Medically Reviewed by: Nicole Anne Vergara, RD
There are studies claiming that more than 50% of patients who have undergone a metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) are most likely to develop gastrointestinal issues. These issues include bloating, gas, and constipation after they have consumed a meal. If you have recently have a bariatric surgery and you feel like you’re also having these gastrointestinal issues, one major step you could take is consuming a digestive support supplement with digestive enzymes and probiotics. Learn more about the benefits of taking this supplement and how it would help relieve your symptoms from this article below.
What Are Digestive Enzymes?
After a meal, experiencing gas and bloating can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. There are many ways to assist good digestion, but did you know that your digestive enzymes play a key role to help you feel more comfortable?
In the mouth, small intestine, pancreas, and stomach, the body makes digestive enzymes. The synthesis of digestive enzymes can be adversely affected by metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS), gastrointestinal procedures, aging, illness, inflammation, and unstable blood sugar, among other reasons.
Digestive enzymes aid in the breakdown of carbohydrates like starches, vegetables, legumes, and sugars as well as proteins, lipids, and sugars. This makes it possible to properly and fully digest meals and absorb nutrients.
What Is Metabolic And Bariatric Surgery (MBS)?
MBS comprises a range of procedures done on the gastrointestinal tract to help obese patients lose weight. Weight loss surgery (WLS) is an option after trying all other weight-reduction strategies, including consulting a dietitian. For many people, using this weight-loss strategy improves their quality of life.
Certain weight loss techniques are recommended by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). The four most typical MBS procedures are as follows:
- Gastric sleeve
- Gastric bypass surgery
- Gastric band
- Duodenal switch
Through food restriction, nutrient malabsorption, or a mix of the two, these operations aid in weight loss.
Do You Need Digestive Enzymes After MBS?
Your digestive landscape is affected by modifications made to the gastrointestinal system during MBS. Your body may find it challenging to fully digest food. Gas, bloating, constipation, and other gastrointestinal symptoms can happen when uneaten food enters the intestines.
According to a study, almost 70% of post-operative patients experienced food intolerance. Patients with MBS, for instance, frequently exhibit lactose intolerance. Food and liquids move through the stomach more quickly and enter the small intestine there. Lactose intolerance could develop from a lack of lactase, an enzyme required for the breakdown of lactose in dairy products.
To help your digestive system work properly, your dietitian and doctor may advise a food supplement that contains digestive enzymes and probiotics.
The body can more effectively absorb and use vitamins and minerals from meals by assisting with the digestion of macronutrients, such as:
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin D
- Magnesium
- Calcium
Digestive Enzymes + Probiotics: How It Helps
Why is it advised to take a combination of digestive enzymes and probiotics following metabolic and bariatric surgery? The digestive tract is significantly impacted by the changes brought on by metabolic and bariatric surgical treatments. For instance, the body may find it more challenging to completely digest carbs, proteins, and lipids. Unpleasant signs like gas, bloating, and indigestion can occur when undigested foods make it to the gut.
Probiotics and digestive enzymes collaborate to facilitate thorough digestion and a healthy gut microbiome. As a result, this promotes regular bowel movements and good digestive reactions to gas and bloating.
FODMAP Digestive Enzymes, Prebiotics, Probiotics, and Postbiotics
To ease all your digestive issues, you should take the FODMAP Digestive Enzymes, Prebiotics, Probiotics & Postbiotics. This product contains 16 different types of digestive enzymes to help support healthier gut health and significantly reduce your gastrointestinal issues.
Aside from people who have recently undergone bariatric surgery, this product is also designed for individuals who are diagnosed with SIBO and IBS. The product is one of the most complete formulations of digestive enzymes that you can find in the market, and it also comes with prebiotics and postbiotics.
This Low FODMAP Dgestive Enzymes contains PreforPro prebiotic that does not induce any irritation on your gut since it is not starch or fiber-based. By taking one or two capsules a day, your body can improve its capability of absorbing all the nutrients from the food you eat, and a healthier digestive flora!
Key Takeaways
After metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS), gas, bloating, and other gastrointestinal problems can be uncomfortable and upsetting. The body's inefficient digestion of food causes these symptoms, which are normally lessened by promoting a healthy breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids.