Gastric Sleeve Surgery & Probiotics: Your Gut’s New Best Friend

So, you’ve decided to take the plunge with a gastric sleeve, a.k.a. the "banana-shaped stomach". This surgery removes up to 80% of your stomach, leaving a small, thin pouch that resembles a banana (we’re sticking with the fruit theme here). No changes to your small intestine, but it does remove the part of your stomach responsible for making hunger hormones. It’s the most common bariatric surgery today and is often the procedure recommended by bariatric surgeons at places like SleeveMD in Toronto.

But what about all those other weight-loss options? There’s the mini gastric bypass, gastric balloons, plication, and others. Each one alters the size or capacity of your stomach in some way, but the gastric sleeve is the one that really shrinks things down to size.

After surgery, getting all your nutrients from food alone is, well, a bit of a challenge. That’s where probiotics come in.

Probiotics: Your Gut’s New Best Friend After Surgery

Probiotics are like the little superheroes of your gut, living in harmony with your digestive system. You can find them in fermented foods like yogurt and kefir or in handy supplements. While scientists are still learning all the ways probiotics help your body, they do know that these friendly bacteria aid in digestion, immunity, and overall health. Some studies even suggest probiotics may help with chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Who knew those tiny microbes could do so much?

Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria, and when things get out of balance (aka dysbiosis), it can mess with your health. Bariatric surgery, like the gastric sleeve, can change your gut’s ecosystem, but don’t worry—probiotics might just help restore that balance and support your recovery.

Are Probiotics Safe After Bariatric Surgery?

If you're getting your gastric sleeve done at SleeveMD in Toronto, you might be wondering about probiotics. The good news is that research suggests probiotics can help with recovery, weight loss, and even prevent issues like small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). But before you start popping pills, more research is needed to confirm just how effective they are post-surgery. Always best to check with your doctor.

Why You Might Want Probiotics After Surgery

Digestive HealthPost-surgery, common side effects like diarrhea and constipation can be a pain. Probiotics help balance the bacteria in your gut and can ease these uncomfortable digestive issues.

Nutrient Absorption Bariatric surgery can make it trickier for your body to absorb certain nutrients, like vitamin B12. Early research shows that probiotics may help your body better absorb these nutrients, but more studies are needed.
Immune Support With your stomach now smaller, you’ll want a strong immune system to support your recovery. Probiotics might help boost your immunity and lower your chances of complications.
SIBO Prevention SIBO is a condition that can happen after surgery, causing gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Probiotics might help prevent this and improve your overall gut health.

Which Probiotics Should You Take?

here’s no one-size-fits-all probiotic supplement, especially after bariatric surgery. The most common probiotic strains for gut health are Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces. If you’re looking to improve nutrient absorption, L. rhamnosus, B. lactis, and B. adolescentis might be helpful, too. Just be sure to consult your SleeveMD team or your doctor for advice on which probiotic is right for you.

Pro Tip: Powdered probiotics may be easier on your stomach than capsules, especially post-surgery.

Risks: Are There Any?

Probiotics are generally safe, but with your new, smaller stomach, you might experience a bit of bloating, gas, or diarrhea as your body adjusts. Also, if you have a weakened immune system, there’s a slightly higher risk of infection. Always talk to your doctor about when and how to take probiotics after surgery to avoid any unpleasant side effects.

Consult Your Bariatric Surgeon

Whether you’re getting your gastric sleeve surgery in Toronto at SleeveMD or elsewhere, it’s always best to consult with your bariatric surgeon about taking probiotics. They can help you navigate your recovery and recommend the best probiotic options based on your needs.

FAQs

Are probiotics recommended immediately after bariatric surgery?

Ask your doctor! They’ll guide you on when to start taking probiotics, how much to take, and whether they’re right for your specific situation.

Can probiotics help reduce side effects post-bariatric surgery?

Yes, they may reduce gas, heartburn, diarrhea, and constipation. They might also improve nutrient absorption.

How do I know if probiotics are working for me?

It can take a few weeks for your gut to adjust and repopulate. Pay attention to your digestive health, and you'll likely start to see improvements over time.

Capsules or powder—what’s better after surgery?

Powdered probiotics are often easier on your stomach after surgery, but your body might tolerate capsules just fine. It all depends on you!

Probiotics can play a vital role in helping your gut bounce back after surgery.

Whether you’re in Toronto at SleeveMD or elsewhere, make sure to consult with your healthcare provider before adding anything new to your routine. They’ll help you find the right solution for your recovery.