Everything you need to know about a Gastric Bypass
What is a Gastric Bypass and why do you need extra vitamins afterward? Discover everything you need to know.
What is a Gastric Bypass?
A Gastric Bypass is a surgical procedure that reduces the size of your stomach. The part of your stomach that remains is called a pouch. Your small intestine is shortened, rerouted, and directly connected to the pouch. This is called a bypass.
The stomach reduction and intestinal rerouting will mean that you must eat much less than before. The result is that you lose weight. A Gastric Bypass, therefore, is an effective treatment for obesity. It helps you to become and stay healthy.
Who is a suitable Gastric Bypass recipient?
- You have a BMI higher than 30*
- Losing weight with other methods has not worked for you before
- Your doctor considers a Gastric Bypass the best solution for you
Your stomach after your Gastric Bypass
After surgery, your stomach is about the size of a kiwi. This means that you can eat only small portions.
How does the recovery from a Gastric Bypass proceed?
A Gastric Bypass is an abdominal surgery under anaesthesia. That has an impact on your body. Therefore, take it easy after the procedure. This ensures the fastest recovery. On average, the recovery from a Gastric Bypass takes 3 to 6 weeks. During this period, it is important to follow the advice of your treating physician.
This timeline given here is an indication of recovery after a Gastric Bypass. The exact length and course of recovery will vary. Your doctor can tell you more about this.
- Surgery
- 1 week: you can drive, walk and cycle cautiously again
- 2 weeks: you can eat solid food again
- 6 weeks: you can lift and exercise cautiously again
The pros and cons of a Gastric Bypass
✔ You usually lose 75 % of your excess weight, making you feel fitter.
✔ Because you produce less ghrelin and leptin improves, you experience less hunger.
✔ Problems with your blood sugar diminish or disappear.
✔ Unpleasant consequences of your excess weight diminish or disappear.
✔ Health and quality of life improve, according to 95 % of people with a Gastric Bypass.**
✗ Because you eat less, you lose weight. But eating less also means that you get fewer vitamins and minerals. Deficiencies can lead to problems.
✗ Food intolerances may (temporarily) occur. This usually applies to meat, dairy, bread, and pasta.
✗ The surgery itself does not solve problems of excess weight. Your healthy lifestyle, mindset, and nutrition are just as important for losing weight permanently and feeling good.
✗ No surgery is without risk. This also applies to a Gastric Bypass. Complications can occur, such as wound infections, bleeding, thrombosis, hernia, stomach ulcer, rumbling intestines, vomiting, and dumping syndrome.
Why do you need extra vitamins and minerals after a Gastric Bypass?
With a Gastric Bypass, you get fewer vitamins and minerals. This is because your reduced stomach produces less gastric acid to absorb nutrients and because the first section of the small intestine (the duodenum) and part of the second section (the jejunum) are closed off from food; vitamins and minerals are best absorbed here.
In addition, after your Gastric Bypass, you may not be able to tolerate certain foods (temporarily). These mainly include:
- Meat: source of protein, vitamin B12 and iron.
- Dairy: source of calcium.
- Bread and pasta: source of fibre.
Why do you need extra vitamins and minerals after a Gastric Bypass?
With a Gastric Bypass, you get fewer vitamins and minerals. This is because your reduced stomach produces less gastric acid to absorb nutrients and because the first section of the small intestine (the duodenum) and part of the second section (the jejunum) are closed off from food; vitamins and minerals are best absorbed here.
In addition, after your Gastric Bypass, you may not be able to tolerate certain foods (temporarily). These mainly include:
- Meat: source of protein, vitamin B12 and iron.
- Dairy: source of calcium.
- Bread and pasta: source of fibre.
What happens if you don't get enough vitamins and minerals?
When you have a vitamin or mineral deficiency, you won’t notice this immediately. These signals are usually not always recognizable. You are, for example, more quickly tired or feel down more often. You can also experience hair loss. With a Gastric Bypass, you choose your health. Now and later. With a multivitamin, you make it easier for yourself. Prevention is better than cure!
A multivitamin tailored to your Gastric Bypass
We'll be honest: a multivitamin is not magic that will make you healthy in no time. A multivitamin is your daily extra support to prevent deficiencies, especially when your body absorbs fewer nutrients after surgery. Through scientific research, we understand which nutrients your body needs after a Gastric Bypass. We have combined these important vitamins and minerals into 1 multivitamin.
- Scientifically proven effective
- Unique, patented composition
- Tailored to your surgery
- Choose a capsule or chewable tablet
- Make maintaining a healthy lifestyle easier
Here's how we help you find more balance
A Gastric Bypass is a major procedure, so after surgery, it's nice to feel supported. That is why we help you with scientifically based multivitamins, advice, and a listening ear. We make it as easy as possible for you. We deliver your multivitamins to your door when it suits you. This way, you can maintain your healthy lifestyle and mindset more easily.
- Continuous scientific research
- Stay healthy the easy way with your Subscription
- Worldwide free home delivery
- Personalized advice from our dietitians
FitForMe is here for you
A multivitamin tailored to your surgery contributes daily to a healthy and fit life – not just before and after the procedure, but for life. We are here for you to support you in every step of your brave journey.
”I was always skeptical about using nutritional supplements, but after a medical procedure, it was highly recommended by the specialist. FitForMe has helped to ensure that my values are always good. Furthermore, it is nice that FitForMe always restocks on time. I am glad that I chose them.”
”After my weight loss surgery, I came in contact with FitForMe. They helped me to take the right supplements. I feel great!”
Disclaimer
Supplements are an addition to your diet. Choose healthy and varied food and get enough exercise. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Do not use this product unless you have had a Gastric Bypass and are 18 years or older. Are you pregnant or breastfeeding? Then you can use WLS Forte.
* A BMI higher than 30 with accompanying health complaints, or a BMI higher than 35 without accompanying health complaints.