Prevalence of Anemia and Related Deficiencies in the First Year following Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass for Morbid Obesity

Challenges of Revisional Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: A Comprehensive Guide to Unraveling the Complexities and Solutions of Revisional Bariatric Procedures

Revisional metabolic and bariatric surgery (RMBS) presents unique challenges in addressing weight loss failure or complications arising from initial bariatric procedures. This review aims to explore the complexities and solutions associated with revisional bariatric procedures comprehensively, offering insights into the evolving terrain of metabolic and bariatric surgery. A literature review is conducted to identify pertinent studies and expert opinions regarding RMBS. Methodological approaches, patient selection criteria, surgical techniques, preoperative assessments, and postoperative management strategies are synthesized to provide a comprehensive overview of current practices and advancements in the field, including institutional protocols. This review synthesizes key findings regarding the challenges encountered in RMBS, including the underlying causes of primary procedure failure, anatomical complexities, technical considerations, and assessments of surgical outcomes. Additionally, patient outcomes, complication rates, and long-term success are presented, along with institutional approaches to patient assessment and procedure selection. This review provides valuable insights for clinicians grappling with the complexities of RMBS. A comprehensive understanding of patient selection, surgical techniques, preoperative management, and postoperative care is crucial for enhancing outcomes and ensuring patient satisfaction in the field of metabolic bariatric surgery.

Change in Mineral Status After Bariatric Surgery: a Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The risk of protein and vitamin deficiencies after bariatric surgery has been well studied, but the change in mineral status has not gotten enough attention. This study aimed to perform a meta-analysis regarding the change in mineral levels after bariatric surgery and the prevalence of postoperative mineral deficiency, with subgroup analyses of different surgical procedures, study regions, and follow-up time.

METHODS

CENTRAL, PubMed, and EMBASE were searched for related articles. Meta-analysis, subgroup analysis, and sensitivity analysis were performed if necessary.

RESULTS

A total of 107 articles with 47,432 patients were included. The most severe mineral deficiency after bariatric surgery was iron (20.1%), followed by zinc (18.3%), copper (14.4%), chlorine (12.2%), phosphorus (7.5%), and calcium (7.4%). Serum concentrations of potassium, sodium, selenium, manganese, and molybdenum showed no significant change before and after surgery. Subgroup analyses revealed that SG had fewer deficiencies in serum iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, and selenium than RYGB. OAGB showed a higher incidence of serum iron and zinc deficiencies than RYGB. Studies conducted in different regions also found various mineral statuses after surgery. Studies with follow-up ≥ 5 years had a lower prevalence of zinc, copper, and selenium deficiencies than follow-up < 5 years.

CONCLUSION

A high deficiency rate of serum iron, zinc, copper, chlorine, phosphorus, and calcium was seen after bariatric surgery. The difference in surgical procedures, study regions, and follow-up time may affect postoperative mineral status; more targeted mineral supplement programs are needed considering these influencing factors.

Long-Term Outcomes of Iron Deficiency Before and After Bariatric Surgery: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

PURPOSE

This study reviews the prevalence of iron deficiency (ID) in bariatric surgery candidates and the long-term outcomes of the prevalence of ID after bariatric surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic literature search and meta-analysis were performed in PubMed for articles published by August 31, 2022, including these search terms: bariatric surgery, metabolic surgery, weight loss surgery, obesity surgery, sleeve gastrectomy, gastric banding, gastric bypass, duodenal switch, duodenojejunal bypass, iron, iron deficiency, sideropenia, and hypoferritinemia. Fifty-seven studies examining a total of 26,328 patients with morbidly obese were included in this meta-analysis finally.

RESULTS

The results showed a prevalence of 17% of ID in bariatric surgery candidates and a prevalence of 14%, 17%, 26%, 34%, 23%, 38%, and 23% of ID at 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 8-, and 10-year follow-up after bariatric surgery, respectively. Additionally, the results showed a prevalence of 15%, 19%, 35%, 38%, 29%, 30%, and 23% of ID at 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 8-, and 10-year follow-up after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, respectively; a prevalence of 12%, 12%, 15%, 31%, and 17% of ID at 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year follow-up after sleeve gastrectomy, respectively; and a prevalence of 19% of ID at 1-year follow-up after anastomosis gastric bypass.

CONCLUSION

As a result, preoperative evaluation and correction of ID may lead to better outcomes for bariatric surgery candidates. ID is also common in patients after bariatric procedures, especially RYGB. Long-term, even lifelong, medical and nutritional monitoring and tailored interventions are critical.

Current Practices and Guidelines for Perioperative Blood Management in Post-Bariatric Body Contouring Surgery: A Comprehensive Review of Literature

With the increase in obesity prevalence, a noticeable increase in bariatric surgeries has been reported in national and international statistics. Therefore, body contouring surgeries have increased to help individuals achieve their desired body shape. Plastic surgeons need to consider potential hematologic complications that may occur in this specific group of patients before performing body contouring surgery. This review illustrates the perioperative medical, laboratory, and management strategies needed to minimize blood loss and blood transfusion requirements during body contouring. Using Google Scholar and PubMed, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify articles discussing post-bariatric body contouring perioperative blood management strategies, including the effects of bariatric surgery on hemostasis as well as basic hematology and coagulation. In preoperative blood management, blood investigations aid in the early detection of electrolytes, protein, and vitamin deficiencies and anemia, resulting in the early correction of nutritional deficiencies. In order to reduce postoperative complications, surgical and anesthesia techniques, as well as intraoperative pharmacological therapy, play an essential role. Postoperative blood transfusion and restrictive transfusion thresholds are tailored to the patient's needs and depend on various physiological indicators, such as heart rate, blood pressure, urine output, and laboratory findings, such as acidosis and hematocrit level. Generally, post-bariatric body contouring blood management measures are still lacking, and more research is required to develop standardized guidelines for optimizing patient safety and satisfaction.Level of Evidence III This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Evaluation of Minimal Optimal Dose of Intravenous Ferric Carboxymaltose for Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia and Risk of Transient Hyperferritinemia

BACKGROUND

Iron supplementation is administered orally or intravenously to treat iron-deficiency anemia (IDA). Ferric Carboxymaltose (FCM) "Ferinject®" is an intravenous (IV) iron preparation that has emerged as a safe therapeutic option for treating IDA in the past decade.

AIM

This study aimed to evaluate safety and efficacy of carboxymaltose in a cohort of patients with IDA not responding to oral therapy.

METHODS

This 12-month retrospective study included 106 patients with IDA, with-or without bariatric surgery, who received (single or multiple doses) of Carboxymaltose 500mg/10mL. Data points included patients' demographics, baseline data for Hb, platelet, ferritin, and MCV pre-and at 1, 2, and 3 months following different doses of IV-Carboxymaltose. Changes in Hb, MCV, platelets, and ferritin levels were recorded in response to Carboxymaltose to assess the optimal dose, risk of hyperferritinemia, and hypophosphatemia.

RESULTS

At three months (95 days) follow-up, the median change pre-and post-therapy in hemoglobin was from 9.5 to 11.9g/dL (p < 0.01), MCV 73.6-80.5fL (p < 0.01), and ferritin 5.3-93.8ng/mL. A significant difference was observed between platelet count of patients who underwent bariatric surgery and those who did not. An optimal ferritin response (>30ng/mL) was observed in 87.8% of patients who received first dose, and none of the full three doses showed no response. 37% of patients who received two doses developed hyperferritinemia. Serum phosphate levels were assessed in 28 cases, and hypophosphatemia was observed in 25% of these patients.

CONCLUSION

Carboxymaltose is a reliable option for IDA. IV-FCM therapy helps achieve significant improvement in hemoglobin concentration and MCV from the first dose carrying a low reversible risk of hyperferritinemia following multiple doses. An interesting finding of this study is the discovery of a population of IDA patients requiring periodic assessment for iron reinfusion to sustain normal levels, mostly post-bariatric surgery. Changes in serum phosphate levels reported to occur consecutively with FCM treatment should be further studied.

Factors Associated with Nutritional Deficiency Biomarkers in Candidates for Bariatric Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Peruvian High-Resolution Clinic

Previous studies have described multiple nutritional deficiencies after bariatric surgery (BS). However, few studies have evaluated these deficiencies prior to BS, specifically in Latin America. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with nutritional deficiency biomarkers in candidates for BS in Peru. We included adults of both sexes, aged 18 to 59 years, admitted to a Peruvian clinic with a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2; they were candidates for BS from 2017 to 2020. We considered the serum levels of hemoglobin and albumin (in tertiles) as the nutritional deficiency biomarkers. In order to assess the associated factors, we calculated crude (cPR) and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) with their respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). We analyzed 255 patients: 63.1% were males, with a mean age of 37.1 ± 10.3 years and mean hemoglobin and albumin values of 14.0 ± 1.5 g/dL and 4.6 ± 0.4 g/dL, respectively. We found that males (aPR = 1.86; 95%CI: 1.26–2.73; p = 0.002), participants between 30 and 49 (aPR = 2.02; 95%CI: 1.24–3.28; p = 0.004) or 50 years or more (aPR = 2.42; 95%CI: 1.35–4.35; p = 0.003), participants with a BMI ≥40 kg/m2 (aPR = 1.68; 95%CI: 1.09–2.60; p = 0.018), participants with impaired high-density lipoprotein levels (aPR = 1.43; 95%CI: 1.01–2.05; p = 0.049) and individuals in the high tertile of C-reactive protein (aPR = 6.94; 95%CI: 3.37–14.32; p < 0.003) had a higher probability of being in the lower tertile of albumin. In addition, we found that the male sex (aPR = 6.94; 95%CI: 3.37–14.32; p < 0.001) and elevated cholesterol levels (aPR = 0.71; 95%CI: 0.52–0.97; p = 0.034) were associated with the lowest hemoglobin tertile. In our setting, nutritional deficiency biomarkers were associated with sociodemographic, anthropometric and laboratory markers. The pre-bariatric surgery correction of nutritional deficiencies is essential, and can prevent major complications after surgery.

Long-term nutritional deficiencies following sleeve gastrectomy: a 6-year single-centre retrospective study

INTRODUCTION

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is associated with short-term nutritional deficiencies postoperatively. This study evaluates the long-term percentage of excess weight loss (% EWL), and nutritional deficiencies in a single-centre cohort undergoing SG as a primary procedure, with a 6-year follow-up.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

From January 2005 to December 2010 the records of 209 patients who underwent laparoscopic SG were retrieved from a computer database for analysis. Sixty out of the 209 paients completed follow-ups for 6 years.

RESULTS

Median % EWL at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 years postoperatively was 80.9%, 79.1%, 73.8%, 71.8%, 71.5%, and 64.9%, respectively. Prior to surgery, 17.2% had anaemia. Deficiencies of iron, ferritin, folic acid, vitamin B12, magnesium, and phosphorus were 22%, 5.3%, 1.4%, 3.8%, 29.7%, and 5.3%, respectively. Six years post-surgery, deficiencies of haemoglobin, ferritin, and B12 worsened (36.7%, 43.3%, and 11.7%, p = 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.019, respectively), whereas there was no significant difference in deficiencies of iron, folic acid, magnesium, and phosphorus (25%, 1.7%, 20%, and 3%, p = 0.625, p = 0.896, p = 0.139, p = 0.539, respectively). There was elevated PTH before and 6 years after surgery (2.9% and 1.7%, p = 0.606).

CONCLUSIONS

This retrospective study shows that laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy had a considerable effect on specific nutritional deficiencies in our patients at 6 years post-surgery. Knowledge of micronutrient deficiencies in these patients is beneficial for both prevention and management of nutritional complications associated with SG with the administration of oral nutritional supplementation according to the patient's needs.

Iron supplementation following bariatric surgery: A systematic review of current strategies

Iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are common following bariatric surgery; however, there are limited standardized treatment recommendations for their management. The purpose of this study was to review the current strategies for iron supplementation following bariatric surgery and assess their relative efficacy in managing ID and IDA. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched to January 2021. Primary outcomes of interest were prevention or improvement in ID or IDA with iron supplementation. Forty-nine studies with 12,880 patients were included. Most patients underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (61.9%). Iron supplementation was most commonly administered orally for prevention of ID/IDA and was effective in 52% of studies. Both IV and oral iron were given for treatment of ID/IDA. Fifty percent (3/6) of the oral and 100% (3/3) of the IV supplementation strategies were effective at treating ID. Iron supplementation strategies employed following bariatric surgery are highly variable, and many do not provide sufficient iron to prevent the development of ID and IDA, potentially due to poor patient adherence. Further high-quality prospective trials, particularly comparing intravenous and oral iron, are warranted in order to determine the ideal dosage, route, and duration of iron supplementation.

Iron Deficiency - Not Only a Premenopausal Topic After Bariatric Surgery?

Purpose

In our centre, specialized high dose multivitamin supplementation designed to meet the needs of patients after gastric bypass surgery is routinely recommended in the early postoperative period. The aim of the present study was to analyse whether iron supplementation prescribed in clinical practice is sufficient in both sexes and whether multivitamin supplementation standardized for women might potentially lead to iron overload in men.

Materials/Methods

This was a retrospective study covering the period up to 36 months after bariatric surgery. Three groups were compared (men, premenopausal and postmenopausal women). The iron status was evaluated employing serum ferritin concentrations.

Results

A total of 283 patients who had at least one follow-up visit between January 2015 and April 2018 at a specialized academic outpatient centre were included (71 men, 130 premenopausal women, 82 postmenopausal women). Thirty-six months after surgery, 33.3%, 68.4% and 54.5% of the men, pre- and postmenopausal women, respectively, were iron deficient. The preoperative prevalence of excess ferritin levels was 13.7% in premenopausal, 3.0% in postmenopausal women, 5.7% in men and declined in the following months.

Conclusion

Iron deficiency is very common after gastric bypass surgery, and even high dosages of multivitamin and mineral supplements might not be sufficient to prevent the development of iron deficiency. Men, pre- and postmenopausal women differ in their prevalence of iron deficiency which demands adapted iron dosage regimens based on the sex and the age. Iron overload is rare in all observed groups and highest in premenopausal women.

Graphical abstract

Haemoglobin and Hematinic Status Before and After Bariatric Surgery over 4 years of Follow-Up

PURPOSE

Bariatric surgery is associated with deficiencies of vitamins and minerals, and patients are routinely advised supplements postoperatively. We studied prevalence of vitamin B12, folate and iron deficiencies and anaemia before and after bariatric surgery over 4 years of follow-up.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of 353 people with obesity, including 257 (72.8%) women, who underwent gastric bypass (252, 71.4%) or sleeve gastrectomy (101, 28.6%) at our National Health Service bariatric centre in Northwest England.

RESULTS

At baseline, mean (standard error) age was 46.0 (0.6) years, body mass index 53.1 (0.4) kg/m2, serum vitamin B12 400.2 (16.4) pg/L, folate 7.7 (0.2) μg/L, iron 12.0 (0.3) μmol/L, ferritin 118.3 (8.4) μg/L and haemoglobin 137.9 (0.8) g/L. Frequency of low vitamin B12 levels reduced from 7.5% preoperatively to 2.3% at 48 months (P < 0.038). Mean folate levels increased from baseline to 48 months by 5.3 μg/L (P < 0.001) but frequency of low folate levels increased from 4.7% preoperatively to 10.3% (P < 0.048). Ferritin levels increased from baseline to 48 months by 51.3 μg/L (P < 0.009). Frequency of low ferritin levels was greater in women (39.1%) than in men (8.9%) at baseline (P < 0.001) and throughout the study period. Haemoglobin was low in 4.6% of all patients at baseline with no significant change over the study period.

CONCLUSION

There were notable rates of haematinic insufficiencies in bariatric surgical candidates preoperatively. Our study lends further support to regular supplementation with vitamin B12, folic acid, and iron in people undergoing bariatric surgery.

Micronutrient Deficiencies After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Long-Term Results

BACKGROUND

Patients undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) are under risk of micronutrient deficiencies. We aimed to assess the preoperative and postoperative micronutrient deficiencies in a sample of patients with obesity who underwent LRYGB.

METHODS

We evaluated 169 patients-satisfying the National Institute of Health criteria for bariatric surgery-who underwent a LRYGB from January 2014 to July 2017. Before surgery, we recorded a detailed medical history for every patient, and after surgery, we instructed them to return at 1, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Preoperatively, anemia was present in 4.24% of patients, iron deficiency in 5.33%, vitamin B12 deficiency in 12.3%, and vitamin D deficiency in 74.35%. Postoperatively, the deficiency rates of calcium, magnesium, folate, and vitamins A, B1, and B6 were markedly low at 1, 2, and 3 years after surgery. In regard to anemia, iron, and vitamin B12, rates of deficiency were higher at 2 and 3 years postoperatively versus preoperatively, but only anemia (4% vs 14% and 4% vs 27%, at 2 and 3 years) and iron (5% vs 23% at 3 years) reached statistical significance. Compared with the preoperative assessment, the rates of vitamin D deficiency decreased over time (74% vs 50% at 1 year [p < 0.001], 74% vs 45% at 2 years [p < 0.002] and 74% vs 41% at 3 years [p < 0.04]).

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin D deficiency remains the most common preoperative deficiency. Anemia and deficiencies of iron and vitamin B12 are common before and after surgery. Deficiencies of calcium, magnesium, folate, and vitamins A, B1, and B6 are markedly low in the postoperative period.

Is Transdermal Multivitamin Patch Effective in Gastric Bypass Patients?

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) patients are recommended to take multiple oral vitamin supplements daily. Transdermal multivitamin patches are being advertised as an alternative for use in bariatric patients with no data to support their efficacy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate response to daily transdermal use of multivitamin patch after LRYGB and to compare them with a control group of similar patients who used oral supplements.

METHODS

A retrospective review was carried out on patients who had LRYGB at a community hospital from February 2015 to February 2019. Patients who had completed preoperative and annual postoperative bariatric laboratory tests were included. They were divided into patch and pill (control) group.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients were included in the patch and 27 in the pill group. Patients in each group used either patch or pills for 12 months and they were 1 year post LRYGB. Fourteen patients (82.35%) in patch group and 11 patients (40.74%) in pill group had at least 1 deficiency at annual postoperative blood work (P = .0116). Vitamin D deficiency was seen in 81% patients in patch group vs 36% in the pill group (P = .0092). Statistically significant lower postoperative serum concentrations of vitamin D, B1, and B12 were seen in the patch group.

CONCLUSIONS

Multivitamin patch users are more likely to have vitamin D deficiency and lower serum concentration of various vitamins and minerals. Future large studies are needed on the efficacy of multivitamin patches before they can be recommended to bariatric patient population.

Fetal spina bifida in a pregnant woman following omega gastric bypass: Case report and literature review

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Nutritional status in a pregnant woman is crucial. It determines the fetal outcome.

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We added a case of spina bifida after Omega Gastric Bypass.

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Biochemical and ultrasound monitoring should be performed regularly in pregnant women with a history of bariatric surgery.

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Vitamins, minerals and trace metals deficiencies after bypass bariatric surgery could be prevented by adequate supplementation administered before and during pregnancy.

Introduction

Bariatric surgery has been increasingly popular during the last years because of its proven efficacy on obesity and related complications. However, nutrient deficiency is common after surgery, in particular after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or omega gastric bypass (OGB), due to iatrogenic malabsorption. All vitamins and minerals could be involved, including vitamin B9 which plays an important role in the prevention of neural tube defects during pregnancy. We present a case of a spina bifida in the fetus of a pregnant woman following OGB.

Case presentation

A twenty-six years old young woman underwent OGB five years after weight loss failure post sleeve gastrectomy. Her initial body mass index (BMI) was 42.7 kg/m². Two years after OGB, she became pregnant. On her gynecologist’s advice, the patient discontinued daily vitamin intake before the end of the first trimester, as obstetrical follow-up had been considered appropriate. Regrettably, second trimester ultrasound showed myelomeningocele and surgical abortion was decided during the 25^th week of pregnancy.

Discussion

Nutritional status in a pregnant woman is crucial, since it determines the fetal outcome. Biochemical and ultrasound monitoring should be performed regularly, especially in pregnant women with a history of bariatric surgery.

Conclusion

Vitamins, minerals and trace metals deficiencies after bypass bariatric surgery could be prevented by adequate supplementation administered before and during pregnancy.

Adequate Multivitamin Supplementation after Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass Results in a Decrease of National Health Care Costs: a Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Patients with morbid obesity undergoing metabolic surgery are prone to develop vitamin and mineral deficiencies, which may worsen in time. In order to prevent these deficiencies after metabolic surgery, all patients are advised to take daily multivitamin supplementation. The aim of the study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of specially developed multivitamins (WLS Forte®) for metabolic surgery and over-the-counter (standard) multivitamin supplementation (sMVS).

METHODS

This cost-effectiveness analysis was preformed alongside an RCT for the Netherlands. Between June 2011 and March 2012, a total of 148 patients were randomized to one tablet daily of either WLS Forte® or sMVS. The patients were followed for 12 months. Data on costs within the health sector and outside the health sector were collected. The primary outcome is financial and logistic advantages, in terms of less patient visits to the outpatient department and the relevant costs to the employer due to absenteeism.

RESULTS

In total, 10 (14%) patients in the WLS Forte® group versus 23 (30%) patients in the sMVS group developed a deficiency. The costs for the WLS forte® supplement were €38 versus €23 for sMVS. Additional return visits and associated costs for medical staff were the largest costs, up to 43% in the sMVS group. Total costs for supplementation with sMVS were €243 versus €134 for WLS Forte®.

CONCLUSION

Preventing deficiencies with WLS Forte® seem initially more expensive than sMVS. However, treatment with WLS Forte® resulted in less vitamin and mineral deficiencies, which eventually resulted in less overall costs.

Oral Vitamin B12 Supplementation After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: a Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Many respectable guidelines recommend lifelong vitamin B₁₂ injections for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) patients in the absence of lack of consensus on the efficacy of oral route of prophylaxis and the appropriate doses needed for this purpose. The purpose of this review was to examine the published English language scientific literature in accordance with PRISMA principles to find out if orally given vitamin B₁₂ is adequate for prophylactic purposes in RYGB patients and the appropriate dosages needed for this purpose if it is.

METHODS

We examined the PubMed database for all English language articles examining various doses of oral vitamin B₁₂ supplementation after proximal RYGB in adult patients. The search revealed 19 such articles.

RESULTS

The data suggest that oral vitamin B₁₂ supplementation doses of ≤ 15 μg daily are insufficient to prevent deficiency in RYGB patients. Higher supplementation doses show better results and it appears that a dose of 600.0 μg vitamin B₁₂ daily is superior to 350.0 μg daily suggesting an incremental dose-response curve. It further appears that supplementation doses of 1000.0 μg vitamin B₁₂ daily lead to an increase in B₁₂ levels and are sufficient for the prevention of its deficiency in most RYGB patients.

CONCLUSION

The review finds that oral supplementation doses of ≤ 15 μg vitamin B₁₂ daily are inadequate for prophylaxis of vitamin B₁₂ deficiency in adult RYGB patients but doses of 1000 μg vitamin B₁₂ daily might be adequate. Future studies need to examine this and even higher oral doses for vitamin B₁₂ supplementation for patients undergoing RYGB.

Comparison of Oral Iron Supplement Formulations for Normalization of Iron Status Following Roux-EN-y Gastric Bypass Surgery: a Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND

The evidence behind recommendations for treatment of iron deficiency (ID) following roux-en-y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB) lacks high quality studies.

SETTING

Academic, United States OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to compare the effectiveness of oral iron supplementation using non-heme versus heme iron for treatment of iron deficiency in RYGB patients.

METHODS

In a randomized, single-blind study, women post-RYGB and iron deficient received non-heme iron (FeSO₄, 195 mg/day) or heme iron (heme-iron-polypeptide, HIP, 31.5 to 94.5 mg/day) for 8 weeks. Measures of iron status, including blood concentrations of ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), and hemoglobin, were assessed.

RESULTS

At baseline, the mean ± standard deviation for age, BMI, and years since surgery of the sample was 41.5 ± 6.8 years, 34.4 ± 5.9 kg/m², and 6.9 ± 3.1 years, respectively; and there were no differences between FeSO₄ (N = 6) or HIP (N = 8) groups. Compliance was greater than 94%. The study was stopped early due to statistical and clinical differences between groups. Values before and after FeSO₄ supplementation, expressed as least square means (95% CI) were hemoglobin, 10.8 (9.8, 11.9) to 13.0 (11.9, 14.0) g/dL; sTfR, 2111 (1556, 2864) to 1270 (934, 1737) μg/L; ferritin, 4.9 (3.4, 7.2) to 15.5 (10.6, 22.6) μg/L; and sTfR:ferritin ratio, 542 (273, 1086) to 103 (51, 204); all p < 0.0001. With HIP supplementation, no change was observed in any of the iron status biomarkers (all p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In accordance with recommendations, oral supplementation using FeSO₄, but not HIP, was efficacious for treatment of iron deficiency after RYGB.

Efficacy of oral compared with intramuscular vitamin B-12 supplementation after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a randomized controlled trial

Background

After Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), patients often develop a vitamin B-12 deficiency.

Objective

Our objective was to investigate whether oral supplementation increases and normalizes low vitamin B-12 concentrations (vitamin B-12 > 200 pmol/L) in RYGB patients as compared to intramuscular injections.

Design

A randomized controlled trial in RYGB patients with subnormal serum B-12 concentrations was performed. One group (IM B-12) received bimonthly intramuscular hydroxocobalamin injections (2000 µg as loading dose and 1000 µg at follow-up) for 6 mo. The second group (oral B-12) received daily doses of oral methylcobalamin (1000 µg). Serum vitamin B-12 was determined at baseline (T0) and at 2 (T1), 4 (T2), and 6 mo (T3) after start of treatment. Concentrations of the secondary markers methylmalonic acid (MMA) and homocysteine (Hcy) were measured at T0 and T3.

Results

Fifty patients were included and randomized, 27 in IM B-12 and 23 in oral B-12. The median vitamin B-12 concentration at T0 was 175 pmol/L (range: 114-196 pmol/L) for IM B-12 and 167 pmol/L (range: 129-199 pmol/L) for oral B-12. Vitamin B-12 normalized in all individuals, and there was no significant difference in vitamin B-12 between the two groups. MMA and Hcy concentrations decreased significantly after 6 mo within each group (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001 for MMA and P = 0.03 and P = 0.045 for Hcy, respectively). There was no significant difference between the groups at 6 mo for both MMA and Hcy (P = 0.53 and P = 0.79).

Conclusion

The efficacy of oral vitamin B-12 supplementation was similar to that of hydroxocobalamin injections in the present study. Oral supplementation can be used as an alternative to hydroxocobalamin injections to treat RYGB patients with low values of serum vitamin B-12. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02270749.

Changes in Hematology and Calcium Metabolism After Gastric Bypass Surgery--a 2-Year Follow-Up Study

BACKGROUND

Concerns regarding nutritional deficiencies have recently emerged after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).

METHODS

A total of 835 subjects underwent RYGB, age 43.3 years, body mass index (BMI) 47.2 kg/m(2). Hematological and calcium metabolic variables were measured before, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. Daily supplement of 800 mg calcium, 800 U vitamin D, a multivitamin, and a vitamin B12 injection (1 mg) every third month was recommended. In subjects with low ferritin and decreasing hemoglobin levels, oral, or intravenous iron was administered.

RESULTS

Hemoglobin concentration decreased from before surgery to month 24 for both men (9.3 ± 0.05 vs. 8.3 ± 0.08 mmol/L, p < 0.001) and women (8.4 ± 0.03 vs. 7.7 ± 0.06 mmol/L, p < 0.001). At 24 months, anemia was present in 25.8 % of women and 22.1 % of men. Predictors of anemia in both sexes were baseline hemoglobin (p < 0.001), excessive weight loss in men, and younger age in women (p < 0.001). Plasma ferritin levels decreased in both sexes (p < 0.01), whereas concentrations of folic acid and vitamin B12 increased from before surgery to 24 months after surgery (p < 0.001). Vitamin D increased from baseline to month 24 in both sexes (p < 0.01). In women, PTH increased from baseline to month 24 (p < 0.05) with no changes in calcium or magnesium.

CONCLUSIONS

Supplementation of calcium and vitamin D was sufficient. Iron substitution did not prevent anemia, which especially affected premenopausal women. More attention should be given to iron substitution after RYGB.

Prevalence of anemia and related deficiencies 10 years after gastric bypass--a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery has gained wide acceptance as treatment for severe obesity and is associated with decreased overall mortality. The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of anemia long term after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and to search for factors predicting anemia.

METHODS

All 745 patients who underwent RYGB between 1993 and 2003 at either Örebro or Uppsala University Hospital and who were living in Sweden were invited to participate by providing a fasting blood sample and completing a questionnaire about their health status. Full blood count, serum iron, transferrin, vitamin B12, and folic acid were determined.

RESULTS

Follow-up was completed in 431 patients (58 %) with mean age 51.3 ± 10 years. Of all patients, 27 % had anemia postoperatively and related deficiencies; iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 were seen in 20, 12, and 2 %, respectively. There was no correlation between anemia and sex, follow-up time, 25-OH vitamin D level, and preoperative or postoperative BMI. An inverse correlation was found between anemia and regular medical checkups concerning gastric bypass surgery.

CONCLUSION

Twenty-seven percent of patients had anemia more than 10 years after RYGB. Anemia does not seem to progress with time and was less common in patients with regular medical checkups. Thus, improved long-term follow-up is needed.

An optimized multivitamin supplement lowers the number of vitamin and mineral deficiencies three years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a cohort study

BACKGROUND

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are common after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery. In particular, inadequate serum concentrations of ferritin and vitamin B12 have been found in 11% and 23% (respectively) of patients using a standard multivitamin supplement (sMVS) 1 year after RYGB.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Weight Loss Surgery (WLS) Forte® (a pharmaceutical-grade, optimized multivitamin supplement) compared with an sMVS and a control group (nonuser) 3 years after RYGB.

SETTING

General hospital specialized in bariatric surgery.

METHODS

A follow-up cohort study of a triple-blind randomized, controlled clinical trial.

RESULTS

At baseline 148 patients were enrolled (74 [50%] in the sMVS group and 74 [50%] in the WLS Forte group). After a mean follow-up of 36 months, 11 (7%) patients were lost to follow-up, of whom 2 were secondary to death. At the end of the study, 11 (17%) patients in the WLS Forte and 17 (24%) in the sMVS group stopped using a supplement. In addition, 64 (47%) patients were using WLS Forte and 45 (33%) patients a sMVS. Patient characteristics and follow-up length were comparable between the groups. Significantly more patients were diagnosed with anemia (16% versus 3% [P = .021]), a ferritin deficiency (14% versus 3% [P = .043]), and a zinc deficiency (8% versus 0% [P = .033]) in the sMVS group compared with WLS Forte. Five patients developed a vitamin B12 deficiency while using WLS Forte, versus 15 of sMVS users (P = .001). No adverse events occurred that were related to supplement use.

CONCLUSION

At 3 years postoperative of RYGB, an optimized multivitamin supplement (WLS Forte) was more effective in reducing anemia and ferritin, vitamin B12, and zinc deficiencies compared with a standard supplement and control.

Management of vitamin K deficiency after biliopancreatic diversion with or without duodenal switch

BACKGROUND

Reduced serum vitamin K levels are frequently observed after biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) and BPD with duodenal switch (BPD/DS). The criteria for treatment are not precisely defined.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of standardized vitamin K supplementation in patients who develop vitamin K deficiency after BPD or BPD/DS.

SETTING

Teaching hospital specializing in bariatric surgery.

METHODS

Serum vitamin K levels, clotting times, and vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors were measured after an overnight fast at baseline and then at 4 days and 1, 4, and 52 weeks after the start of vitamin K supplementation in 10 consecutive patients who had developed severe vitamin K deficiency after BPD or BPD/DS. Vitamin K was administered in a dose of 5 mg/d for 1 week, followed by a maintenance dose of 5 mg once a week.

RESULTS

At baseline, all patients had serum vitamin K1 levels below the limit of detection, but none reported symptoms of easy bleeding. Minor prolongation of the prothrombin time and minimal decreases of some coagulation factors were observed in a minority of patients. During the first week of vitamin K loading, median serum vitamin K1 levels rose into the high normal range. During maintenance treatment, median vitamin K1 levels settled in the low normal range.

CONCLUSION

Vitamin K1 deficiency in patients with BPD or BPD/DS is not commonly associated with bleeding or clinically relevant decreases in coagulation factor activity. We hypothesize that vitamin K2 production in the large intestine is usually sufficient to compensate for vitamin K1 deficiency and to maintain total liver vitamin K stores within the range required for (near) normal coagulation factor production.

Nutrient deficiencies before and after sleeve gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

Obesity is associated with nutritional deficiencies. Bariatric surgery could worsen these deficiencies. Fewer nutritional deficiencies would be seen after sleeve gastrectomy compared to the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, but sleeve gastrectomy would also cause further deterioration of the deficiencies. The aim of this study was to determine the amount of pre-operative nutrient deficiencies in sleeve gastrectomy patients and assess the evolution of the nutritional status during the first post-operative year.

METHODS

Four hundred seven sleeve gastrectomy patients were assigned to a standardized follow-up program. Data of interest were weight loss, pre-operative nutrient status and evolution of nutrient deficiencies during the first post-operative year. Deficiencies were supplemented when found.

RESULTS

Two hundred patients completed blood withdrawal pre-operatively and in the first post-operative year. pre-operatively, 5 % of the patients were anemic, 7 % had low serum ferritin and 24 % had low folic acid. Hypovitaminosis D was present in 81 %. Vitamin A had excessive levels in 72 %. One year post-operatively, mean excess weight loss was 70 %. Anemia was found in 6 %. Low-ferritin levels were found in 8 % of the patients. Folate deficiency decreased significantly and hypovitaminosis D was still found in 36 %.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, a considerable amount of patients suffered from a deficient micronutrient status pre-operatively. One year after surgery, micronutrient deficiencies persisted or were found de novo in a considerable amount of patients, despite significant weight loss and supplementation. Significant reductions were seen only for folate and vitamin D.

Anaemia and related nutrient deficiencies after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To obtain a pooled risk estimate on the long-term impact of anaemia and related nutritional deficiencies in patients receiving Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were searched to identify English reports published before 16 May 2014.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Articles with case numbers >100, follow-up period >12 months, and complete data from both before and after surgery were selected. Outcomes of interest were changes in baseline measurements of proportion of patients with anaemia, by haemoglobin, haematocrit, ferritin, iron, vitamin B12 and folate levels.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviewers independently reviewed data and selected six prospective and nine retrospective studies with a total of 5909 patients. A random effect model with inverse variance weighting was used to calculate summary estimates of outcomes at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Proportion of patients with anaemia was 12.2% at baseline, which, respectively, increased to 20.9% and 25.9% at 12 and 24 months follow-up, consistent with decreases in haemoglobin and haematocrit levels. Although the serum iron level did not change substantially after surgery, the frequency of patients with ferritin deficiency increased from 7.9% at baseline to 13.4% and 23.0% at 12 and 24 months, respectively, postoperation. Vitamin B12 deficiency increased from 2.3% at baseline to 6.5% at 12 months after surgery in those subjects receiving RYGB. There was no obvious increase in folate deficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

RYGB surgery is associated with an increased risk of anaemia and deficiencies of iron and vitamin B12, but not folate. Ferritin is more sensitive when serum iron level is within normal range.

Vitamin concentrations 5 years after gastric bypass

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Few studies have investigated the effects of bariatric surgery on vitamin status in the long term. We examined changes in vitamin status up to 5 years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Using a retrospectively maintained database of patients undergoing weight loss surgery, we identified all patients operated with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass at our tertiary care hospital during July 2004-May 2008. Data on vitamin concentrations and patient-reported intake of dietary supplements were collected up to July 2012. Linear mixed models were used to estimate changes in vitamin concentrations during follow-up, adjusting for age and sex. All patients were recommended daily oral multivitamin, calcium/vitamin D and iron supplements and 3-monthly intramuscular B-12 after surgery.

RESULTS

Out of the 443 patients operated with gastric bypass, we included 441 (99.5%) patients with one or more measurements of vitamin concentrations (75.1% women; mean age 41.5 years, mean body mass index 46.1 kg/m(2) at baseline). At 5 years after surgery, the patients' estimated mean vitamin concentrations were either significantly higher (vitamin B-6, folic acid, vitamin B-12, vitamin C and vitamin A) or not significantly different (thiamine, 25-hydroxyvitamin D and lipid-adjusted vitamin E) compared with before surgery. Use of multivitamin, calcium/vitamin D and vitamin B-12 supplements was reported by 1-9% of patients before surgery, 79-84% of patients at 1 year and 52-83% of patients 5 years after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients who underwent gastric bypass surgery, estimated vitamin concentrations were either significantly increased or unchanged up to 5 years after surgery.

Anemia and the Need for Intravenous Iron Infusion after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

The frequency of anemia, iron deficiency, and the long-term need for IV iron following Roux-en-y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery has not been well characterized. Three-hundred and nineteen out of 904 consecutive subjects who underwent RYGB at Penn State Hershey Medical Center from 1999 to 2006 met the inclusion criteria for a preoperative complete blood count (CBC) and at least one CBC >6 months following surgery. Cumulative incidence of anemia 7 years post procedure was 58%. Menstruation status and presence of preoperative anemia were predictive of anemia by univariate analysis and multivariable Cox regression (P = 0.0014 and 0.044, respectively). Twenty-seven subjects, primarily premenopausal women, representing 8.5% of the cohort and 22% of the 122 anemic subjects, needed intravenous (IV) iron a mean of 51 months postoperatively for anemia unresponsive or refractory to oral iron. The risk for development of anemia necessitating IV iron therapy following RYGB is highest in menstruating women and continues to increase for many years, even in post-menopausal women. Well-designed prospective studies are needed to identify the incidence of iron deficiency anemia and the patient populations at increased risk for requiring IV iron replacement after RYGB surgery.

Surgical results of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in super obese patients with BMI≥60 in China

PURPOSE

Bariatric surgery in mainland China is still in its initial stages. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) for Chinese super obese patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥60 kg/m.

METHODS

Twenty-six super obese patients underwent LRYGB, performed by a single surgeon, at the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University between June 2004 and September 2012. Surgical outcomes were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

All 26 LRYGB procedures were performed successfully, with no conversion to open surgery. Preoperative mean body weight and BMI were 192.3 kg and 65.8 kg/m, respectively. Mean percentage of excess weight loss in the 12 months after surgery was 55.3±7.6%. Obesity-related comorbidities improved significantly. Two patients experienced perioperative complications, 1 with respiratory failure and 1 with umbilical wound infection. Six patients developed long-term complications, but all were cured by conservative treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Chinese obese population is unique in diet, lifestyle, sex, age, and geographical differences. LRYGB is feasible for Chinese super obese patients, with significant short-term results. Further observations are required to assess long-term outcomes.

Optimization of vitamin suppletion after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery can lower postoperative deficiencies: a randomized controlled trial

Iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid deficiencies are among the most common deficiencies occurring after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). The present study evaluates the effectiveness of a specially designed multivitamin supplement (WLS Forte, FitForMe, Rotterdam, the Netherlands) specifically developed for LRYGB patients.A triple-blind, randomized, 12-month study was conducted comparing WLS forte with a standard multivitamin supplement (sMVS) containing approximately 100% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid. WLS Forte contains vitamin B12 14000% RDA, iron 500% RDA, and folic acid 300% RDA.In total, 148 patients (74 in each group) underwent a LRYGB procedure. Baseline characteristics were similar for both groups. Per protocol analysis demonstrated that sMVS treatment was associated with a decline in ferritin (-24.4 ± 70.1 μg/L) and vitamin B12 (-45.9 ± 150.3 pmol/L) over 12 months, whereas in WLS Forte patients, ferritin remained stable (+3.2 ± 93.2 μg/L) and vitamin B12 increased significantly (+55.1 ± 144.2 pmol/L). The number of patients developing ferritin or vitamin B12 deficiency was significantly lower with WLS Forte compared with sMVS (P < 0.05). Iron deficiency (ID) was reduced by 88% after WLS Forte compared with sMVS. Adverse events related to supplement use did not occur.An optimized multivitamin supplement is safe and reduces the development of iron and vitamin B12 deficiencies after LRYGB.

Iron deficiency after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: insufficient iron absorption from oral iron supplements

BACKGROUND

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) may reduce the absorption of iron, but the extent to which this absorption is impeded is largely unknown. First, we determined the prevalence of iron deficiency following RYGB and explored the risk factors for its development. Second, we examined to what extent oral iron supplements are absorbed after RYGB.

METHODS

Monocentric retrospective study in 164 patients (123 females, 41 males; mean age 43 years) who underwent RYGB between January 2006 and November 2010 was done. Pre- and postoperative data on gender, age, BMI, serum levels of iron, ferritin, hemoglobin, vitamin B12, 25-hydroxy vitamin D, and use of proton pump inhibitors and H2 antagonists were collected. Generalized linear mixed models were used for the analysis of the data. In 23 patients who developed iron deficiency after surgery, an oral challenge test with 100 mg FeSO4 · 7H2O was performed.

RESULTS

Following RYGB, 52 (42.3 %) female patients and 9 male (22.0 %) patients developed iron deficiency (serum ferritin concentration ≤ 20 μg/L). The prevalence of iron deficiency was significantly higher in females than males (p = 0.0170). Young age (p = 0.0120), poor preoperative iron status (p = 0.0004), vitamin B12 deficiency (p = 0.0009), and increasing time after surgery (p < 0.0001) were also associated with iron deficiency. In the oral iron challenge test, only one patient out of 23 showed sufficient iron absorption.

CONCLUSIONS

Iron deficiency is extremely frequent after RYGB and is linked with different risk factors. Iron supplementation seems essential, but the effect of oral tablets may be limited as absorption of oral iron supplements is insufficient post-RYGB.

Dermatological complications after bariatric surgery: report of two cases and review of the literature

Bariatric surgery aims at weight reduction of severely obese patients. The Roux-en-Y technique is one of the most common bariatric procedures and is occasionally accompanied by nutrient insufficiencies and metabolic changes. According to the literature, skin architecture and immunity change after bariatric surgery and may lead to inflammation and increased susceptibility to pathogens. Additionally, vitamin and mineral deficiencies frequently develop in these patients and affect the skin's defense mechanisms, possibly contributing to dermatological complications. Knowledge and recognition of skin changes after bariatric surgery make an important asset for the dermatologist and help in the proper treatment of these patients. We report 2 cases of infectious skin lesions where vitamin and trace element deficiencies have possibly contributed to their persistence and resistance to traditional treatments.