Bariatric Surgery and your Immune System
In this age of the COVID-19 pandemic, many patients who have had bariatric surgery often ask us if their immune system is affected and if they are more susceptible to getting an infection. Bariatric surgery in itself does not alter your immune system, but it may indirectly influence it. There are a number of steps bariatric patients should take to make sure they maintain a healthy immune system:
Eat healthy nutritious foods. Although there is no special diet that will directly boost immunity, your body needs healthy nutrition to allow your immune system to function properly. That is specially important after bariatric surgery where your intake is limited. Vegetables such as spinach and broccoli, and fruits such as apples, oranges and berries contain antioxidants that boost immunity. Eggs and salmon are excellent sources of protein but are also packed with immunity-boosting nutrients such as vitamin D and zinc.
Stay hydrated. Try getting the recommended 64 ounces of water a day. You can also have ginger tea or green tea; both have been shown to have strong anti-inflammatory properties and can help strengthen your immunity.
Take your bariatric supplements. Vitamins such as vitamin A, C, D, and E, and minerals such as zinc, selenium, and magnesium play an important role in regulating and strengthening immunity. Vitamin D deficiency is common in the general population. Deficiencies in other vitamins are more likely after bariatric surgery since patients cannot consume or absorb enough nutrients. Compliance with vitamin supplements is critical and regular follow-up with your surgeon and dietitian to ensure the absence of deficiencies is very important.
Avoid alcohol in excess. It is well known that excessive alcohol consumption leads to disruption in immune pathways and can impair your body’s ability to defend against infection. Alcohol is absorbed faster and blood alcohol level remains higher for a longer period after weight loss surgery. This puts bariatric patients at a somewhat higher risk for developing new-onset alcohol use disorder. As most people are confined at home in the current pandemic, alcohol purchases - and likely consumption - went up 55% in the third week of March this year compared to last year, and this is a concerning trend. Make sure you minimize alcohol intake.
Get enough sleep. During sleep, your body makes protective proteins called cytokines, which target infection and inflammation. Sleep deprivation may decrease production of these cytokines and make you more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus. Try to get the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep each night. If you suffer from sleep apnea, make sure it is properly treated in order to ensure good quality sleep.
Exercise. Regular exercise is is an excellent stress management tool but is also one of the pillars of healthy living and does boost your immune system. It has an overall anti-inflammatory influence and promotes good circulation which stimulates the exchange of highly active immune cell between the blood stream and the tissues. Studies have consistently shown that regular physical activity is associated with decreased rates of influenza and pneumonia. With the temporary closures of gyms and studios in response to the pandemic, get creative and look for other ways to get your exercise including running/walking, yoga, strength training using bands or even household items, online streaming exercises/classes, and even virtual personal training.
Don’t ignore your mental health. There is emerging evidence of a connection between mental health and the immune system. These are stressful times for most people. It is very important for you to ensure a healthy mindset, properly deal with adversity and manage the feelings of anger, anxiety or depression. Foster your relationships and stay in touch with your friends and close family, although from a distance. Use the various communication platforms to connect virtually with your support circle. Meditate. Talk to your therapist if you need to. And attend our monthly bariatric support group, now held virtually on Zoom.
Of course, it is important to practice smart stay-healthy strategies during the current pandemic including regular hand washing with soap and water, using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, not touching your face, following social distancing guidelines, wearing masks, etc.
Stay healthy and safe.
- JRS