Should I take vitamins after obesity surgery?

There are several types of obesity surgery, including sleeve surgery and bypass surgery. During each of these two operations, Dr. Sami Chaibi, a digestive surgeon, advises taking vitamins.

More precisely, “For bypass, vitamins and minerals are systematic and must be taken throughout life, otherwise we will develop a deficiency with serious neurological complications.”

Regarding the sleeve, the surgeon explains that it needs to be prescribed for several months. Please note that these vitamins are not reimbursed by Social Security. They are therefore the responsibility of the patient and represent a cost of 15 to 20 euros per month.

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What is the difference between a sleeve and a bypass?

Bypass surgery involves reducing the volume of the stomach, as well as changing the diet. Food goes directly into the middle part of the small intestine. The patient eats less and consumes less of certain nutrients.

As for the sleeve, it involves removing a large part of the stomach to form a tube. The food will first slow down as it passes through the tube and then be evacuated very quickly into the small intestine. The sleeve may also act by limiting the secretion of ghrelin, a hunger hormone, and allowing you to feel full more quickly.