Why Vitamins Are Important After Bariatric Surgery

After bariatric surgery, your stomach becomes smaller and you’re eating much less food than before. Because of that, it’s harder to get all the nutrients your body needs from food alone. That’s why taking daily vitamins is so important. As your dietitian, I want to make sure you’re staying healthy by taking the right ones. The four I want to focus on here are your multivitamin, vitamin D, calcium, and biotin.

Your multivitamin covers a lot of basics. It gives you key nutrients like B12, iron, and zinc, which can be harder to get after surgery. These are important for energy, brain health, and your immune system. Since you won’t be eating as much or getting all your nutrients from food, your multivitamin helps fill in those gaps.

Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and keeps your bones strong. It’s also important for your immune system. Many people are low in vitamin D even before surgery, and it’s easy to become more deficient after. A supplement makes sure you’re getting enough to stay healthy.

Calcium is another one I always recommend. It keeps your bones and teeth strong. Since a lot of dairy foods can be hard to eat after surgery, most people don’t get enough from food. Taking a calcium supplement helps protect your bones in the long term.

Biotin is especially helpful for your hair, skin, and nails. Hair thinning can happen after surgery, and while it’s temporary, biotin may help reduce how much you lose and support regrowth. It’s a small thing that can make a big difference in how you feel day to day.

Overall, taking these supplements daily is a key part of your long-term success after surgery. They’re not just “extra”—they’re essential for keeping your body strong and feeling your best. Let me know if you ever have questions about what you’re taking or how to take them.

Example Bariatric Multivitamin