The following vitamins and minerals should be taken daily to prevent postoperative nutritional deficiencies:

Multivitamin supplements

Take daily multivitamins and minerals containing a minimum of 18 mg of iron, 400 mg of folic acid as well as selenium, copper, and zinc.

Calcium

Take 1,200 to 2,000 mg daily to prevent calcium deficiency and bone disease. To increase absorption, take calcium supplements in two or three divided doses per day. Calcium citrate is the preferred calcium formula.

Vitamin D

Take between 800 and 1000 International Units (IU) of vitamin D per day. This total should be taken as 400-500 International Units (IU) twice a day with added calcium.

Vitamin B12

Take 500 mg of vitamin B daily. It can be taken as a tablet, sublingual tablet or liquid. Remember that the whole tablet must be crushed.

You may need additional supplements of folic acid or iron, especially for menstruating women.

Women of childbearing age are not recommended to become pregnant within two years of having a bariatric operation. A pregnancy that develops during this period can lead to damage to the fetus and congenital defects.

The time of the patient’s return to work depends on his general state of health and physical condition before the operation. Many patients return to work two weeks after the operation, without any activity limitations. However, some need an additional two weeks. Return to full physical fitness is different for each individual and usually takes about six weeks.

After the procedure, the dietician prepares a dietary plan for the patient, which must be strictly applied. For a certain period it may be a liquid diet, followed by a transition to soft or mashed food, and finally to solid food.

It is very important to provide enough fluids to the body. The goal should be to drink 1.5 to 2 l or more of fluids per day to avoid dehydration, constipation and kidney stones.
Nutritional guidelines limit the number of calories consumed while providing balanced meals to prevent nutrient deficiencies and preserve muscle tissue. Each patient tolerates the recommended diet differently.

A low-calorie, low- fat and low- sugar diet is recommended. The aim is to provide at least 65-75 g of protein per day. High-protein foods include eggs, meat, fish (tuna), seafood, poultry, milk, soy, cottage cheese, and yogurt. Do not worry if you do not achieve this amount of protein in the first few months after the operation.

Here are some eating guidelines:
– Eat slowly and chew small bites of food thoroughly.

– Avoid rice, bread, raw vegetables, fresh fruits, and meats that are not easily chewed such as pork and steak. Ground meats are usually better tolerated.

– With soft and solid foods, take only three bites at one sitting, then wait a minimum of 20 minutes before eating more.

– Eat balanced meals with small portions.

– Avoid the use of drinking straws and carbonated beverages, chewing gum and ice because they can introduce too much air into your pouch and cause discomfort.

– Avoid sugar, sugar-containing foods and beverages, concentrated sweets, and fruit juices.

Over time, increase the variety and consistency of the foods in your diet. Some foods may be poorly tolerated initially such as red meats, chicken, breads, high fiber fruits and vegetables. This will improve over time.
It is very important that you stay well-hydrated; you should drink around 1.5 to 2 litters of fluids daily, unless otherwise restricted by a medical condition.
Alcoholic beverages will have a more profound effect and should be avoided or consumed with caution.

It is recommended to exercise for 30 to 45 minutes a day, at least three times a week.

Initially walks are recommended and then you can introduce exercises such as jogging, swimming or riding a stationary bike.