Gastric-Bypass Patients Need Nutritional Supplements

By Jonny Bowden, PhD, CNS

If you're contemplating gastric-bypass surgery - or you've already had it - you'd be wise to bone up on your nutritional supplements.

A recent review of the literature on bariatric surgery found that of all the surgical procedures used to reduce weight, gastric bypass resulted in the most serious post-surgical nutritional deficiencies. The micronutrients most commonly found to be deficient were: vitamin B12, calcium, vitamin D, thiamine (vitamin B1), folic acid, iron, zinc, and magnesium. The authors of the review concluded that nutritional supplementation is absolutely necessary for every gastric-bypass patient.

Gastric bypass is the most popular weight-loss surgery in America. But it is a double-edged sword. While it can reduce some of the risks associated with obesity, it also presents a whole new set of health challenges. And it is hardly without side effects or complications, including blood clots, leaking, hernia, and a fairly high rate of death (1 per 200-300 surgeries). It's not a decision that should be made lightly.

Since you'd have to eat very differently after the surgery, why not try eating that way before you make the commitment to go under the knife? Reduce calories, trim your nutritional budget of all "non-essentials" (like processed carbs, sugar, soda, and junk foods), and fill your plate with protein and vegetables. You might be surprised at the results!

And if you do have the surgery - or you've already had it - make sure you're supplementing with vitamins and omega-3 fats... and that every calorie you consume gives you the most nutritional bang for the buck.

It's Fun to Know: Who Put Matzoh in My Stocking?

One of the best parts of Christmas is the music. The songs you hear at this time of year that instantly recall your childhood and make you all sentimental and mushy.

You might be surprised to learn, however, that some of the most popular Christmas songs were written by those who didn't celebrate this holiday. We can thank Jewish songwriters for such classics as "White Christmas," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow," and "Silver Bells."

Word to the Wise: Heterodox

"Heterodox" (HET-uh-ruh-doks) - from the Greek for "of another opinion" - is another way of saying "unorthodox," contrary to or differing from some acknowledged standard.

Example (as used by Jon Speelman in the Independent): "Moreover, heterodox behaviour - in the form of eccentric chess moves - was even encouraged, if it led to good results."

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These articles appear courtesy of Early to Rise [Issue #2540, 12-16-08], the Internet's most popular health, wealth, and success e-zine. For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.earlytorise.com/.