The Celebrate Blog

Bariatric Vitamins vs Over The Counter Vitamins

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...

Hair Loss After Weight Loss Surgery

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...

Post Op Constipation After Bariatric Surgery

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,...

Vitamin Patch Efficacy for Bariatric Patients

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...

Fat-Soluble Vitamins After Bariatric Surgery

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...

Pregnancy After Bariatric Surgery

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...

Alcohol Consumption After Bariatric Surgery

December 1st, 2020

Lifestyle

Before surgery, you may have enjoyed a drink or two after a long day at work or during an evening out with friends. Unfortunately, these habits will have to change after your surgery. So what do you need to know about alcohol consumption after bariatric surgery? There are a few reasons why this change is necessary. The first we will look at is the simplest. If you do drink, you know to never drink on an empty stomach. At the same time, one of the biggest rules after bariatric surgery is that you cannot eat while drinking. This can cause alcohol to be absorbed at an even faster rate. If there is nothing in the stomach to absorb the alcohol, you will feel the effects faster. This post-bariatric surgery guide is here to inform you of the increased effects of alcohol. How Surgery Affects Alcohol Absorption Let's look at the changes to anatomy that occur during surgery and how this affects alcohol sensitivity and absorption. When alcohol enters the stomach of someone with normal gut anatomy,...

Benefits of Food Tracking for Bariatric Patients

November 15th, 2020

Lifestyle

When trying to lose weight, how many times have you been told to track your food from your registered dietitian, health coach, primary care, bariatric surgeon, etc.? Chances are you have heard this repeated, but who has actually taken the time to do it? Few people enjoy food tracking, but it has been proven to be beneficial in short and long-term weight loss when paired with visits with health professionals. How to Track Your Food Tracking your food can be accomplished several ways. You can download a food tracking application on your phone, get a notebook and simply write down the details of your meals, and you can even print a food diary from several different sources. No matter the way you choose to track your food, it will help you be more mindful with your food choices, more aware of the calories in your foods, and even help you detect food allergies/intolerances. Benefits of Food Tracking A study performed in West Virginia encouraged patients to maintain food and exercise logs by pen...

Let's Talk About Iron Deficiency After Bariatric Surgery

October 14th, 2020

Lifestyle

You might workout at the gym and pump iron a few times a week, but your body pumps iron continuously through the bloodstream every day. Iron is needed to make hemoglobin, a part of red blood cells that acts like an Uber driver for carbon dioxide and oxygen. It locates oxygen in the lungs, drives it through the bloodstream, and releases it off in tissues including the skin and muscles. It then picks up the carbon dioxide and drives it back to the lungs where it's exhaled.What is iron deficiency?Iron deficiency after bariatric surgery occurs when the body doesn't absorb enough iron needed to perform daily functions. You might be deficient and not even know because symptoms appear only when iron deficiency has progressed to iron deficiency anemia, a condition in which the body's iron stores are low enough that a sufficient amount of normal red blood cells cannot be made to carry oxygen efficiently throughout the body. Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional...

Weight Regain after Bariatric Surgery

October 13th, 2020

Lifestyle

What is it? Weight regain is known as one of the most impacting long-term complications post bariatric surgery, though there is currently no clear definition to what exactly weight regain means. A recent poll from the International Bariatric Club, a group of experts in the field of bariatrics, determined that the two most favorable definitions of weight regain are regaining weight to achieve a BMI above 35", and/or "an increase in weight of above 10 kg (22 lbs.) from the patients lowest post-operative weight", respectively. No matter your definition, if you are a post bariatric surgery patient who is experiencing weight regain there is no denying it is frustrating, and can sometimes lead to feelings of defeat, anger, or even depression. Why does it happen? It is nearly impossible to pinpoint exactly what causes weight regain. Mechanisms behind weight regain stem from lifestyle, mental health, hormonal changes, surgical factors, or combinations of any of the previous mentioned.2 Behavioral...

Vitamin B12 Absorption Following Bariatric Surgery

February 5th, 2020

Lifestyle

As Celebrate does with all our bariatric vitamins, we put much thought and consideration into our formulation and are never done looking at ways to improve our products for bariatric patients. We defer to the research and the vast knowledge we gain from working with many of the top-notch bariatric programs across the nation. Some basic information on vitamin B-12 deficiency is outlined below: Pre-op vitamin B12 deficiencies occur in 5-29% of bariatric patients. Post-op vitamin B12 deficiencies occur in 37-70% of bariatric patients. Lab tests for vitamin B12 are not the most reliable. More reliable tests (i.e. homocysteine and methylmalonic acid) are often expensive and not routinely performed by most bariatric programs due to the cost of these tests. Deficiencies of vitamin B12 may not appear for 5+ years after bariatric surgery. Most bariatric patients prefer to simplify their vitamin routine so increasing the vitamin B12 dosage helps reduce the number of supplements most patients have...

Calcium Deficiency for Bariatric Surgery Patients

February 1st, 2020

Lifestyle

Patients who choose to have bariatric surgery have an increased risk of developing certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies, including calcium. Calcium's Role Calcium is an essential element for human life. It is the most abundant mineral in the human body and 99% of your body's calcium is found in your teeth and bones. The remaining 1% of calcium in the body is found in blood, nerve cells, and body tissue. In addition to the commonly known role calcium plays in healthy teeth and bones, it is also essential for growth, maintenance, and reproduction. It also plays a role in blood clotting, muscle contraction, hormone secretion, and the expansion and contraction of your blood vessels. Not getting enough calcium can contribute to poor bone health and other long-term consequences. It is important to note that the body tightly regulates serum calcium. Serum levels of calcium do not change in regards to dietary intake of calcium. This means the body uses bone as a reservoir for and as a source of...

Food Intolerances - Which Foods to Avoid After Gastric Sleeve or Gastric Bypass Bariatric Surgery

January 30th, 2020

Lifestyle

Many patients report food intolerances, especially during the period of time immediately following surgery once you're allowed to progress to normal eating. Some foods may not sit well and cause an uncomfortable feeling or even discomfort for a while. What should you expect if you're a pre-op or early post-op patient? What are considered normal food intolerances and are there other causes of food intolerances?Common Food IntolerancesA few foods that are commonly not tolerated well after bariatric surgery may include, but are not limited to, pasta, breads, rice, beef, chicken, pork, eggs, stringy vegetables, fruit with membranes, foods with seeds, and cow's milk (or other dairy foods with lactose). However, with this in mind, every patient is different with what they can and cannot tolerate. Also remember that each day may be different. One day you may be able to tolerate a food that you may not be able to tolerate a few days later. Another thing to keep in mind is that some...

Meal Replacements vs Protein Supplements

August 8th, 2019

Lifestyle

Many bariatric (surgical and non-surgical) patients choose protein supplements to achieve their daily recommended protein intake, but what is the difference between a meal replacement and a protein supplement? Is one better than the other, especially for bariatric surgery patients? What is a Meal Replacement? The term "meal replacement" is not defined by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but generally refers to a calorie-controlled, pre-packaged product in the form of a bar or a beverage (ready-to-drink or powder) that is used to replace a meal. Meal replacements usually provide around 200-250 calories per serving (although some may be as high as 400 calories per serving) and are fortified with more than 20 vitamins and minerals (at a "good" or "excellent source" level), healthy carbs (including fiber), and healthy fats. The inclusion of fiber, in particular, is thought to decrease the incidence of low blood sugar, low blood pressure, constipation and/or diarrhea. The inclusion of...

Physical Activity & Exercise After Bariatric Surgery

April 30th, 2019

Lifestyle

Physical Activity This article does not intend to initiate the debate of exercise versus physical activity terminology. Some individuals call it exercise, but for the purpose of this article we use the terms physical activity and fitness. It is best to not stress over what we are calling it and rather stress the importance of actually doing it, being successful at it, and enjoying it. The goal is to be more active and increase your fitness level. Maybe you have never participated in physical activity before? Maybe you have physical limitations that make certain types of physical activity difficult, if not impossible. There are several benefits related to being physical active and increasing your fitness level, including, but not limited to, stress relief, better sleep, increased overall energy levels, decreased risk of chronic disease, better overall mood, etc. While all of these changes would be considered beneficial, how does someone get past the feeling of not wanting to be physically...

What are Body Mass Index (BMI), Inches & Weight Measurements for Bariatric Surgery Patients?

April 12th, 2019

Lifestyle

What is Important? Is it Just a Bunch of Numbers? As a bariatric surgery patient, you are constantly surrounded by numbers, but what do all of these numbers mean and which ones are important? Below we will review a few common metrics used in bariatric surgery, such as Body Mass Index (BMI), inches, and weight, and discuss their importance. BMI - What is it? What Does it Mean? Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number calculated from an individual's height and weight. BMI provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people and is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems and/or conditions. You can calculate your BMI multiple ways. You can use a BMI calculator online like one from the National Institute of Health's website (1). The National Institute of Health also has a Body Mass Index Table you can use to determine you BMI as well (2). To use a BMI table, just find the appropriate height (listed in inches [in]) in the left-hand column labeled height. Move...

Diet Progression After Bariatric Surgery

April 11th, 2019

Lifestyle

Diet Progression After Bariatric Surgery Many patients have heard that there's a diet progression after bariatric surgery (and possibly before). A lot of patients report being nervous about the liquid diet. But why is there a diet progression? Why do you have to follow different diets? Let's take a look at a brief description of the common diet progressions and why they're recommended. This is the one time we readily use the word "diet" as a diet is a short-term change to your eating pattern. The "diet" that is being recommended long-term; we typically prefer to call a healthy eating plan instead of using the word diet. Examples of Diet Progressions The diet progression allows patients to move through different phases, eventually eating solid foods again. The amount of time in each stage may vary according to each surgeon or dietitian's recommendation as well as each individual patient. Be sure to follow the exact recommendations of your program. Pre-Operative Some surgeons have their...

Crockpot Pork Tacos

August 7th, 2018

Bariatric Recipes

These tasty tacos are healthy and full of flavor, with just a little kick! It's back to school and everyone could use a little more time, so this meal is a quick and easy solution that's oh-so-delicious!...

Parmesan & Roasted Fauxtatoes

August 7th, 2018

Bariatric Recipes

Garlic Parmesan Mashed Fauxtatoes: Rich, creamy, and flavorful, but this small-batch recipe has no potatoes! You'll find tons of flavor and nutrients in this recipe that's just the right size for your post-op holiday needs! Serving...

Power Chicken Salad

August 7th, 2018

Bariatric Recipes

Power up for the next day. This is not your traditional chicken salad. Add a little Dijon mustard, edamame, and pepitas and you have yourself a Power Chicken Salad! Serve it on high-fiber crackers or try it on jicama! You'll be ready to go with this quick and easy recipe....

Crockpot Curry Chicken

August 7th, 2018

Bariatric Recipes

In a "curry?" This weeknight meal is big on flavor, but easy to make and saves time! Pull out your crockpot and get ready to fire up this creative twist on a traditional Indian dish that's low in calories and high in protein. Using cauliflower rice and coconut milk as a healthy substitution make this curry-licious dish one you and your family will love!...

Can You Have Bariatric Multivitamins with Calcium?

April 25th, 2018

Lifestyle

With so many different types of multivitamins out there, it is hard to know what is the best product for you as a bariatric surgery patient and what your body can actually absorb. Unfortunately, not all companies (including many over-the-counter brands and some bariatric vitamin brands) follow the rules of how the body absorbs various nutrients. The multivitamins some of these companies create might include nutrients that cannot be absorbed when taken together or they might include nutrients that need to be provided within a certain ratio for optimal health and in order to prevent deficiencies. Specifically, one of the questions I get asked quite a bit is, "Should my multivitamin contain calcium?" Of course, the answer to this question is not a simple "yes" or "no" and a few questions must be asked before an answer can be provided. Does the Multivitamin Contain Iron? The first question that must be asked is, "does the multivitamin also contain iron?" If the multivitamin contains both iron...

Cabbage Rolls

April 24th, 2018

Bariatric Recipes

Cabbage rolls are down-home comfort food. This smoky version eliminates most of the carbs, leaving you with a soothing winter meal that packs a powerful protein punch! Yields...

Cauliflower Crust Pot Pie

April 24th, 2018

Bariatric Recipes

Wondering what to do with that last bit of leftover turkey meat? Make it into this low-carb pot pie that's perfect to freeze and reheat on a cold winter's night! Serving...

Cheeseburger Meatballs

April 24th, 2018

Bariatric Recipes

Do you miss cheeseburgers? If so, this is the recipe for you! These small meatballs pack a big protein-punch with the flavors of bacon, cheese, and even your favorite toppings!...

Super Food Stuffing

April 24th, 2018

Bariatric Recipes

Thanksgiving just isn't Thanksgiving without stuffing! This recipe combines the classic flavors of sausage stuffing with the protein power of ancient grains to pack a flavorful and nutritious punch! Serving :...

Zoodle Ravioli

April 24th, 2018

Bariatric Recipes

Zoodle ravioli? Yes you can! In this recipe, we fill zucchini noodles with a creamy ricotta mixture and top it with a savory pumpkin sauce for a healthy comfort dish that screams Fall!...

Sweet Potato Toast with Egg

April 24th, 2018

Bariatric Recipes

Eggs they're not just for breakfast anymore! This recipe takes advantage of the latest nutritional trend sweet potato toast. Sweet potatoes are rich in nutrients, including beta-carotene, and are a healthy source of carbs for fueling an active lifestyle. Here we've topped it with a deliciously nutritious mix of spinach, tomatoes, and onions with a poached egg for just a little bit of indulgence. Serve this for an elegant breakfast-for-dinner....

Spicy Vegetarian Chili

April 24th, 2018

Bariatric Recipes

Do you enjoy vegetarian meals but worry about getting enough protein? This spicy chili is a hearty meal packed with flavor and protein! Give it a try for a delicious Meatless Monday meal or any day!...

Turkey Burritos

April 24th, 2018

Bariatric Recipes

Burritos are a family meal favorite! These smoky burritos lighten the fat and carb loads without sacrificing flavor. Make a tray of these for the next big game and rest assured you're fueling you and your family right! Serving...

Meatball Ramekins

April 24th, 2018

Bariatric Recipes

Who doesn't want dinner to be quick and easy, especially when we have so many other things going on at night? Not only is this recipe quick and easy, it's also creamy, cheesy, and savory! Oh, did we forget to mention that it's also healthy?...

Fiber After Bariatric Surgery

March 22nd, 2018

Lifestyle

Following a healthy eating plan high in fiber is a constant recommendation many of us hear frequently throughout the year. But why? And does this apply to a bariatric surgery patient? There are plenty of reasons to consume fiber as part of your healthy eating plan. Below are a few of the reasons to include fiber-rich foods as part of your healthy plan. Fiber Aids in Weight Loss When eating high fiber foods, they typically require more chewing. This helps you slow your pace of eating and gives your body time to realize how full you really are, by preventing overeating. Also, high fiber foods take longer to break down in the digestive system, which makes you feel full longer. High fiber foods may contain fewer calories for similar volumes of foods that are not high in fiber, which also assists in maintaining your weight. Fiber Helps Regulate Cholesterol Soluble fiber, the kind found in beans, oats, flaxseed, and oat bran, may help lower total blood cholesterol levels by lowering low-density...

Iron Deficiency after Bariatric Surgery

May 6th, 2017

Lifestyle

Have you ever found yourself chewing cups of ice throughout the day? Many bariatric patients report this behavior after their bariatric surgery. While chewing ice does not necessarily mean you have low iron levels, it does warrant getting your iron levels checked. Iron's Role Iron is a key element in the metabolism of all living organisms and helps to make up hundreds of proteins and enzymes. Iron has many functions, but below are some of the key functions of iron. Heme is the iron-containing compound found in molecules. Hemoglobin and myoglobin are heme-containing proteins that help to transport and store oxygen. Hemoglobin is the primary protein in red blood cells and makes up two-thirds of the body's iron. It helps to transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Myoglobin transports and stores oxygen (short-term) for muscle cells. This is extremely important when the muscles are working (such as in a physical activity session). Iron is involved in electron transport...