What Dietary Supplements Should I Be Taking After Weight Loss Surgery?

After weight loss surgery, nutrition looks very different - and so do your micronutrient needs. Because surgery changes how much you eat and how well you absorb nutrients,
supplements aren't optional; they’re essential for protecting your long-term health, energy, and wellbeing.

But knowing exactly what to take (and when) can feel confusing. This guide breaks down the key supplements you’ll need, why they matter, and how to keep your routine simple and sustainable.

Why Supplements Are Non-Negotiable After WLS

Procedures like gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and SADI reduce stomach size and, in some cases, affect how nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine. This increases the risk of deficiencies, even with a nutrient-dense diet.

Without targeted supplementation, common deficiencies include:

• Iron
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin D
• Calcium
• Folate
• Thiamine (B1)
• Fat-soluble vitamins (particularly after malabsorptive procedures)

Left untreated, these deficiencies can lead to fatigue, hair loss, anaemia, neuropathy, poor bone health, mood changes, and more.

Supplements help prevent these issues - allowing you to maintain energy, support
metabolism, and protect your long-term wellbeing.

Always follow the specific guidance of your bariatric team.

Photo by Laura Adai on Unsplash