The Importance of Calcium After Weight Loss Surgery

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Posted on Thursday July 25, 2024 | Post Weight Loss Surgery, Weight Loss

Having weight loss surgery provides a great way for you to finally shed unwanted pounds once and for all, helping your health and life thrive. But you also need to know what other factors to consider after you’ve had the surgery for optimal success.

Dr. Scott StowersDr. Scott Stowers, and the rest of our team at The Bariatric Experts in Frisco, and Abilene, Texas, have the expertise and experience to help you know how to make the most of your weight loss surgery. One way is to focus on your nutrition.

The importance of nutrients

After weight loss surgery, you don’t want to fall prey to nutritional deficiencies. If you do, you become at risk of long-term health issues. That’s why we place a heavy emphasis on the importance of taking vitamins and supplements.

You must start taking the recommended vitamins we provide your first week after surgery. They’re bariatric-approved, and you need to take them for the rest of your life. Bariatric surgery changes the amount of food you eat and the composition of your diet.

Your health journey after weight loss surgery starts with a multivitamin and a calcium supplement. As we monitor your health, we can make adjustments as needed.

Why calcium?

Everyone needs calcium throughout their life. Here’s what calcium can do for you:

  • Supports your bone health
  • Helps your blood clot
  • Helps your muscles contract
  • Supports a healthy heartbeat
  • Balances fluids within your cells

Patients who have undergone bariatric surgery are at risk for becoming calcium-deficient, which can lead to osteoporosis that can make you susceptible to fractures of the spine, wrists, pelvic bones, and more.

Calcium-rich foods

You’re encouraged to eat calcium-rich foods, which include:

  • Dairy products (cheese, milk, yogurt)
  • Dark leafy greens (broccoli, kale)
  • Fish that have soft, edible bones (sardines, canned salmon)
  • Calcium-fortified foods and drinks (soy products, cereal, fruit juices)

Research and trials have even shown that healthy calcium levels have a connection to decreased blood pressure. We recommend a calcium supplement to compensate for what your diet can provide alone. This ensures you get the daily 1,200-1,500 milligrams you need every day.

Weight loss surgery impacts your micronutrient absorption, which can affect many different aspects of your body, including your bone health. That’s why calcium plays a key role in helping you stay healthy after your procedure. It supports your bone and metabolic health.

To learn more about why you need calcium as part of your nutrition after weight loss surgery, give us a call at 940-577-2090, or feel free to email us at tbe@expertsurgical.com. We’re here to answer your questions.