Quick Facts
After weight loss surgery (WLS), or while using weight loss injections, your appetite is smaller. That means getting enough vitamins, minerals and protein from food alone can be tricky. Bariatric supplements are designed for smaller appetites and support your nutrition when you're eating less. As always, chat with your healthcare provider about what's right for you, and follow the dosage and directions on the product label.
Some of the most asked questions about bariatric surgery, recovery & supplements are below:
What is bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, is a type of procedure designed to help people living with obesity to lose weight. This can include procedures such as roux-en-y gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, duodenal switch and adjustable gastric banding.
What are the benefits of bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery is generally used to help people achieve significant, long term weight loss. What that means for your health is personal, so your surgeon and dietitian are the best people to talk to about the potential benefits and risks for you. Plenty of people also tell us they enjoy the everyday stuff, like a bit more choice in the wardrobe.
What are some ways to support recovery after weight loss surgery?
Recovering from weight loss surgery (WLS) takes time, and everyone's a little different. Surgeons and dietitians generally recommend a few simple things to look after yourself while you heal:
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Taking bariatric supplements as directed by your healthcare professional: With a smaller appetite, bariatric supplements such as protein powders and multivitamins are designed to support your nutrition while you're eating less.
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Moving regularly: Once your surgeon gives you the all clear, gentle regular movement is a normal part of life after surgery. Start small and build up from there.
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Eating a balanced and nutritious diet: Your dietitian will generally recommend a diet that's high in protein, low in fat and full of vitamins and minerals. Protein first, always.
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Following post-surgery instructions and recommendations from your healthcare provider: Your team knows your situation best, and sticking to their advice is the safest way through the early weeks.
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Staying hydrated: Water is important for the normal function of your body, and it's easy to fall behind when you can only manage sips. Little and often is the trick.
What are bariatric supplements?
Bariatric supplements are specially formulated products, such as protein powders and multivitamins, designed for the smaller appetites of people who have had weight loss surgery (WLS) or are using weight loss injections. They support your nutrition when getting everything you need from food alone is tricky.
Why are bariatric supplements important?
After WLS your stomach is smaller, so you eat less. Some procedures also mean you absorb less of what you eat. If you're using weight loss injections, your appetite is smaller too. Either way, getting enough vitamins, minerals and protein from food alone can be tricky. Bariatric supplements are designed to support your nutrition and help contribute to the normal function of your body when you're eating less.
What kind of bariatric supplements are available?
There are a variety of bariatric supplements available such as protein powders, multivitamins, calcium and iron supplements, and more. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the specific supplements that are right for you. My New Tum offers protein and multivitamin supplements in a variety of sizes, with an option to buy on subscription.
How should I take bariatric supplements?
Always follow the recommended dosage and directions on the product label, and check in with your healthcare provider about the best way to fit supplements into your routine.
Keep in mind that everyone is different and recovery varies from person to person. For personalised advice and recommendations, your healthcare professional is your best mate.