Individuals suffering from obesity often suffer from vitamin deficiencies. This is why many people are tested before they undergo any type of weight loss surgery. However, even if the deficiencies aren't there before surgery, it's possible for them to develop post-op. Keep reading to learn of the possible vitamin deficiencies you may have to deal with when undergoing the duodenal switch (DS) procedure and what foods make adequate sources of these vitamins.

Potential Deficiencies After DS

One study suggests that individuals who have the duodenal switch procedure done are more likely to suffer from a deficiency of vitamin A, vitamin D and thiamine. It was determined that during the first few months following the conclusion of the surgery, some individuals would suffer thiamine deficiency. It was also concluded that during the first 12 months following the procedure, other individuals were at a higher risk of developing vitamin A and D deficiencies.

Although you could take a multi-vitamin or other oral supplements to help fight off the potential deficiencies that you may suffer, you could also incorporate certain foods into your diet. For many, this may prove to be easier and more beneficial than oral supplements that need to be taken each day. Below, you will find a few different types of food sources for each of these vitamins.

Vitamin A Food Sources

Vitamin A helps with your vision, cell growth and immune function. Some excellent sources of vitamin A include sweet baked potatoes with the skin, red peppers, carrots, spinach, broccoli, black-eyed peas, dried apricots, eggs and salmon.

Vitamin D Food Sources

Vitamin D is one of the most important vitamins for healthy bones and helps to prevent osteoarthritis. To get your intake of vitamin D, you can indulge in fatty fish (tuna and salmon), egg yolks, milk, cheese and orange juice. Another way to get some good vitamin D is to get out in the sun, as the body naturally processes the vitamin when the skin is exposed to the sun.

Thiamine Food Sources

Also known as vitamin B1, thiamine assists the body in converting carbs into energy for the body. Thiamine can be found in lean pork, fish, seeds, nuts, eggs, peas, legumes and dried milk. It can also be found in whole grain breads, pastas, cereals and other similar products.

If you're worried about the vitamin deficiencies following the duodenal switch procedure, speak to your duodenal switch surgeons about your concerns. They can help guide you in the right direction of how to handle the situation and get you tested for any deficiencies that you may have now. This information can go a long way in determining whether vitamin deficiency is something you need to worry about following the surgery.