Supplements are needed throughout your life after bariatric surgery. A complete multi-supplement, iron, calcium and B12 are the basic supplements recommended to maintain healthy nutrition status. Beyond these basics, many patients may take other supplements after bariatric surgery.
Keep in mind: supplements are not regulated by the FDA, the federal agency that oversees safety in prescription medications. Many bariatric patients take other supplements for various reasons. Many may think extra supplementation will help with whatever the label says and it will be safe. It usually takes adverse events to find out whether a supplement has potential harm.
For instance, fish oils, also known as Omega-3 oils, have anti-inflammatory and blood thinning action. For those waiting to have bariatric surgery, you will need to stop the fish oils two to four weeks before surgery. Your surgeon needs good blood clotting on your part to recover from surgery.
Another nutrient in the news is biotin, a B vitamin. Many patients take extra biotin to prevent hair loss. Last November, the FDA issued a warning that taking a high amount of biotin can interfere with interpreting troponin. Troponin is the lab used to help determine if you have had a heart attack. Biotin can also interfere with interpreting thyroid labs. At this time, there isn’t sufficient information to set an upper tolerable intake level, also referred to as the UL.
How can you make sure you are safe with your supplements? There are several things you can do.
- Carry a complete list of all your medications and supplements. Keep this list updated with your medical team.
- Wear a medical bracelet or necklace identifying you as a bariatric patient. This will help emergency personnel more quickly determine how to help you.
- Have regular lab work to make sure your nutritional health is in good shape.
- Work with your medical team to make sure you are supplement savvy and safe!