Why You Need Calcium After Weight Loss Surgery

June 09, 2017 Nicky Dawkins 7 comments

If you've recently had weight loss surgery you are experiencing a major physical change. Not only does your body look different from the outside, but it acts differently on the inside as well. Due to the changes that have been made to the digestive system, weight loss surgery patients are at a risk for challenges with absorbing specific nutrients, including calcium.

In addition to building our bones and keeping them heathy, Calcium also plays a key role in weight regulation and can give you a weight loss edge!

A good Calcium supplement after weight loss should contain:

Low or no sugar
Calcium Citrate for the best absorption
Vitamin D

Here are few more reasons why Calcium consumption after WLS is so important.

Your Body No Longer Absorbs Nutrients As Easily

When you undergo weight loss surgery, there are changes made to your digestive systems that effect your ability to absorb certain nutrients. Bariatric surgery patients and other WLS patients are at particular risk for challenges with specific absorption, particularly calcium and vitamin D.

Massive Weight Loss Effects Your Bone Density

Bariatric and other weight loss surgeries may increase bone turnover and loss of bone mass in patients. This is partly due to massive change in weight alone. Because of this fact, Calcium is vital for WLS patients, as they have a high risk for long-term challenges with bone health. When your body does not get enough calcium from food and supplements, it "borrows" the calcium it needs from your bones. Over time, this can cause decrease bone health. Therefore, it is critical that bariatric patients get adequate calcium as part of their regular diet to reduce the risk of deficiencies and bone loss.

Low Calcium Intake Contributes To Weight Gain

Believe it or not, low calcium intake is considered a contributing factor to obesity and associated co-morbidities such as hypertension. After undergoing WLS, the goal is to continue to lose pounds until you reach a healthier weight. Then the goal is to maintain it with proper nutrition and exercise. The last thing a WLS patient wants is to gain back those pounds, and by taking calcium regularly that can be avoided. Having a healthy calcium intake allows the body to facilitate the excretion of fecal fat and may help increase core body temperature.

*This blog is part of our BariMelts Bariatric Buzz series. Share your weight loss journey with us on Instagram @BariMelts

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7 comments

Ammi May 07, 2020

My surgery was 3/20/3018, at my dentist appointment last October I had 13 cavities, and had to have one molar removed. I’ve never had oral issues until now. I didn’t take vitamins like I should have. TAKE YOUR VITAMINS…

Alyna October 29, 2019

I had gastric bypass about 15 years ago & I’m in my 50’s & have been diagnosed with osteoporosis. I’m unable to work or enjoy activities like I used to. Please take your calcium!