Sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a weight loss procedure in which a portion of the stomach is removed. The leftover piece is then formed into a tube or “sleeve,” leaving only enough at the end to fit into an average-sized banana.

When paired with other lifestyle adjustments, the technique restricts both food and drink intake and can result in substantial weight loss. Patients often lose 10-20 pounds in the first two weeks following gastric sleeve surgery, and up to 60% of excess body fat can be eliminated in a year.

What Exactly are Gummy Vitamins?

Gummy vitamins are water-soluble vitamins, minerals, and other substances that are generally formed like gummy candy. They are available in various shapes and sizes, with natural or artificial tastes, and are typically sweetened with sugar or corn syrup.

Gummy Vitamins Following Bariatric Surgery

“Can I take gummy vitamins?” is a typical question among bariatric surgery patients who are often told to make sure they receive a certain amount of nutrients in their diet. In a nutshell, the answer is yes and no. In general, getting vitamins through food is preferable to taking supplements.

However, many food options are restricted following bariatric surgery due to their high-calorie content or difficulty in digestion. You can consume gummy vitamins in the first few weeks after bariatric surgery; however, they should be chewed and chopped in half before consumption.

Gummy vitamins should be discontinued after 4-6 weeks since they frequently do not contain enough iron and vitamin B12 to meet the long-term needs of post-bariatric patients.

It is critical that your doctor advise you on what supplements you should take following your surgery, if any at all. Finally, it is critical to take only what your doctor recommends while also being aware of what vitamins you may require to prevent the danger of nutrient insufficiency after bariatric surgery.

Why are Gummy Vitamins Not Recommended for Bariatric Surgery Patients?

Bariatric surgery patients frequently struggle to achieve their daily vitamin levels, and gummy pills are a convenient solution for many.

Unfortunately, gummies may contain a lot of refined sugar, which is the reverse of what bariatric surgery patients need. Furthermore, gummy vitamins are not as easily absorbed in the body as other forms, such as bariatric-specific vitamins.

They may also cause allergies due to artificial coloring or flavorings and may stick to teeth, creating an extra oral health concern for persons with a restricted diet following post-surgical operations.

Gummies may also interact with drugs that some post-surgical patients regularly use.

Why Bariatric-Specific Vitamins?

Bariatric-specific vitamins are recommended by experts for patients who have undergone weight reduction surgery because they provide higher absorption rates and the proper amount of nutrients needed to stay healthy.

Unlike gummies, bariatric vitamins are frequently low in sugar and give critical nutrients to post-surgery bariatric patients. Vitamins like B12 and calcium must be taken in the proper form, but many multivitamins are not recommended for post-bariatric surgery demands.