OBESITY SURGERY CENTER
NEWSLETTER
Fall/Winter 2013
By: Jessica Lynne Burrows RN
Remember support group is always held the 2nd Thursday of the month.
Location: Women and Children’s Hospital – Ben Mount Boardroom.
Time: 6:00 PM
Upcoming dates: Nov 14th, Dec 12th, Jan 9th, Feb 13th
If you missed the October support group you missed a lot!!!!
You missed freebies!!!!
Samples of protein shakes, multivitamins, and calcium supplements were given out!!! In addition to giving
samples the importance of multi-vitamins, calcium and adequate protein
was explained.
Let’s Talk Vitamins and Minerals!!!!
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It is important for the bariatric patient to take vitamin and mineral
supplements, not only to prevent adverse health conditions that can arise after
surgery, but because some nutrients such as calcium can enhance weight loss
and help prevent weight regain.
Bariatric surgical procedures specifically alter either the absorption pathways
or dietary intake or both.
Symptoms of vitamin deficiency are commonly nonspecific and physical exam
might not be reliable for early diagnosis without lab confirmation. Most
characteristic physical findings are seen late in the course of nutrient
deficiency.
Continuing a daily complete multi-vitamin and calcium supplement is required
forever!
Gummies, chewies and children’s vitamins are usually not complete.
Thiamin (vitamin B1)
Needed by the body to process carbs, fats and proteins- important for
how we process carbs.
Body stores very little thiamine, deficiency can happen quickly
Especially if not eating much or vomiting.
Deficiency Symptoms: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatique,
irritability, difficulty concentrating, weakness, changes in personality
and memory, leg and foot cramping, burning feet, headache,
constipation, and cramping.
Other symptoms: blurred vision, difficulty swallowing, memory loss,
faintness on standing, leg swelling, difficulty urinating, umb/painful
hands/feet, leg weakness, loss of balance, loss of muscle
Vitamin B12
Works together with folic acid to make red blood cells and other compounds
that are important for your cardiovascular and immune systems.
Deficiency symptoms: fatigue easily, feel tired and weak, dizziness, heart
palpitations, feel short of breath, poor appetite, numbness and tingling in
hands and feet.
Other symptoms: diarrhea, irritability and depression, psychosis, muscle
weakness, difficulty walking, changes in vision, burning sensation aroung
mouth, nerve damage, and increase risk of cardiovascular disease.
Certain medications can cause deficiency- Metformin, Reflux medications, anti-convulsants, Neomycin,
Colchicine, bowel anti-inflammatory
Vitamin D
A fat-soluble vitamin that is found in food and can also be made in the
skin after exposure to the sun. It sends signals that tell the body to
absorb calcium from the digestive system and put it places like your
bones. Also important for immunity, growth, development, and
communication between some types of cells.
Deficiency can cause you to develop osteomalacia. Many times this is a
“silent condition” which means no obvious symptoms. Your bones can
become soft and weak.
Deficiency symptoms: weak muscles, bone pain (hips and back),
muscle tics, twitches or spasms, unexplained fracture, seizure, depression, seasonal affective disorder,
loss of balance, arrhythmia, hypertension, cancer
Calcium
Builds and maintains strong bones and healthy communication
between the brain and various parts of the body. Regulates
muscle contraction, including the hertbeat. Also plays a role in
normal blood coagulation (clotting).
Stored in the teeth and bones.
Can enhance weight loss and help prevent weight regain.
Deficiency symptoms: low bone mass (osteopenia) and
increase the risks of osteoporosis and bone fractures, numbness
and tingling in the fingers, convulsions, abnormal heart rhythms,
leg cramping, involuntary muscle contractions
Iron
A mineral in your body that is for building blood cells, carrying
oxygen, enzyme functions, immune system function,
detoxification, growth and development.
Deficiency Symptoms
Other symptoms: rapid heartrate/palpitations, swollen
tongue, loss of appetite, leg cramps/restless less syndrome, ice
eating and/or Pica
Tea and coffee can deplete thiamin.
Folate / Vitamin B9
Necessary for the production of red blood cells and the
synthesis of DNA. Also helps with tissue growth and cell
function. Helps to increase appetite when needed and
stimulated the formation of digestive acids.
Deficiency symptoms: anemia, fatigue, nerve and muscle
pain. Increased risk of birth defects for patients of child
bearing age.
Anti-convulsants, oral contraceptives and cancer treatments can deplete.
Zinc
Zinc is important for a healthy immune system,
properly synthesizing DNA, promoting healthy
growth during childhood, and healing wounds.
Deficiency Symptoms
These are just some of the essential vitamins and minerals and symptoms of
deficiency. Patients often do not experience symptoms until they are severely
deficient and permanent damage may occur.
How do I prevent vitamin and mineral deficiencies ???
Take a complete multi-vitamin and calcium supplement daily.
Eat a wide variety of fruits and
vegetables.
Eat a minimum of 80 grams of
protein per day.
Have your lab values checked at
regular intervals.
Our office now carries
PROTEIN
Protein is an important component of every cell in the body. Hair and nails are mostly made of
protein. Your body uses protein to build and repair tissues. You also use protein to make
enzymes, hormones, and other body chemicals. Protein is an important building block of bones,
muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood.
Weight loss may stall or weight regain may occur with protein deficiency!
Good Protein Sources:
Seafood
Pork
Milk, cheese, yogurt
Beans
eggs
soy
lean beef
protein shakes
almonds
turkey
chicken
cottage cheese
tuna
nuts
seeds
tofu
REMINDERS:
SURGEON DR. CHUNG WARNING: Cigarette smoking and the
inhalation of second hand smoke may cause CANCER, STOMACH ULCERS, STRICTURES,
ETC…all possibly resulting in DEATH!!!
REMINDER: Aspirin and Ibuprofen products are contraindicated for our patients,
due to the risk of these medications may cause stomach ulcers. Medications to
avoid include: Mobic, Aleve, Motrin, Alka-Seltzer, BC Powder, Methotrexate,
Arthrotec Bufferin, Lortab ASA, Talwin, Midol, Bayer Products, Advil, Naprosyn,
Anaprox, Anacin, Doans, Ecotrin, Dristan, Indocin, Percodan, Zomax, Anaprox,
Tramadol(Ultram)….If you are unsure about a medication please call our office to
clarify. Medications with a side effect of possible GI Bleed or stomach ulcers should raise a red flag.
BABY ASPIRIN IS OKAY.
NOTE: This Newsletter and the content are intended ONLY for the Patients of Dr
Keith Chung and the Obesity Surgery Center of Louisiana. Any information
displayed here is not for dissemination or distribution without the explicit consent
of Obesity Surgery Center of Louisana.