Vitamin Gummies

Vitamins for Weight Loss: Chewable Bariatric Vitamins vs. Patches

All bariatric patients must be aware that they need to follow a proper vitamin regimen to recover and continue their weight-loss journey, particularly after bariatric surgery. If you skip these vitamins, you may face different health issues due to a deficiency. Fortunately, there are plenty of types of vitamins available. Therefore, it might be challenging to determine which ones are best for you.

 

Currently, two popular types of vitamins for bariatric patients are gummies and patches. Patients frequently get confused about whether using chewy or chewable vitamins is a good idea, or whether they must adopt the patch technology. In this article, let’s analyse the pros and cons of using both so it becomes easier to decide what’s best for you!

 


What is bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgery, also referred to as weight loss surgery, has grown in popularity as a treatment option for obese people. By lowering the size of the stomach or avoiding a part of the digestive system, this surgical technique seeks to assist patients in losing a large amount of weight. Bariatric surgery can change a person's life, but it also has drawbacks, especially when it comes to maintaining a healthy diet.


 

What are chewable vitamins?

Chewable vitamins, which are frequently found as gummies, pills, or soft chews, are vitamins and supplements made to be chewed and eaten. They come in a variety of flavours and textures, and are usually chosen for kids and people who don't like swallowing tablets. Although chewable vitamins might be a practical way to add vitamins to your diet, it's vital to compare their nutrient levels and sugar content to those of other forms.


 

Importance of chewable vitamins:

The body undergoes major changes following bariatric surgery, which may affect how well it absorbs vital nutrients. Chewable vitamins are essential in this situation. These carefully crafted vitamins are made to be readily absorbed and broken down by the body, guaranteeing that people get the nutrients they need for optimum health.


One of the main reasons why chewable vitamins are important is that they aid in preventing nutrient deficiencies. The digestive tract is altered throughout the procedure, which limits the body's capacity to absorb specific nutrients and limits the quantity of food that may be eaten. Chewable vitamins help close the dietary gap and avoid deficiencies by offering a concentrated dosage of vital vitamins and minerals.


Additionally, chewable vitamins are gentle on the stomach, which is crucial following bariatric surgery because the stomach may be more sensitive. Compared to conventional pill forms, they are easier to digest, which encourages people to eat them instead of gulping down on large tablets. 


 

Types of chewable vitamins:

Following bariatric surgery, there are a number of chewable vitamin choices that are tailored to the requirements of this patient population. These are a few of the various kinds of chewable vitamins that are frequently suggested for people who have had surgery:

 

1. Multivitamins:

To promote general health, these all-inclusive formulas include a blend of vital vitamins and minerals. They offer a practical means of verifying that people are fulfilling their daily dietary needs.


2. Calcium: 

After bariatric surgery, when there may be a greater chance of bone loss, calcium is a crucial element for preserving bone health. Chewable calcium supplements lower the risk of osteoporosis and help people achieve their calcium requirements.

 

3. Vitamin B12:

The body's capacity to absorb vitamin B12 from the diet may be impacted by bariatric surgery. Chewable vitamin B12 pills promote red blood cell formation, energy production, and neurological function while preventing shortages.

 

4. Iron:

As bariatric surgery reduces food intake and alters nutrient absorption, iron deficiency is prevalent. Chewable iron supplements can promote the development of healthy red blood cells and help avoid anemia.


To find out which chewable vitamins are best for your needs following bariatric surgery, it's crucial to speak with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian who specializes in bariatric nutrition. Based on your particular dietary needs and medical background, they can offer the right advice.

Transdermal Patch

Benefits of chewable vitamins for bariatric patients:

Bariatric chewable vitamins are made especially to satisfy the special dietary requirements of individuals recovering from bariatric surgery. The following benefits of these chewable vitamins make them a popular option for people who have had weight loss surgery:


  • Enhanced absorption: Vitamins that are chewable are made to be readily absorbed by the body. As they are made with premium ingredients that are easier to absorb, patients can get the nutrients they need without putting undue effort on their digestive systems.
  • Provide comprehensive nutrients: Chewable vitamins offer a complete combination of vital vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12, iron, calcium, vitamin D, and zinc. These nutrients are essential for preserving good health and avoiding deficiencies, which frequently occur following bariatric surgery.
  • Convenient to take: The need to take several supplements every day is one of the difficulties faced by individuals recovering from bariatric surgery. Chewable vitamins provide a tasty and convenient solution to this problem. Patients find it easier to follow their prescribed supplementing schedule because of the chewable shape and pleasant taste.
  • Customization: Manufacturers are aware that the dietary requirements of every patient can differ. In order to accommodate various bariatric operations, including gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and gastric band, they provide a variety of formulas. Patients are guaranteed to obtain the precise nutrition they need according to the type of surgery thanks to these specially formulated products.
  • Recommended by healthcare professionals: Medical experts who specialize in bariatric surgery trust and recommend chewable vitamins. To guarantee that patients receive the best possible nutritional supplementation, these vitamins go through stringent testing and quality control procedures.


 

What is a vitamin patch?

A vitamin patch is a transdermal patch that is applied to the skin in place of a vitamin or supplement that is taken orally. These patches release nutrients into the skin, which directly enter the bloodstream. Although this method seems practical, it might not offer patients the best all-in-one bariatric vitamin solution.


 

How do vitamin patches work?

Transdermal patches function by absorbing nutrients into the skin and transferring them to the bloodstream. For the nutrients to enter the blood vessels and enter the bloodstream, they must first go through the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin.


The idea is that those with altered guts, such as those who have had bariatric surgery, will be better able to absorb nutrients in this manner because the nutrients bypass the digestive system.


 

Are these effective?

Certain medications, such as those for smoking cessation or pain relief, have shown promise when administered transdermal. Nevertheless, some studies indicate that transdermal patches might not be sufficient for bariatric surgery patients to absorb nutrients.

 

For instance, a 2020 study examines how iron levels are affected by iron pills as opposed to iron patches. According to the findings, iron levels were greater in individuals taking iron pills and unchanged in those using iron patches after eight weeks of daily consumption.


 

Are vitamin patches good for bariatric patients?

Vitamin patches might seem like a smart idea on paper. On the other hand, bariatric surgery patients need a lot of certain nutrients. Therefore, a person who has had bariatric surgery may not receive enough nutrients via bariatric vitamin patches to meet their daily needs.


After bariatric surgery, patients should consult their primary care physician and the surgical team to determine the appropriate vitamin and mineral regimen for them.


 

Conclusion:

Vitamin patches and chewable bariatric vitamins both assist nutritional health and weight loss. In order to meet the specific requirements of bariatric patients, chewable vitamins offer a thorough, thoroughly validated method that guarantees essential vitamins and minerals are efficiently absorbed. Although they show promise for convenience and metabolism support, vitamin patches are now best used as supplements rather than as a substitute.

 

 

References:

Back to blog