Maintaining results after gastric bypass surgery or other weight loss procedures can be a challenge for many patients, and many turn to nutritional counseling to support their major lifestyle adjustment. Still, a well-balanced diet may not be enough. 

Eating protein-rich meals and cutting out processed foods are a few steps toward healthier eating, but if nutrients aren’t being absorbed properly, a gastric bypass patient can be left with cravings, excessive hunger and an uncontrollable appetite. Some researchers believe the culprit behind cravings and weight gain isn’t necessarily an unhealthy diet, but a lack of healthy bacteria. Probiotics are the essential bacteria needed for healthy digestive system functionng, and these may be the missing element in those who undergo gastric bypass.   

What Are Probiotics?  

Probiotics are the ‘healthy’ bacteria needed to keep the digestive system in good order, and may help promote a healthy metabolism. Khem Shahani, Ph.D. explains the role of probiotics in the diet in the book Cultivate Health from Within:  Dr. Shahni’s Guide to Probiotics, indicating that bloating, gas and indigestion are often a cause of a lack of healthy bacteria that help break down and process food. People with a yeast overgrowth or bacterial imbalance often experience extreme cravings for sugar, carbohydrates and alcohol, but this can be corrected with regular probiotic supplementation.

Antibiotics may also contribute to problems within the digestive system because they kill off both the good and bad bacteria. Patients who are taking antibiotics in the form of cortisone or birth control pills may be inadvertently depleting their digestive system of healthy bacteria; this is where probiotics can help. In addition to probiotic supplements, patients can add specific foods to their diet.

Probiotics are naturally found in fermented foods such as:

• Yogurt
• Cottage cheese
• Powdered milk and powdered milk products
• Breakfast cereal
• Infant formula
• Kefir  

The Probiotics and Weight Loss Connection  

Eating a well-balanced diet can prevent unhealthy weight gain and keep the appetite in check, but it also promotes a healthy digestive system. A well-functioning digestive system means nutrients are absorbed appropriately, which in turn fuels the body with the minerals, vitamins and energy it needs. Probiotics may help with this process, balancing out digestive system imbalances and promoting better nutrient absorption. Researchers who investigated the link between probiotics and gastric bypass determined that many patients experience very poor gastrointestinal functioning after weight loss surgery. 

According to Dr. John M. Morton, associate professor at the Stanford University School of Medicine reports that: "Some patients [after bypass surgery] have a small amount of bacterial overgrowth [in the intestines]," adding that this can have an impact on gastrointestinal function and quality of life. Dr. Morton also indicates that obesity may be associated with the bacteria levels in the gastrointestinal tract; people who gain weight easily may need to address this issue in addition to modifying their diet and lifestyle (Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine). 

Keeping the weight off after gastric bypass involves a combination of dietary modifications, maintaining a consistent exercise schedule and incorporating healthy lifestyle habits into the daily routine. Diet changes play an important role, and probiotics may be a valuable supplement for many gastric bypass patients as they adjust to the changes.   

Learn more about gastric bypass and nutritional counseling in our information guide, or consult with a weight loss surgeon in your area for treatment and post-operative care options.