Metabolic and bariatric surgery can present with many lifestyle changes, which can be overwhelming. Be prepared to take care of your health. The first step will be to watch your nutrient intake. Unfortunately, metabolic and bariatric patients suffer from nutrient and vitamin depletion post-surgery, like gastric bypass vitamin B12 deficiency. Focus on staying consistent with your bariatric-specific supplement intake, such as probiotics, chewable multivitamins for bariatric patients, and bariatric protein shakes. If you are someone looking for an easy daily supplement regimen and would like to keep it to a minimum, you can look at Bariatric Fusion Complete Chewable Multivitamins. If you are looking to add additional support to your diet after metabolic and bariatric surgery, probiotics can help for a number of reasons.* In this article, we talk about probiotics for metabolic and bariatric patients. What this article covers: What are Probiotics? Top Four Things Probiotics Support After Weight Loss Surgery* How to Add Probiotics to Your Diet? Things to Consider When Choosing Bariatric Probiotics* Why Does Bariatric Fusion Carry Probiotics Containing Bacillus Coagulans? What are Probiotics? Probiotics are live microorganisms that are naturally present in some foods (kefir, kombucha, yogurt, pickles, etc.), but also available as dietary supplements. Microorganisms, like bacteria, are found throughout the gastrointestinal tract and can affect quality of life People usually correlate bacteria with illness, but there are good bacteria that can have a beneficial effect on the gut Probiotic supplements can offer digestive and immune support* Dietary supplements can provide a higher concentration of probiotics Top Four Things Probiotics Can Support* The usage of specific probiotics after weight loss surgery can support:* Bowel regularity Absorption of nutrients, including vitamin B12 Metabolic balance to support further weight loss Immune response Probiotics and Gastric Bypass Gastric bypass surgery involves dividing the stomach into a smaller pouch and directly connecting the new pouch to the small intestine. This allows food to pass through the small stomach pouch and directly into the intestines, bypassing a majority of the stomach and intestine. As a result, this effects gastric acid secretion and intestinal mobility, which in turn, affects the bacterial balance in the gut. Bacterial balance is also impacted by the administration of antibiotics post-surgery. Bacterial imbalance causes further nutrient malabsorption and GI side effects. There is research that supports the use of probiotics after metabolic and bariatric surgery to further support weight loss efforts.1* How to Add Probiotics to Your Diet If you're looking to add probiotics in your diet, you could try these options: Incorporate kefir and yogurt smoothies into your daily diet Eat fermented vegetables every once in a while Include onions, asparagus, and beans in your diet Have fermented sauerkraut along with eggs These changes will help support your nutrient intake, but the results won’t be as quick as you’d think. For more efficient results, you should opt for bariatric probiotic supplements.* Things to Consider When Choosing Bariatric Probiotics Not all probiotics are the same. They come in different strains and can provide different purposes. It is important to do your research and choose carefully. There are a few things to consider when selecting bariatric probiotics. Gastrointestinal Conditions Those with C. Difficile infection, crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and IBS should only take probiotics when recommended by a healthcare provider. If you fall under one of these conditions or have any serious health issues, you should contact your healthcare provider before adding probiotics to your post-surgery diet. Proper Form Probiotics come in different forms. You can take them through food, pills, powder, capsules, or liquids. Liquid probiotics are an option if you have a hard time swallowing capsules. However, they have a shorter shelf-life than capsules. They’re also not always available as they need to be refrigerated, so it wouldn’t be convenient to take them outside the house. There are bariatric probiotic capsules and soft chew products that can aid healthy GI response that can naturally be disrupted after gastric bypass and support immune response.* CFUs per Dose CFUs or colony-forming units is the measure of probiotic potency. This is a microbiology unit used to approximate the number of bacteria capable of forming colonies in a sample. To support a healthy immune and digestive system after gastric bypass, 5-15 billion CFUs per dose is sufficient.* Before choosing any type of probiotic, it is recommended to consult with your healthcare provider for assistance on the option that would be most suitable for your individual needs. Why Does Bariatric Fusion Carry Probiotics Containing Bacillus Coagulans? Bariatric Fusion offers a probiotic capsule (quick dissolving to support absorption) and great tasting probiotic soft chews. Both options contain 10 billion CFUs of Bacillus Coagulans that assist digestion by supporting:* Digestion of some macronutrients (carbohydrates and protein) Healthy metabolism and intestinal bacteria Immune response Bowel regularity Summary Our bariatric supplements were formulated by a team of bariatric practitioners to support absorption of micro and macronutrients so that you are receiving proper nutrition for your body as you continue your journey after weight loss surgery.* Before taking any supplements, it is recommended to consult your healthcare provider to ensure a product is suitable for your individual needs. Did you find our blog helpful? Then consider checking: Bariatric Diet Acid Reflux After Gastric Bypass How Long Is A Gastric Bypass Surgery Procedure? Gastric Bypass Facts Chewable Vitamins for Bariatric Patients Bariatric Protein Bars What To Buy Before Bariatric Surgery Bariatric Surgery Post Bariatric Plastic Surgery What Pain Medication Can You Take After Gastric Bypass? Anesthesia For Bariatric Surgery Sleep Apnea And Bariatric Surgery Bariatric Support Groups Recovery After Gastric Bypass Surgery Benefits Of Bariatric Surgery Have a look at our collection of bariatric supplements as well. Research 1. Wagner NRF et al. Arq Bras Cir Dig. 2018;31(4):e1400. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. This blog is for information and education purposes only. This information is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your bariatric surgeon or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions in regards to a medical condition. A qualified healthcare professional can best assist you in deciding whether a dietary supplement is suitable based on your individual needs.