If you’ve recently had bariatric surgery, congratulations on taking a major step towards improving your health and quality of life!
As you adjust to your new post-surgery diet and lifestyle, it’s crucial to ensure you’re getting all the essential nutrients your body needs.
One key nutrient that requires special attention after weight loss surgery is calcium.
Why Calcium is Critical After Bariatric Surgery
Calcium plays many vital roles in the body, including building and maintaining strong bones and teeth, regulating muscle contractions, and enabling proper blood clotting. However, bariatric surgery can significantly impact your body’s ability to absorb calcium from the foods you eat.
Procedures like gastric bypass and duodenal switch involve rerouting the digestive tract, which reduces the amount of time food spends in the small intestine where most nutrient absorption takes place. This means even if you consume calcium-rich foods, your body may not be able to effectively absorb and utilize that calcium.
Over time, inadequate calcium absorption can lead to serious health issues like osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weak, brittle bones that are prone to fractures. Studies have found that bariatric surgery patients have a significantly higher risk of developing osteoporosis compared to the general population.
Meeting Your Calcium Needs with Supplements
To prevent calcium deficiency and protect your bone health after bariatric surgery, it’s essential to take a daily calcium supplement. However, not all calcium supplements are created equal when it comes to absorption and tolerability for weight loss surgery patients.
Many standard calcium supplements come in large tablets that can be difficult to swallow, especially in the early weeks after surgery when you’re limited to small portions. These supplements often contain calcium carbonate, a form of calcium that requires stomach acid for absorption. This can be problematic for bariatric patients who may have reduced stomach acid production after surgery.
Fortunately, there are calcium supplement options specifically designed with the unique needs of bariatric patients in mind. One great option is bariatric calcium chews, like the popular Bariburst Calcium Citrate Soft Chews from Bari Life.
These chewable supplements provide a highly absorbable form of calcium called calcium citrate, which doesn’t rely on stomach acid for absorption. They also often contain other key bone-supporting nutrients like vitamin D, magnesium, and vitamin K. The soft, chewable texture makes them easy to take, even right after surgery.
I personally love the convenience and great taste of bariatric calcium chews. They make it simple to consistently get the calcium I need without having to worry about swallowing big pills. Plus, they come in yummy flavors like chocolate and caramel that feel like a treat!
How to Choose a Bariatric Calcium Chew
When shopping for a bariatric calcium chew, here are a few key things to look for:
| Factor | Importance |
| Calcium citrate | More absorbable form for bariatric patients |
| Vitamin D3 | Enables calcium absorption and bone health |
| Small serving size | Easier to take consistently |
| Reputable brand | Quality you can trust |
| Great taste | Makes taking your supplement enjoyable |
One of the most highly recommended bariatric calcium chews is Bariburst Calcium Citrate Soft Chews. Developed by bariatric health experts, these chews check all the boxes for an effective bone health supplement after weight loss surgery.
The Bottom Line
Prioritizing your calcium intake is a lifelong must after bariatric surgery to keep your bones strong and healthy. Bariatric-friendly calcium supplements like calcium citrate chews are a convenient, reliable way to meet your daily calcium needs.
Be sure to discuss your individual calcium requirements with your bariatric surgeon or dietitian. They can help you determine the right dosage based on factors like your age, gender, type of weight loss procedure, and any preexisting health conditions.
With the right nutrition plan and supplements, you’ll be well on your way to rocking your new post-bariatric lifestyle and reaping all the incredible health benefits that come with it. Here’s to strong bones and many more healthy, vibrant years ahead!
