Your Cart is Empty
September 12th, 2023
Lifestyle
Our brand ambassador Crystal Gail shares her personal thoughts on her first year after bariatric surgery and shares her triumphs and goals for the future.
Samantha Stavola MHA, RDN, LD August 16th, 2023
Lifestyle
Adjusting to a new dietary lifestyle for weight loss success can seem hard. Learn how taking a mindful approach to consuming carbs after bariatric surgery can lead to positive outcomes.
Samantha Stavola MHA, RDN, LD July 26th, 2023
Lifestyle
Learn about how anatomical changes that occur to the gastrointestinal tract after WLS have significant impact on your nutritional needs before, during, and after bariatric surgery.
Samantha Stavola MHA, RDN, LD June 28th, 2023
Lifestyle
Discover the secrets to successful eating out after bariatric surgery. From navigating menus to making healthier choices, learn how to enjoy dining out while staying on track with your weight loss journey.
Samantha Stavola MHA, RDN, LD June 14th, 2023
Lifestyle
Research shows that after bariatric surgery, your body may not absorb all the required nutrients needed. A vitamin protocol that has been developed specifically for bariatric patients will help prevent deficiencies. See our complete list of the best bariatric vitamins and supplements that will ensure your long term success.
Samantha Stavola MHA, RDN, LD June 7th, 2023
Lifestyle
Discover the impact of carbonation and caffeine after bariatric surgery and how they can potentially hinder your weight loss progress. Inside, we explore the reasons why these substances should be consumed in moderation and provide helpful tips on finding alternative beverage choices for optimal post-surgery health.
Samantha Stavola MHA, RDN, LD May 31st, 2023
Lifestyle
Discover a variety of high protein bariatric snack ideas that are both satisfying and nutritious. From brownies and shakes to Greek yogurt and veggies with hummus, this article explores tasty options to keep you feeling full and energized throughout the day, making your weight loss journey even more enjoyable.
Taylor Brodie, MS, RDN, LD May 17th, 2023
Lifestyle
Learn how pre-operative weight loss can positively impact your bariatric journey towards a healthier, happier life.
Taylor Brodie, MS, RDN, LD May 10th, 2023
Lifestyle
After bariatric surgery, the body's ability to absorb nutrients is affected, which can result in deficiencies. Learn why and how weight loss surgery influences your body's dietary and vitamin needs.
Samantha Stavola MHA, RDN, LD April 26th, 2023
Lifestyle
Weight regain is a long term complication after bariatric surgery. This common occurrence does not have to mean failed weight loss. We give you our tips and tricks on how to get back on track and stay there.
Taylor Brodie, MS, RDN, LD April 19th, 2023
Lifestyle
See why some patients may experience a zinc and copper deficiency after bariatric surgery and what bariatric supplements are available for prevention and treatment.
Taylor Brodie, MS, RDN, LD April 12th, 2023
Lifestyle
You’ve probably noticed that bariatric vitamins come in all shapes, sizes and flavors. See the pros and cons of different vitamin delivery forms and discover the best option for you.
Samantha Stavola MHA, RDN, LD April 5th, 2023
Lifestyle
Consuming enough protein each day can be a challenge no matter who you are. But it’s an exceptional challenge when you are post-bariatric surgery. It is typically recommended to consume 60-100 grams of protein each day following weight loss surgery1....
Samantha Stavola MHA, RDN, LD March 30th, 2023
Lifestyle
Weight loss surgery can result in significant changes to the body, including changes to the skin and other connective tissues. Collagen, a protein that provides structure and elasticity to the skin, can be particularly affected by bariatric surgery. Learn all about Collagen & see 2 easy recipes to get more of it.
Taylor Brodie, MS, RDN, LD March 23rd, 2023
Lifestyle
A very real part of weight loss surgery is the plateau. Plateaus and regain are challenges that bariatric patients will need to face and conquer. We provide tips on how.
March 15th, 2023
Lifestyle
Are you wondering what rules for eating you should follow after bariatric surgery to achieve success? Read now to learn of 9 guidelines that will help to ease the transition into life after bariatric surgery.
Samantha Stavola MHA, RDN, LD March 8th, 2023
Lifestyle
Inside we give you our suggestions for bariatric friendly restaurants, as well as a few tips to help you make the right choices at each place to keep you on track for success.
Samantha Stavola MHA, RDN, LD March 1st, 2023
Lifestyle
Do you make an attempt every year at goal setting, only to find you fall short? We'll help you learn to set realistic goals during your bariatric journey and why setting goals is so important for your health.
February 23rd, 2023
Lifestyle
You just had bariatric surgery and are home from the hospital - now what? See our list of healthy eating habits and behaviors post weight loss surgery.
February 20th, 2023
Lifestyle
Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of anesthesia and surgery. Read our tips of how to reduce these unpleasant side effects after bariatric surgery.
January 15th, 2023
Lifestyle
Are you in the process of qualifying, or have you already qualified for bariatric surgery? At either of these points, your surgeon may give you lifestyle guidelines to implement before surgery.
November 30th, 2022
Lifestyle
Dumping syndrome most commonly effects gastric bypass and DS surgery patients. So what is dumping syndrome? And what can you do to prevent these severe symptoms. Inside, we break it down.
June 6th, 2022
Lifestyle
It's well known that exercise, whether or not you've had weight loss surgery, leads to a change in body composition. But did you know there are even more beneficial effects of exercise?
June 6th, 2022
Lifestyle
Probiotics are specific strains of bacteria that are healthy and important for our bodies. This good bacteria plays a vital role in human health. Learn what in particular makes probiotics beneficial after bariatric surgery.
February 1st, 2022
Lifestyle
You have been prepping for the big day for months-maybe even years. Now that you bariatric surgery has occurred, it's time to begin your post-op diet and the rest of your life!
January 17th, 2022
Lifestyle
80% of adolescents aged 10 to 14 years will remain obese into their adult years. Similar to treating obesity in adults, there are many different treatment options for adolescents, including bariatric surgery.
January 1st, 2022
Lifestyle
When considering bariatric surgery, one may wonder if they meet the requirements. There are several different things to consider when it comes to undergoing a bariatric procedure. And remember, having surgery isn’t the "easy way out." While having a bariatric procedure is the most helpful tool to lose weight, it is still just a tool. Every successful patient still puts in the effort to eat right, exercise, follow up with their surgeon, take their vitamins, and attend support groups to maintain weight loss. Clinical guidelines are updated every few years to keep clinicians up to date on the best bariatric practices. Included is an explanation regarding who is a candidate for bariatric surgery. If an insurance has bariatric coverage, they develop their own criteria on what must be met to receive coverage. Your physician's office will most likely be able to give you details on your personal insurance, but it is always helpful to call and get the criteria yourself. That said, patients...
December 15th, 2021
Lifestyle
In the initial phases of bariatric surgery post-operative care, protein shakes are commonly used to help patients reach their protein goals. As time goes on and patients can eat more solid foods, the use of protein shakes tends to decrease for most. While this is okay, it’s also okay to continue using protein shakes daily to hit your protein goals. How can you best use protein supplements on a long-term basis after you have completed your bariatric weight-loss surgery? Why is Protein Important Long-Term After Bariatric Surgery? Protein is important long-term to help ensure fullness and satiety, and aids in maintaining fat-free mass (muscle mass) while losing fat mass or maintaining your fat mass loss. One study by Lopes Gomes, et al. found whey protein supplementation helped post-RNYGB patients lose more fat-mass, with no change in fat-free mass, compared to the intervention group that did not supplement with whey protein.1 How Much Protein Do You Need? According to the 2019...
December 1st, 2021
Lifestyle
Intermittent fasting (IF) has quickly become one of the world’s most welcomed approaches to weight loss, overall health, and simplifying life. Studies have shown it can have powerful effects on your body and brain, and it may even help you live longer (1,2). Some find following an IF regimen easier than a traditional calorie-restriction approach (3). IF's concept seems to be divisive, so it's important for us to take a closer look at the research and define the good, bad, and unknown, including whether it's a practice that should be recommended to weight loss surgery patients. What is Intermittent Fasting (IF)? IF is defined as an eating pattern that cycles between periods of fasting and eating. Typically, the types of food eaten are not specified; rather, the eating time is specified. Two common intermittent fasting methods are daily 16-hour fasts and fasting for 24 hours, twice per week (3). Fasting for a certain number of hours each day (or eating just one meal a couple days a week)...
November 15th, 2021
Lifestyle
Protein is essential for a healthy body. It feeds our organs, supports bodily functions, keeps us full, and builds muscle. To consume enough protein, many of us turn to protein supplements. With protein shakes/powders saturating the market, how do we know what to choose? Which brand is best? Which form of protein is best? There's whey protein, soy protein, egg protein, pea protein, and more! Let's look at how to tell what are the highest-quality protein powders from others and make the best choice. The first thing to consider when choosing a protein supplement is what type of protein the product is made from, which can be overwhelming. Whey protein concentrate is one of the most available sources of protein. It contains all nine essential amino acids, which makes it a complete form. Additionally, it breaks down quickly and easily for digestion. Whey protein isolate is considered high quality. It's a purer product, less processed, and is lactose-free, which makes it a better option for more...
November 1st, 2021
Lifestyle
What is the difference between dietary supplements and pharmaceutical drugs? Both come as pills, capsules, liquids, and more. Both are taken for health purposes. Because both go into our bodies, one would think they would be regulated the same, but this is not so. One significant way they differ is in their regulation by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). According to the FDA, dietary supplements include products like "vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and herbs or botanicals, as well as other substances that can be used to supplement the diet."1 They can be taken for a number of reasons specific to the dietary ingredient included in the product, but the most common objective is to replace any gaps in nutrition in the diet or to optimize wellness. All dietary supplements should be discussed with your doctor due to the risk of drug-nutrient interactions and potential adverse effects. A healthy dose of caution is warranted with supplements, but that’s not to say there is no...
October 15th, 2021
Lifestyle
Pre-Operative Period Vitamin D is integral in maintaining normal calcium levels by aiding in absorption. Individuals who are obese have greater fat mass, so more vitamin D is required to maintain normal concentrations, due to the fact that vitamin D is segregated in adipose cells1. Peterson et al. noted a deficiency rate of 71.4% out of 58 patients studied, with the majority of deficiency presenting in minority races. Melanin concentrations in the skin present as a risk factor for vitamin D deficiency, with increased concentrations providing a greater risk due to the fact that melanin inhibits vitamin D synthesis1. Another study showed 89.7% of patients had 25-OH-D levels below 76.0 nmol/l, 61.2% below 50.0 nmol/l, and 25.4% below 25nmol/l. As BMI increased across the study population, the rate of vitamin D deficiencies also increased2. Post-Operative Period There is evidence that suggests weight loss procedures can cause a negative effect on bone mineral density, accelerate bone loss, and increase...
October 1st, 2021
Lifestyle
Any surgery brings risk and potential complications. Bariatric surgery is no different, and complications include but are not limited to dumping syndrome, hernias, ulcers, bowel obstructions, and gallstones. There is a hidden complication that hasn't received much press or even research, yet still exists: dental problems and oral health issues after bariatric surgery. Little is known about oral health concerns post-WLS; first, let's look at the research that has piqued many patients and professionals' interest. What we know: The current literature is quite limited concerning dental manifestations after bariatric surgery. It has been found there is an increase of dental erosion, increased dental caries, and increased dental hypersensitivity post-operatively. Dental erosion is defined as the irreversible loss of dental hard tissues by a chemical process without bacterial involvement. The acid in the foods and drinks we consume as well as gastric acids from vomiting and reflux can lead to...
September 15th, 2021
Lifestyle
Pre-Operative Deficiency Thiamin plays an important role in energy metabolism (through the metabolism of glucose) and cell functioning in the body; it's essential for tissues and organs to function properly. A thiamin deficiency can lead to cardiac and neurological abnormalities1. Thiamin is not stored in large quantities in the body. The half-life of thiamin is only a few weeks, so dietary and supplemental intake is imperative. Food sources that contain thiamin are whole grains, meats and seafood, and fortified foods, such as breads and cereals; for some foods, many patients are not able to obtain them within their financial constraints. In a study by Flancbaum et al, preoperative deficiency rates for thiamin are noted to be 29%, with Hispanic and African American patients having higher prevalence of thiamin deficiency (47.2% and 31%)2. Likewise, another study conducted on over 300 patients in the pre-operative phase for bariatric surgery found forty-seven (15.5%) of the study participants to have...
September 1st, 2021
Lifestyle
Bariatric surgery is a life-saving procedure, from which you will lose weight, reduce your co-morbidities, and look and feel better. But in order to be successful long-term, you will have to change your diet. It sounds easy enough, but is it? Change is difficult, especially for those who have spent much of their lives without a healthy relationship with food. Having goals and a plan in place is essential to managing this change. Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB), Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG), and Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS) surgeries alter how the stomach handles food, creating restriction, malabsorption, or both, which means you will ingest less calories over time. After surgery, you will be given a post-surgery meal plan, and you will slowly increase your food intake as you progress through the various diet stages. Because the stomach is now smaller, it will take less calories for you to feel full. However, there is still a lot of confusion around post-op eating...
August 15th, 2021
Lifestyle
Studies have shown being overweight is a major risk factor in developing type 2 diabetes. Roughly 30 percent of overweight people have diabetes, and 85 percent of diabetics are overweight. (1) Looking at these numbers, your first question might be: how do we lower our risk of diabetes? Well, the first strategy is weight loss. This is where bariatric surgery can come into play in the treatment, and even resolution, of type 2 diabetes. How can bariatric surgery resolve, manage, or treat type 2 diabetes? The quick answer would be weight loss. After bariatric surgery, patients lose more weight, faster than with traditional methods. Typically, patients lose about 25% of their weight after bariatric surgery. This weight loss helps us obtain better glucose control and decreases insulin resistance. In addition, when we look at patients with type 2 diabetes, 87% achieve at least better glucose control and need fewer antidiabetic medications, and an average of 78% achieve normal glycemic control...
August 1st, 2021
Lifestyle
Why it's Important Our bodies are made of about 50-70% water! At least half of our body weight is water, so it's no wonder our bodies need it to function properly. Proper hydration helps support joint health, rids waste from the body, supports the elasticity in your skin, promotes cardiovascular health, boosts energy, and supports satiety (which can help with weight loss). Overall, when your body is hydrated, you will feel the difference! After bariatric surgery, drinking enough fluid can be challenging, due to decreased stomach size, adverse taste changes, and time constraints (you cannot eat and drink at the same time). This puts patients at a greater risk for dehydration. Dehydration is one of the most impactful complications after bariatric surgery and one of the leading reasons patients visit the emergency department and/or are readmitted within the first three months after surgery.1 A study looking at behaviors before and after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RNYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy...
July 15th, 2021
Lifestyle
Obesity continues to be a major challenge, nationally and globally. However, the prevalence of obesity in the United States is higher than in any other country1 Obesity brings with it several risk factors, including type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obstructive sleep apnea, PCOS, chronic kidney disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and many more. That said, co-morbid conditions and even the rate of mortality can be decreased with minimal to moderate weight loss. On an even brighter note, with most co-morbid conditions, the greater the weight loss, the greater the improvement! Let's take a moment to look at a few co-morbid conditions and show that even a little bit of weight loss can make improvements. When it comes to everyone's weight loss journey, seeing and celebrating the non-scale victories are just as important. Weight Loss Effects on Type II Diabetes Losing weight can help prevent and improve type II diabetes. Even a modest, 6.7% weight reduction has been shown in...
July 1st, 2021
Lifestyle
Why do many bariatric patients need to watch for vitamin B12 deficiency either before or after bariatric surgery? Chances are you already know bariatric patients need higher doses of certain vitamins after surgery. Changes to the digestive system after surgery that limit calories also limit vitamins and minerals from being absorbed. What are these changes, and how common is this issue? For vitamin B-12 specifically, there are a couple factors that contribute to the importance of getting enough from your post-op vitamin regimen. What is Vitamin-B-12 and Its Role B-12 is a water-soluble vitamin naturally found in most animal products, such as meat, dairy, and eggs. It's also found in fortified foods like bread and cereal. B-12 is required for forming red blood cells, neurological health, and DNA synthesis. Deficiency can cause: Megaloblastic anemia Fatigue Neurological issues Numbness Tingling of hands and feet Impaired balance Memory loss Despite most adults getting plenty of B-12 from...
June 1st, 2021
Lifestyle
Before and after bariatric surgery, there are possible complications you should be aware of - one of which is dumping syndrome. Symptoms of Dumping Syndrome Dumping syndrome can range in symptoms and is most common in patients with gastric bypass. It has been found to occur in 10-75% of gastric bypass patients, as well as in 33% of gastric sleeve patients2. The cause of dumping syndrome tends to be a self-inflicted complication. When high-sugar foods are consumed, they tend to bypass the stomach undigested, which causes a reaction in your small intestines, drawing in water. This fluid shift is what is known to cause the first stage of dumping, also known as early dumping1. Early dumping syndrome typically occurs within the first hour after food consumption. Symptoms of this stage can range from diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramping, and high heart rate2. It is important to note you may not experience all these symptoms. Just having one of them is typically uncomfortable enough to make one...
May 15th, 2021
Lifestyle
Since fiber plays a vital role in metabolism, its important to understand the types of fiber, it's characteristics, and where to get good sources of fiber for a high-fiber diet. It helps regulate blood glucose levels, may help lower risk of heart disease, aids in weight management, can suppress hunger, and promotes bowel regularity. The American Heart Association recommends daily fiber intake of 25-30 grams each day. The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines recommend 14 grams of fiber per every 1,000 calories consumed. There are two main types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Types of Fiber Soluble fiber increases the presence of water in bowels and turns to gel during digestion to slow the digestive process, lowering cholesterol levels and increasing absorption of nutrients. Choose this source of fiber if you are experiencing loose stools, alternating diarrhea with constipation, or incomplete stool...
May 1st, 2021
Lifestyle
When pursuing bariatric surgery, there are many thoughts that can circulate in your head, such as eating after surgery, exercising, and postoperative pain, but one of the biggest concerns is the dreaded pre-op diet. If you were to do a quick internet search on bariatric pre-op diets, you'd see no two are alike. One thing that cannot be stressed enough is that every surgeon and every clinic will have their own pre-op diet. It's important to follow their diet and guidelines, as this is what they have found to be best for their patients. Length of Pre-Op Diet Pre-op diets can range from a few days of a clear liquid diet, full liquids for a few weeks, participating in a program that requires several months of nutrition visits with weight checks, to even following a VLCD (800 calories a day or less). Even though each diet looks different, one of the main purposes of each diet is to reduce the size of your liver. Having an enlarged and fatty liver has been shown to complicate bariatric...
April 1st, 2021
Lifestyle
Bariatric surgery does not treat food addiction. This statement might be a revelation to some, but it's also the title of a book by Dr. Connie Stapleton, Ph.D. According to Dr. Stapleton, "Food addiction is often undiagnosed and can sabotage even the best efforts to lose weight and keep it off. Food addiction is a disease separate from the disease of obesity. If food addiction is present and untreated, it will overtake efforts to treat the obesity, resulting in ongoing medical comorbidities, hopelessness, and frustration."1 Like food addiction, other eating disorders can be common among bariatric patients. A study that assessed rates of eating disorders among those with a BMI less than 40 found that although women are as much as 3 times more likely than men to suffer from any eating disorder, men and women were equally likely to experience binge eating.2 Binge Eating Disorder What exactly is binge eating disorder? Beyond eating large quantities of food in a short period of time, clinical binge...
March 15th, 2021
Lifestyle
Protein, protein, protein. Whether you are pre-op, post-op, or somewhere in between, the protein conversation is never-ending. Your protein intake can be met with a variety of foods, but what most commonly comes to mind are animal sources: chicken, beef, pork, fish, etc. However, you can meet your protein goals through a vegetarian diet, if you so choose! A vegetarian diet is one that does not include chicken, fish, beef, or pork but does include other animal byproducts such as cheese and eggs. A vegan diet consists of no animal proteins or animal byproducts. Protein Basics Protein is made up of 20 amino acids, including the 9 essential amino acids. Some of these amino acids are found in lower quantities in vegetarian sources. However, all needs can be met through a diverse vegetarian diet. If you follow a vegetarian diet and only eat beans, you will not get all your essential amino acids. Luckily, most of us don't eat only one food, so this shouldn't be a problem!1 Before we dive into the...
March 1st, 2021
Lifestyle
Over the Counter (OTC) multivitamin mineral supplements became available in the early 1940s, and people have been taking them ever since. They account for almost 16.67% of all purchases of dietary supplements and 40% of all sales of vitamin and mineral supplements. In the United States in 2018, an estimated $124.8 billion was reported from the sale of dietary supplements. This amount included $42.6 billion for all vitamin and mineral-containing supplements, of which $8.5 billion was spent on multivitamins alone. This article will help you better compare bariatric vitamins vs regular vitamins. Multivitamin Regulation Our bodies need vitamins and minerals daily to function properly, and the absence of these can lead to severe health issues and even death. However, there is no standard or regulatory definition for a multivitamin supplement, and there are no standards for specific nutrients it must contain or at what levels. Therefore, the term can refer to products of widely varied...
February 15th, 2021
Lifestyle
Hair loss is one of the most common side effects patients experience after bariatric surgery and is usually experienced between 3-6 months following surgery. One study that looked at post-laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy patients found that 56% of patients experienced hair loss, 46% female and 10% male.1 There are two stages of hair loss after surgery; one is fairly common, while the other may require assessment for nutritional deficiencies. Hair Shedding This most commonly happens in the early post-operative stage. You may notice hair shedding more when you brush your hair, when you shower, or even when simply running your fingers through your hair. This is normal and is caused by telogen effluvium, a disruption in the normal hair cycle triggered by stress and hormone changes your body experiences from rapid weight loss.2 Hair shedding is less commonly associated with protein malnutrition or vitamin/mineral deficiencies, although one study found that patients with higher zinc and iron...
February 1st, 2021
Lifestyle
The clinical diagnosis of constipation is when a person has difficult bowel movements or passes less than three bowel movements a week.1 As we discuss constipation further, it is important to remember this: prior to bariatric surgery, you might have had a bowel movement every day, but changes are occurring, and remembering the clinical diagnosis can be helpful to prevent stress about this common side effect. Post Op constipation is a common side effect patients deal with after bariatric surgery. Post-Op constipation can occur in patients who have had any of the four major bariatric surgeries: sleeve gastrectomy, gastric banding, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and duodenal switch. The occurrence after bariatric procedures ranges between 7 and 39%. What Causes Constipation Constipation can occur as a result of a number of causes. After surgery, patients consume little solid food and small amounts of fluid; both can cause constipation. Additionally, iron supplementation is needed after surgery,...
January 15th, 2021
Lifestyle
Balancing cost, convenience, and quality with a bariatric vitamin regimen is one tricky feat. It seems that to get the most of one, we have to sacrifice another. Appealing to this concern, vitamin patches entered the market with a promise to deliver, but are they really effective? Effectiveness of Patches The bottom line is there is not enough research yet to prove they work. In fact, the limited research available has actually shown that patches lead to more vitamin deficiency. In a small study, the vitamin patch group had more deficiencies than the oral supplement group.1 Despite the small study size, the results raise some concern, with 82.35% in the patch group having at least 1 deficiency compared to 40.74% in the pill group.1 Vitamin D deficiency was seen in 81% of patients in patch group versus 36% in the pill group. Lower serum concentrations of vitamin D, B1, and B12 were seen in the patch group.1 To better understand why the results favor oral supplements, let's take a quick refresher...
January 1st, 2021
Lifestyle
After bariatric surgery, we need vitamins to meet the specific needs of our new GI tracts. This is why it's recommended to take bariatric specific vitamins instead of over-the-counter vitamins. Did you know that not all vitamins are absorbed the same in the body? There are two types of vitamins: water-soluble and fat-soluble. We are going to look specifically at fat-soluble vitamins, why deficiencies occur after bariatric surgery, and what you can do to prevent deficiencies. What are fat-soluble vitamins? Where are they absorbed? Fat-soluble vitamins are vitamins A, D, E, and K. These vitamins are absorbed along with dietary fat and are stored in the body's fat tissues, as opposed to water-soluble vitamins that are absorbed in water, any excess is excreted through urine. Fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed in the duodenum - the first part of the small intestine. To note, the duodenum is also the part of the small intestine that is bypassed in the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RNYGB) and the...
December 15th, 2020
Lifestyle
Fertility After WLS While obesity is a well-known contributor to female infertility, studies have also shown that weight loss "can restore ovulatory cycles, allowing for spontaneous pregnancy" in obese patients with PCOS.1 Bariatric surgery has been proven to improve menstrual regulation and fertility2, but there are nutritional complications one should consider before becoming pregnant after bariatric surgery. We will dive into the different potential complications and how you can navigate through pregnancy safely after bariatric surgery. Potential Complications Malnutrition and vitamin/mineral deficiencies are high-risk nutritional complications that can impact fetal growth. These complications are due to rapid weight loss and inability to eat large portions of food (adequate nutrients) in the first year after bariatric surgery. It's generally recommended to avoid pregnancy for at least 12-24 months after bariatric surgery to avoid these risks.3 Optimal care for women undergoing bariatric...
