Hello I am 20 months post gastric sleeve and I just turned 40 two months ago.. I do have children already never had fertility issues in the past, but I know age slows these things down. Me and my DP are trying for one last bundle and I'd like to advice from you all about what vitamins you take or took when you conceived post op? I'd like to hear about any success stories someone my age or older. I will of course be getting information from my doctor. But reading others stories and getting advice does help you not feel alone in your journey. I'm currently still taking my 2x prenatal, vitamin d, and b-complex. TIA.

Hi there,

35 year old here (not 40 but hey, almost there) with 2 children. Never had fertility issues in the past and both children were conceived first try. I was warned by my doc that fertility triples after bariatric surgery. I've lost 40 kgs since my sleeve and became semi-underweight and my period has lightened so so much to the point that got me worried about my fertility.

Decided that we want to try for one last child, and BAM first try again Ha! Currently almost 9 weeks pregnant.

To get ready I took folic acid and prenatal vitamins (Thorne brand) daily for 3 months before trying, I've also been religiously taking multivitamins, iron, magnesium, omega 3, calcium and vitamin D since my VSG. Good luck and you got this :)

Edited October 29, 2025Oct 29 by Lilia_90

Another thing to think about is that vitamin absorption takes a hit after bariatric surgery, hence why I take folic acid in addition to my prenatal that already contain folic acid (to ensure that I get a sufficient amount of folic acid). This also applies to iron, calcium, vitamin D ...etc. 

It's good to check with your main health provider/OB on the necessary dose of vitamins to prepare your body for a healthy pregnancy

Edited October 29, 2025Oct 29 by Lilia_90