wellness.com
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All my friends take vitamins maybe i will start cant hurt..Im glad i read your artical.Thanks
Comment by Joe K — August 12, 2008 @ 7:03 am
I now understand the importance of vitamins . I will begin a routine , including them in my daily life.
Comment by Nella B — August 12, 2008 @ 7:56 am
My mom always told me to take my vitamins! I am glad i listened to her .Thanks for the artical so everyone else knows how important it is to take your vitamins…
Comment by Jenn T — August 12, 2008 @ 10:40 am
since i started taking focus28 multivitamins and mineral i feel good. Along with my focus28 tools i will be on track sooner than i know.Thanx
Comment by Adriana C — August 12, 2008 @ 11:00 am
I now understand the importance of vitamins and will be sure to take them daily!
Comment by Rita W — August 12, 2008 @ 11:36 am
After i spoke to a nutritionist i knew i had to begin taking vitamins.I was so pleased to see this artical so that others begin to understand about vitamins..
Comment by Patricia A — August 13, 2008 @ 10:51 am
Foe ten years my wife has been on me every morning making sure i take those vitamins,now i see why! Thank goodness she knew what she was talking about.Now i listen to everything she tells me.Well almost everything!
Comment by Richie R — August 13, 2008 @ 11:13 am
Funny how parents make their children take those flintstone vitamins everyday but dont take a vitamin themselves.Hopefully this artical will reach a few parents so they too understand its important for them as well as children to take vitamins on a daily basis.
Comment by Megan B — August 13, 2008 @ 2:58 pm
Even if you have not had any type of bariatric surgery you should still understand the importance of vitamins and supplements.
Comment by Billy F — August 13, 2008 @ 6:00 pm
I never realized the importance of taking my vitamins. Thanks for the great article, I will now take them religiously.
Comment by Walter S. — August 14, 2008 @ 7:10 am
I am faithful with my vitamins, both before and after surgery. This article is great
Comment by Albert A. — August 14, 2008 @ 10:18 am
I didn’t take my vitamins after surgery, and I became very sick, not to mention in big trouble with my doc. I found focus 28 chewables and it made it easy for me. Now I’m faithful with them.
Comment by Zoey W. — August 14, 2008 @ 11:09 am
I have a hard time taking my vitamins, but I make sure I do.
Comment by Diane B. — August 14, 2008 @ 12:07 pm
I have always made vitamins a big part of my life as well as my families too.My wife didnt think it was to important to take vitamins until i showed her this artical now i have her in charge of our vitamin intake.
Comment by Gary U — August 20, 2008 @ 11:12 am
I am very strict on myself about taking my vitamins. I had a friend who had surgery, didn’t take his vitamins and became very sick.
Comment by David D. — August 21, 2008 @ 8:07 am
My docotor stressed the importance of vitamins after surgery. I really didn’t think it was too serious, but the more I read, the more I realize it is. I will get on track. Thanks.
Comment by Nancy A. — August 21, 2008 @ 9:49 am
By taking my supplements, it is easier for me to stay focused on my eating habits and continue to eat healthy. I love that overall healthy feeling I get.
Comment by Dolly N. — August 21, 2008 @ 11:08 am
I take my vitamins ritually and as a result of me taking them, I make sure my wife and kids take them too.
Comment by Walter M. — August 21, 2008 @ 12:25 pm
It is definately true, a vitamin a day, does indeed keep the doctor away. I learned the hard way how important my vitamins were. Don’t make the same mistake I made.
Comment by Stephen C. — August 21, 2008 @ 1:46 pm
Taking my vitamins has been a ritual for me for years!I finally convinced my daughter and son to start as well and thanks to this artical they have started the same ritual.. Thank You for posting this informative artical focus28!
Comment by Valarie S — August 22, 2008 @ 12:18 pm
It makes sense. I have my kids taking vitamins, why shouldn’t I.
Comment by Christopher J — August 26, 2008 @ 1:02 am
Thanks for the article. I take my vitamins everyday and my husband always thought I was crazy. I had him read this article and now he is as crazy as I am.
Comment by Judy M — August 26, 2008 @ 2:12 am
People don’t realize how much better you feel after taking vitamins everyday. They helped me stay focused and feel better physically.
Comment by Karen W — August 26, 2008 @ 4:53 am
I didn’t realize the importance to this extent on taking vitamins. Thanks for great info.
Comment by Stacy P — August 26, 2008 @ 12:09 pm
If people realized when they were giving their kids vitamins everyday that they should be taking them as well, I think that everyone would be a lot healthier. I take my vitamins all the time. They are essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Comment by Gloria C. — September 1, 2008 @ 10:03 am
I love Dina’s saying, it sums it all up.
Comment by Martha T. — September 1, 2008 @ 1:14 pm
A vitamin a day !! Keeps you healthy all the way!!
Comment by Dina S — September 1, 2008 @ 10:57 pm
the post is an awesome read.
Trackback by Ralph M. — September 2, 2008 @ 1:20 am
It’s a great article and hits on alot of different stuff. Vitamins are essential and they should not be overlooked.
Comment by Staci S. — September 2, 2008 @ 10:02 am
Vitamins are a healthy way of living combined with a good diet you will feel excellent!!
Comment by Cole A — September 4, 2008 @ 1:27 pm
Nowadays it doesnt even have to be a tough pill to swallow because you can purchase liquid vitamins!! So no more excuses!Take those vitamins daily!!!
Comment by Kris F — September 4, 2008 @ 5:25 pm
I love my vitamins!!!!!
Comment by Randie R — September 4, 2008 @ 5:34 pm
After surgery its very important to get the vitamins and protiens your body needs..Many vitamins out there to choose from and here at focus28 they can make that much easier!!
Comment by Caitlynn C — September 4, 2008 @ 6:19 pm
Since starting a vitamin a day plan i really feel more alive…
Comment by Gerard M — September 4, 2008 @ 7:01 pm
I have seen an improvement over the last year since i began taking a vitamin a day!
Comment by Erica D — September 5, 2008 @ 1:04 pm
iron supplements
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Trackback by iron supplements — September 8, 2008 @ 6:32 am
I havent missed a vitamin in the last 25 years and i dont intend on ever missing one for the next 25.
Comment by Ray F — September 10, 2008 @ 6:19 am
For as long as i can remember my grandma has been taking vitamins . She is 82 and looks about 52! Not only does she look good but she says she feels like a spring chicken !She swares its the vitamins.
Comment by Tonianne R — September 10, 2008 @ 7:25 am
Me i love my vitamins its good to see you guys letting people know how good they are for you and they are needed too.
Comment by Olla D — September 10, 2008 @ 8:01 am
My body has actually felt the significant change since i started taking vitamins!
Comment by Frank K — September 10, 2008 @ 8:51 am