July 2021

Supporting Your Immune System After Weight Loss Surgery

Your immune system is your body's first line of defence against the bacteria and viruses we encounter every day. And while there's a lot outside our control, the good news is there's plenty within it; getting your nutritional "ducks in a row" is one of the most powerful ways to help your body stay well and resilient, whatever comes your way.

Here's how your immune system works, and how to support it after WLS.

How Your Immune System Works

The efficiency of your immune system relies on several things working together.

It starts with healthy skin, your body's physical barrier that helps keep microbes out. If the skin is broken or irritated and microbes get through, your internal immune system kicks in to deal with them. Beyond that, a well-functioning immune system depends heavily on consistent, adequate nutrition, which is exactly where WLS patients need to pay closer attention.

Signs Your Immune Health May Need Support

Some general signs that your body may benefit from more nutritional support include:

Slow wound healing
Frequent colds or minor illnesses
Cracked or sore lips
Recurring skin sensitivity or concerns
Heightened sensitivity to foods or environmental allergens
Digestive upsets
Recurring minor infections

If any of these are persistent, it's always worth discussing with your healthcare provider for proper assessment.

Why WLS Affects Immune Health

Carrying excess weight is associated with increased inflammation in the body, which can place additional demand on the immune system, leaving it with less capacity for its other jobs, like fighting off everyday bugs and healing the skin.

One of the benefits many people experience with weight loss after bariatric surgery is a reduction in overall inflammation, which can offer support for immune health over time. But this also depends on getting the right nutrients on board, because the malabsorptive nature of sleeve gastrectomy and bypass surgery means nutritional gaps can develop more easily.

What Can Affect Immunity?

When the body is working hard in one area, there can be a dip in its overall defences. Factors that can affect immune health include:

Stress
Rapid weight loss
Poor or disrupted sleep
Nutritional deficiencies
Malabsorption
General metabolic and circulatory health

While bariatric surgery helps address some of these over time, the food you eat and how you supplement become significant players in maintaining your immune health going forward.

Which Nutrients Support Immunity?

A deficiency in certain single nutrients can affect the body's immune response. Key nutrients for immune support include zinc, selenium, iron, copper, folate, and vitamins A, B6, C, D and E.

These nutrients support the immune system in several ways:

Acting as antioxidants to help protect healthy cells
Supporting the growth and activity of immune cells
Supporting the body's production of antibodies

Because WLS patients are at higher risk of nutritional gaps, ensuring adequate intake of these nutrients, through diet and, where needed, supplementation, is an important part of supporting immune health.

What You Can Do to Support Your Immunity

Reduce processed foods - and prioritise whole, nutrient-dense options
Be mindful of alcohol - which can deplete important B-group vitamins
Manage stress - chronic stress places ongoing demand on the body's systems
Prioritise sleep - aim for a consistent 7–8 hours a night
Move regularly - exercise supports cardiovascular health, stress management and overall wellbeing
Meet your protein target every day - protein is fundamental to immune function and recovery
Stay on top of your supplements - as recommended by your healthcare team

The Bottom Line

Taking small, consistent steps each day goes a long way toward supporting your long-term health, and there's something genuinely empowering about taking charge of your wellbeing, especially when so much around us can feel uncertain.

If you'd like to read more about the role of nutrition in immune health, reputable sources like Harvard's Nutrition Source and Healthdirect offer excellent, evidence-based information.

Always consult your healthcare team before making significant changes to your diet or supplement regimen.