Folate Status Following Gastric Bypass Surgery (The Great Folate Mystery)

Vitamin B Complex Deficiency After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy-a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Bariatric surgery, although an effective method, still has complications, like nutritional deficiencies. Our aim was to summarize the evidence on the frequency of complex B vitamin deficiencies in studies comparing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG). We included 25 studies for qualitative synthesis and 21 studies for quantitative synthesis. Relevant data was extracted, including proportion of patients with deficiency and mean serum vitamin values in 3 different timeframes. B12 and folate were the most prevalent deficiencies. B12 deficiency was more common after RYGB and folate serum mean levels were higher after RYGB. SG causes less nutrient deficiency and is therefore a better technique from this point of view. More studies are needed on B2, B3, and B6 vitamins to draw better conclusions.

Personalized Nutrition for Management of Micronutrient Deficiency-Literature Review in Non-bariatric Populations and Possible Utility in Bariatric Cohort

Background

Bariatric surgery can effectively treat morbid obesity; however, micronutrient deficiencies are common despite recommendations for high-dose supplements. Genetic predisposition to deficiencies underscores necessary identification of high-risk candidates. Personalized nutrition (PN) can be a tool to manage these deficiencies.

Methods

Medline, PubMed, and Google Scholar were searched. Articles involving genetic testing, micronutrient metabolism, and bariatric surgery were included.

Results

Studies show associations between genetic variants and micronutrient metabolism. Research demonstrates genetic testing to be a predictor for outcomes among obesity and bariatric surgery populations. There is limited research in bariatric surgery and micronutrient genetic variants.

Conclusion

Genotype-based PN is becoming feasible to provide an effective treatment of micronutrient deficiencies associated with bariatric surgery. The role of genomic technology in micronutrient recommendations needs further investigation.

Psychopharmacological Medication Has No Influence on Vitamin Status After Bariatric Surgery in Long-term Follow-up

Context

A substantial number of patients undergoing bariatric surgery are prescribed psychopharmacological medication. However, the impact of concomitant psychopharmacological medication on the frequency of relevant vitamin deficiencies in postoperative follow-up is not known.

Methods

Five hundred twenty-four patients with obesity who underwent bariatric surgery (January 2004 to September 2018) with follow-up of at least 12 months, were included in retrospective analysis. Postoperative follow-up visits between January 2015 and September 2019 were analyzed. Anthropometric and laboratory data were analyzed at the first documented follow-up visit after on average 39.5 ± 37.3 months and at every following visit during the observation period. Patients with prescribed psychopharmacological drugs (PD) were compared with patients without (control group, CON).

Results

Psychopharmacological medication was documented in 25% (132) of patients. In 59 patients documented prescription of more than one psychiatric drug was found, whereas psychopharmacological monotherapy was found in 73 patients. Frequencies of vitamin deficiencies were comparable between PD and CON (vitamin A: p = 0.852; vitamin D: p = 0.622; vitamin E: p = 0.901; folic acid: p = 0.941). Prevalence of vitamin B₁₂ deficiency was rare (6% CON, 1% PD) but was significantly higher in CON (p = 0.023). A comparison of CON and POLY also showed no significant differences between the groups concerning prevalence of vitamin deficiencies.

Conclusions

Intake of psychopharmacological medication is highly prevalent in patients after bariatric surgery. Patients with psychopharmacological medication, who participate in structured follow-up care after bariatric surgery, are not at higher risk for vitamin deficiencies compared with controls.

Determining the prevalence and causes of anaemia in patients after bariatric surgery in a Saudi hospital

Objectives

Obesity is a chronic disease with high prevalence in Saudi population. Bariatric surgery is an effective method for significant weight reduction. However, various types of nutritional deficiencies occur after weight loss surgery which increase the risk of anaemia. In this study, we aimed to determine the incidence of anaemia after bariatric surgery.

Method

A retrospective descriptive study was conducted with 70 patients of both genders aged over 16 years. These patients underwent bariatric surgery between February 2016 and March 2018 and had completed 6 months or more of post-surgery follow-up. Anthropometric and laboratory data were obtained before and after surgery at standard time intervals. All patients were on postoperative vitamin supplements.

Results

Of the total study patients, 41 were women (58.57%) and 29 were men (41.42%) with a median age of 38.5 years (range, 16-65). The median follow-up time was 8 months (6-24 months). Postoperatively, 16 patients (22.9%) developed anaemia, and interestingly, all of them were women (39%). Fifteen of these sixteen patients (93.8%) had microcytic anaemia. Two of those sixteen patients (12.5%) had Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, while fourteen (87.5%) had sleeve gastrectomy.

Conclusion

Anaemia and its related nutritional deficiencies are a common complication after bariatric surgery which exerts a major impact on health, particularly in women. Hence, a strict post-operative follow-up and appropriate supplementation are recommended to combat anaemia and its related nutritional deficiencies.

Role of Functional Biomarkers to Identify Early Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Patients with Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background and objectives: Although laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is effective for obesity management, postoperative vitamin B12 (B12) deficiency is of major concern. In this cross-sectional study, we assessed the levels of B12 and its related functional biomarkers, namely, total homocysteine (tHcy), methylmalonic acid (MMA), folate, methylcitric acid (MCA), and hemoglobin (Hb), in one-year postoperative LSG patients and matched controls. Materials and Methods: Plasma B12, tHcy, MMA, folate, and MCA were measured in matched controls (n = 66) and patients (n = 71) using validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry techniques and protocols in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Results: The median B12 concentration in patients (177 pmol/L) was significantly lower (p < 0.001) than in the controls (334.7 pmol/L). The tHcy and MMA levels were significantly increased (p < 0.001 and p = 0.011, respectively) and folate levels were significantly decreased (p = 0.001) in the LSG patients compared to the controls. Interestingly, no significant difference in MCA levels were observed between the two groups. The levels of tHcy and MMA were concomitantly increased with the decreased folate levels in postoperative LSG patients when compared with the controls. The Hb levels were significantly lower in males and females in the patient group compared with those in the control group, respectively (p = 0.005 and p = 0.043). Conclusions: This is the first report of serum levels of B12 and its functional biomarkers in postoperative LSG patients among a local population from the UAE. Our findings revealed significant alterations of the B12 biomarkers, total B12, MMA, and tHcy in one-year postoperative LSG patients.

Bariatric Surgery in Obesity: Effects on Gut Microbiota and Micronutrient Status

Obesity is associated with reduced gut microbial diversity and a high rate of micronutrient deficiency. Bariatric surgery, the therapy of choice for severe obesity, produces sustained weight loss and improvements in obesity-related comorbidities. Also, it significantly alters the gut microbiota (GM) composition and function, which might have an important impact on the micronutrient status as GM is able to synthesize certain vitamins, such as riboflavin, folate, B12, or vitamin K2. However, recent data have reported that GM is not fully restored after bariatric surgery; therefore, manipulation of GM through probiotics represents a promising therapeutic approach in bariatric patients. In this review, we discuss the latest evidence concerning the relationship between obesity, GM and micronutrients, the impact of bariatric surgery on GM in relation with micronutrients equilibrium, and the importance of the probiotics' supplementation in obese patients submitted to surgical treatment.

Nutritional neuropathies

Neuropathies associated with nutritional deficiencies are routinely encountered by the practicing neurologist. Although these neuropathies assume different patterns, most are length-dependent, sensory axonopathies. Cobalamin deficiency neuropathy is the exception, often presenting with a non-length-dependent sensory neuropathy. Patients with cobalamin and copper deficiency neuropathy characteristically have concomitant myelopathy, whereas vitamin E deficiency is uniquely associated with a spinocerebellar syndrome. In contrast to those nutrients for which deficiencies produce neuropathies, pyridoxine toxicity results in a non-length-dependent sensory neuronopathy. Deficiencies occur in the context of malnutrition, malabsorption, increased nutrient loss (such as with dialysis), autoimmune conditions such as pernicious anemia, and with certain drugs that inhibit nutrient absorption. When promptly identified, therapeutic nutrient supplementation may result in stabilization or improvement of these neuropathies.

Overfed but undernourished: recognizing nutritional inadequacies/deficiencies in patients with overweight or obesity

Overweight and obesity are highly prevalent throughout the world and can adversely affect the nutritional status of individuals. Studies have shown that many people with obesity have inadequate intake of iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, folate and vitamins A and B₁₂, likely as a result of poor diet quality. Nutritional inadequacies or deficiencies may also occur due to altered pharmacokinetics in the individual with obesity and due to interactions in those with overweight or obesity with various pharmaceuticals. However, it has been demonstrated that the adult population in the United States as a whole is deficient in certain micronutrients as a result of the availability and overconsumption of high-calorie, low-nutrient processed foods. Poor nutrition may contribute to the development of certain chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, which is already more prevalent in those with obesity. Clinicians need to be aware of these gaps, particularly in those individuals with obesity who are undergoing bariatric surgery or taking pharmaceutical products long term to facilitate weight loss. Patients with overweight or obesity likely struggle to achieve a balanced diet and may benefit from consultation with a dietitian. Along with providing recommendations for healthy eating and exercise, supplementation with specific micronutrients or multivitamins should be considered for individuals at the highest risk for or with established deficiencies. Further research is needed to understand the factors underlying nutritional inadequacies in individuals with overweight or obesity, as well as the outcomes of treatment strategies employed to address them.

Bariatric Surgery for Adolescents with Type 2 Diabetes: an Emerging Therapeutic Strategy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a growing public health problem in youth, but conventional treatments are often insufficient to treat this disease and its comorbidities. We review evidence supporting an emerging role for bariatric surgery as a treatment for adolescent T2D.

RECENT FINDINGS

Paralleling what has been seen in adult patients, bariatric surgery dramatically improves glycemic control in patients with T2D. In fact, remission of T2D has been observed in as many as 95-100% of adolescents with diabetes after bariatric surgery, particularly vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery. This striking outcome may be due to both weight-dependent- and weight-independent factors, and recent studies suggest that T2D-related comorbidities may also improve after surgery. Bariatric surgery including RYGB and VSG is a powerful therapeutic option for obese adolescents with T2D. Benefits must be weighed against risk for postoperative complications such as nutritional deficiencies, but earlier surgical intervention might lead to more complete metabolic remission in obese patients with T2D.

Review article: The nutritional and pharmacological consequences of obesity surgery

BACKGROUND

Obesity surgery is acknowledged as a highly effective therapy for morbidly obese patients. Beneficial short-term effects on common comorbidities are practically undisputed, but a growing data pool from long-term follow-up reveals increasing evidence of potentially severe nutritional and pharmacological consequences.

AIMS

To assess the prevalence, causes and symptoms of complications after obesity surgery, to elucidate and compare therapy recommendations for macro- and micronutrient deficiencies, and to explore surgically-induced effects on drug absorption and bioavailability, discussing ramifications for long-term therapy and prophylaxis.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase and MEDLINE were searched using terms including, but not limited to, bariatric surgery, gastric bypass, obesity surgery and Roux-en-Y, coupled with secondary search terms, e.g. anaemia, micronutrients, vitamin deficiency, bacterial overgrowth, drug absorption, pharmacokinetics, undernutrition. All studies in English, French or German published January 1980 through March 2014 were included.

RESULTS

Macro- and micronutrient deficiencies are common after obesity surgery. The most critical, depending on surgical technique, are hypoalbuminemia (3-18%) and deficiencies of vitamins B1 (≤49%), B12 (19-35%) and D (25-73%), iron (17-45%) and zinc (12-91%). Many drugs commonly administered to obese patients (e.g. anti-depressants, anti-microbials, metformin) are subject to post-operative and/or PPI-associated changes affecting bioavailability and absorption.

CONCLUSIONS

Complications are associated with pre-operative and/or post-operative malnutrition or procedure-related changes in intake, absorption and drug bioavailability. The high prevalence of nutrient deficiencies after obesity surgery makes life-long nutritional monitoring and supplementation essential. Post-operative changes to drug absorption and bioavailability in bariatric patients cast doubt on the validity of standard drug dosage and administration recommendations.

Anthropometric evaluation and micronutrients intake in patients submitted to laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with a postoperative period of ≥ 1 year

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery is indicated as the most effective treatment for morbid obesity; the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is considered the procedure of choice. However, nutritional deficiency may occur in the postoperative period as a result of reduced gastric capacity and change in nutrients absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. The prescription of vitamin and mineral supplementation is a common practice after RYGB; however, it may not be sufficient to prevent micronutrient deficiencies. The aim of this study was to quantify the micronutrient intake in patients undergoing RYGB and verify if the intake of supplementation would be enough to prevent nutritional deficiencies.

METHODS

The study was conducted on 60 patients submitted to RYGB. Anthropometric, analytical, and nutritional intake data were assessed preoperatively and 1 and 2 years postoperatively. The dietary intake was assessed using 24-h food recall; the values of micronutrients evaluated (vitamin B12, folic acid, iron, and calcium) were compared to the dietary reference intakes (DRI).

RESULTS

There were significant differences (p < 0.05) between excess weight loss at the first and second year (69.9 ± 15.3 vs 9.6 ± 62.9 %). In the first and second year after surgery, 93.3 and 94.1 % of the patients, respectively, took the supplements as prescribed. Micronutrient deficiencies were detected in the three evaluation periods. At the first year, there was a significant reduction (p < 0.05) of B12, folic acid, and iron intake.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite taking vitamin and mineral supplementation, micronutrient deficiencies are common after RYGB. In the second year after surgery, micronutrient intake remains below the DRI.

Neurologic complications of bariatric surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The increasing utilization of bariatric surgery has been accompanied by an increased incidence and awareness of related neurologic complications. The purpose of this review is to provide up-to-date information on the neurologic complications related to bariatric surgery.

RECENT FINDINGS

Neurologic complications related to bariatric surgery are predominantly due to nutrient deficiencies. Common early complications include Wernicke encephalopathy due to thiamine deficiency, and late complications include myelopathy or myeloneuropathy due to vitamin B12 or copper deficiency.

SUMMARY

Early recognition and prompt institution of treatment is essential to prevent long-term disability. Often, life-long supplementation may be required.

Vitamin, mineral, and drug absorption following bariatric surgery

The prevalence of obesity continues to rise throughout the world. Increasingly, bariatric surgery is used for those with morbid obesity as a pivotal approach to achieve weight loss. Along with substantial weight loss, malabsorption of essential vitamins, minerals, and drugs also occurs. Therefore, more than ever, a better understanding of the physiology and mechanisms by which these deficiencies occur is essential. We review the normal physiology of vitamin, mineral, and drug absorption. This is followed by a description of currently performed bariatric surgeries in the United States. A detailed review of specific nutrient and mineral deficiency states is presented, based on the most significant studies published in the last two decades. Of note, screening and supplementation recommendations have been included. Drug absorption data after these procedures is presented and discussed. Studies were identified by searching the Cochrane Registry and MEDLINE using relevant search terms, as well as through review of the reference section of included manuscripts.

CONCLUSIONS

Bariatric surgery can be effectively used to achieve sustainable weight-loss in morbidly obese patients. It simultaneously brings forth important functional consequences on nutrient deficiencies and drug absorption that clinician's must be aware of. Further prospective, randomized research on specific procedures and deficiencies is required.

Bariatric surgery for adolescents

Obesity is no longer just an adult disease. An increasing number of youth are overweight, defined as body mass index (BMI) at or greater than the 95th percentile for age (1). Between 2009 and 2010, 16.9% of children aged 2–19 yr were classified as overweight based on BMI (2), as compared with only 5% of children affected by obesity in 1976–1980 (3). This is a problem of enormous proportion from a public health standpoint, as without intervention these children will grow up to become overweight and obese adults. For an obese child, the risk of becoming an obese adult may be as high as 77%, compared with 7%for a child of healthy weight (4). Morbid obesity is a major risk factor for later complications such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and degenerative joint disease (4–10). Obesity is also an expensive problem: the US government spends $147 billion yearly on obesity-related healthcare costs (11). Thus, there is an urgent need to target obesity in the pediatric population, before the expensive and life-threatening consequences of obesity manifest. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of medical treatments for obesity is limited. Behaviorally based dietary and physical activity interventions offer little benefit for pediatric obesity, while pharmacologic therapy is also limited and carries low success rates and recidivism (12–14) (Table 1).

Population-based Study of Trends, Costs, and Complications of Weight Loss Surgeries from 1990 to 2002

OBJECTIVE

To describe the trends, costs, and complications associated with weight loss surgery (WLS).

RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES

Wisconsin inpatient hospital discharge data from 1990 to 2003 were used for analysis. A WLS case was defined as anyone with a WLS-related procedure code and a primary diagnosis of morbid obesity. Charges were inflation-adjusted to 2001 constant dollars; complications were defined on the basis of readmission, extended length of stay, repeat surgical procedures, or death.

RESULTS

The number of WLSs increased from 269 in 1990 to 1992 to 1,884 in 2000 to 2002 (rate ratio = 4.6). Increases in WLSs were greatest among those 50 to 59 years of age (rate ratio = 6.4), women (rate ratio = 6.8), and blacks (rate ratio = 20.0). Between the two periods, inflation-adjusted WLS charges increased 12-fold, and the inflation-adjusted charge per procedure doubled, despite a decreased length of stay. For 2000 to 2002, 23.3% of WLS patients had either an extended length of stay or readmission within 30 days, 7.4% required a repeat surgical procedure, and 0.7% died.

DISCUSSION

In Wisconsin, the rate and costs of WLSs have increased dramatically, and the incidence of postoperative complications was high. The epidemic of obesity in the United States makes it imperative to better assess the cost-effectiveness of WLS and to improve its safety.

The Neurological Complications of Nutritional Deficiency following Bariatric Surgery

Neurologic complications of bariatric surgery have become increasingly recognized with the rising numbers of procedures and the increasing prevalence of obesity in the US. Deficits are most commonly seen with thiamine, vitamin B(12), folate, vitamin D, vitamin E, and copper deficiencies. The neurological findings observed with these nutritional deficiencies are variable and include encephalopathy, optic neuropathy, myelopathy, polyradiculoneuropathy, and polyneuropathy. We review the neurological complications of bariatric surgery and emphasize that these findings may vary based on the specific type of bariatric surgery and time elapsed from the procedure.

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

Background. Anemia associated with deficiencies in iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 are very common after Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (LRYGB) surgery for morbid obesity. This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of anemia after LRYGB. Patients and Methods. A total of 377 morbid obese patients were included in our study. All patients underwent a LRYGB. Hematologic parameters were obtained prior to and after surgery on standardized time intervals. Results. Anemia was present in 21 (P = 0.02) patients after surgery. Iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 deficiencies were diagnosed in 66%, 15%, and 50% of patients, respectively. In 86% of patients, anemia was accompanied by one of these deficiencies. Conclusion. These results show that anemia and deficiencies for iron, folic acid deficiency, and vitamin B12 are very common within the first year after LRYGB. We advise a minimal daily intake of 65 mg of iron in male and 100 mg in female patients, 350 μg of vitamin B12, and 400 μg of folic acid. Patients undergoing LRYGB must be closely monitored for deficiencies pre- and postoperative and supplemented when deficiencies occur.

Surgical treatment for morbid obesity: the laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Over the past 20 years bariatric surgery proved to be a valid treatment for reduction and elimination of obesity-related diseases and long-term sustainable weight loss. Minimally invasive or laparoscopic techniques such as laparoscopic Roux-en-Y (LRNY) have replaced open procedures. Many factors play important roles in the small intricacies and variations of the procedure, chief of which is the creation and size of the gastrojejunostomy. Regardless of the variations in technique, the LRNY remains the gold standard for the surgical treatment of clinically severe or morbid obesity, with relatively low morbidity and mortality.

Nutritional management after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Changes in the anatomy and function of the gastrointestinal tract after bariatric surgery markedly change patients' eating patterns. Malnutrition is a significant risk associated with all bariatric procedures, which can lead to dangerous nutritional deficiencies. However, if correct patient selection is conducted and if patients receive thorough preoperative nutrition education and postoperative nutritional follow-up, these deficiencies are largely preventable. Nurses are important members of the multidisciplinary team; assisting in patient selection, providing hands-on care, and educating the patient on the surgical process and post-operative dietary restrictions. It is critical for nurses to understand immediate and projected nutritional consequences of surgery, in order to monitor the patient for diet tolerance and nutrient deficiency symptoms, to encourage dietary compliance, and to reinforce the long-term dietary restrictions. With appropriate supplementation and patient compliance, all nutritional deficiencies can be avoided or corrected.

Nutritional deficiencies in obesity and after bariatric surgery

The presence of nutritional deficiencies in overweight and obesity may seem paradoxical in light of excess caloric intake, but several micronutrient deficiencies appear to be higher in prevalence in overweight and obese adults and children. Causes are multifactorial and include decreased consumption of fruits and vegetables, increased intake of high-calorie, but nutritionally poor-quality foods, and increased adiposity, which may influence the storage and availability of some nutrients. As the obesity epidemic continues unabated and the popularity of bariatric surgery rises for severely obese adults and adolescents, medical practitioners must be aware of pre-existing nutritional deficiencies in overweight and obese patients and appropriately recognize and treat common and rare nutritional deficiencies that may arise or worsen following bariatric surgery. This article reviews current knowledge of nutritional deficits in obese and overweight individuals and those that commonly present after bariatric surgery and summarizes current recommendations for screening and supplementation.

Prevalence of nutrient deficiencies in bariatric patients

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of nutrient deficiencies in patients who present for bariatric surgery, assess nutritional status after surgery, and compare these with preoperative levels.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted to identify preoperative and 1-year postoperative nutrition deficiencies in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. The screening included serum ferritin, vitamin D, vitamin B(12), homocysteine, folate, red blood cell folate, and hemoglobin. Results were available for 232 patients preoperatively and 149 patients postoperatively. Two-tailed chi(2) tests and paired-sample t tests were used.

RESULTS

Preoperatively, vitamin D deficiency was noted at 57%. The prevalence of abnormalities 1 year after roux-en-Y gastric bypass was higher compared with preoperative levels (P < .05). After surgery, anemia was detected in 17%, elevated homocysteine levels (women only) in 29%, low ferritin in 15%, low vitamin B(12) in 11%, and low RBC folate in 12%. Mean hemoglobin, ferritin, and RBC folate levels deteriorated significantly but remained well within normal ranges. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiencies decreased, but not significantly. In sleeve gastrectomy patients, mean ferritin levels decreased (P < .05), without any patient developing a deficiency.

CONCLUSION

Vitamin D deficiency is common among morbidly obese patients seeking bariatric surgery. Because the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies persists or worsens postoperatively, routine nutrition screening, recommendation of appropriate supplements, and monitoring adherence are imperative in this population.

Anemia after bariatric surgery: more than just iron deficiency

Bariatric surgery for morbid obesity is rapidly gaining popularity. Restrictive and/or malabsorptive surgical interventions result in dramatic weight loss with significantly decreased obesity-related morbidity and mortality. Anemia, which may affect as many as two-thirds of these patients, is of concern and generally thought to be caused by iron deficiency. Although iron deficiency in this population may be frequent given pouch hypoacidity, defunctionalized small bowel, and red meat intolerance, it may not account for all anemias seen. First, there is increasing evidence that obesity creates a state of chronic inflammation. Both iron deficiency anemia and anemia of chronic inflammation present with low serum iron levels. Most studies reporting anemia after bariatric surgery lack serum ferritin determinations so that the relative contribution of inflammation to anemia cannot be assessed. Second, a significant number of anemias after bariatric surgery remain unexplained and may be attributable to less frequently seen micronutrient deficiencies such as copper, fatsoluble vitamins A and E, or an imbalance in zinc intake. Third, although deficiencies of folate and vitamin B(12) are infrequent, study observation periods may be too short to detect anemia attributable to vitamin B(12) deficiency because vitamin B(12) storage depletion takes many years. This review is intended to increase awareness of the mechanisms of anemia above and beyond iron deficiency in the bariatric patient and provide healthcare providers with tools for a more thoughtful approach to anemia in this patient population.

Nutritional deficiencies after bariatric surgery

A current review of nutritional complications following bariatric procedures is presented, focusing on the most common and clinically important deficiencies. A brief outline of nutritional supplementation protocol is presented, highlighting the need for a standardized, national or international set of guidelines for pre- and postoperative nutritional screening and appropriate supplementation.

Prevalence of iron, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiency anemia after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

BACKGROUND

One of the most common bariatric operations is the laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) in which the gastric capacity is restricted and the absorption by the small intestine is reduced. The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of iron, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiency anemia in patients undergoing LRYGBP.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Clinical records of 30 patients who underwent LRYGBP between July 2003 and January 2005 and had a minimum follow up of 24 months at our outpatient clinic were included. Multivitamin supplementation was prescribed to all patients. The complete blood cell count, plasma iron, total iron-binding capacity, transferrin saturation, serum folate, and cobalamin levels before surgery, 6 months, 1, 2, and 3 years after the surgery were analyzed.

RESULTS

There were 25 women (83.4%) and five men (16.6%) with ages from 21 to 56 years. Before surgery, two patients (6.6%) presented ferropenic anemia. Iron deficiency was seen in 40 and 54.5% 2 and 3 years after surgery, respectively. Cobalamin deficiency was observed in 33.3% at 2 years and in 27.2% at 3 years. At 2-year follow-up, 46.6% of the patients had already developed anemia and 63.6% at 3 years. Folate deficiency was not observed in any patient.

CONCLUSION

Our routine scheme of vitamin supplementation is not sufficient to prevent iron and vitamin B12 deficiencies in most patients.

Nutritional deficiency after gastric bypass: diagnosis, prevention and treatment

In recent years, the recourse to obesity surgery to treat morbid obesities has grown. The number of "malabsorptive" interventions, such as the gastric bypass (RYGB: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) increases each year. The RYGB, which combines two mechanisms promoting weight loss, restriction and malabsorption, has proven its effectiveness in term of weight loss and improvement of obesity-associated co-morbidities. However this intervention involves a profound change in digestive physiology and is the source of nutritional and metabolic complications. The deficits observed most frequently concern proteins, iron, calcium, vitamin B12 and vitamin D. The deficiencies in vitamin B1 are rare but potentially serious. Multidisciplinary follow-up is essential to ensure prevention, diagnosis and treatment of these complications. Based on an analysis of the literature, this article summarizes the various nutritional complications observed after RYGB and the means to diagnose it. It proposes practical recommendations for follow-up, preventive supplementation and treatment of these deficiencies, both generally and in the more specific case of a pregnancy after RYGB.

Nutritional consequences of bariatric surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Bariatric surgery is being increasingly used to help treat morbidly obese adults and adolescents. As a greater percentage of this population faces a lifetime of living with surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy and physiology, increased awareness of the nutritional consequences is critical for all health care practitioners, as many of these patients may be lost to follow-up and can present with significant nutritional complications years after surgery.

RECENT FINDINGS

Nutritional deficiencies can occur after bariatric surgery, although to a lesser degree after restrictive procedures. Risk may increase over time, perhaps due to poor compliance with supplementation, continued inadequate intake and/or ongoing malabsorption. Adolescent patients may be at greater risk due to poor compliance and longer life span. Nutritional monitoring and supplementation among bariatric programs has been widely variable and few prospective studies of outcomes exist.

SUMMARY

Bariatric surgery can carry significant risk of nutritional complications. Compliance with dietary recommendations should be monitored and encouraged, with annual screening for selected deficiencies. Prospective longitudinal research is needed to identify the true prevalence and significance of nutritional deficiency in these patients and to determine optimum dietary recommendations.

Complications of bariatric surgery

The rise in bariatric operations has been exponential because of the greater acceptance for these procedures. Although complication rates are relatively low, they can result in formidable disability. Adverse outcomes also result in medical malpractice claims that are particularly problematic for bariatric surgery practices. For these reasons, surgeons performing these operations must be knowledgeable and must possess the technical skills required for managing complications when they occur. The purpose of this article is to review the major complications that occur following anti-obesity procedures and to provide recommendations regarding their management.

Nutritional concerns related to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: what every clinician needs to know

Weight loss surgery, particularly the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (REYGB), has become a popular treatment strategy for obesity. Often the only measure of success is the amount of weight lost following surgery. Unfortunately the nutritional adequacy of the postoperative diet has frequently been overlooked, and in the months to years that follow, nutritional deficiencies have become apparent, including protein-calorie malnutrition and various vitamin and mineral deficiencies contributing to medical illnesses and limiting optimal health. Therefore, patients require close monitoring following REYGB, with special regard to the rapidity of weight loss and vigilant screening for signs and symptoms of subclinical and clinical nutritional deficiencies. Several specific nutrients require close surveillance postoperatively to prevent life-threatening complications related to deficient states. This article addresses nutritional concerns associated with REYGB with fastidious focus on recognition and treatment of the nutritional deficiencies and promotion of nutritional health following REYGB. Recommendations regarding nutritional intake following REYGB are based on available scientific data, albeit limited. In cases where data do not exist, expert or consensus opinion is provided and recommendations for future research are given. Ultimately, clinical application of this information will contribute to the prevention of nutrition-related illness associated with REYGB.

Medication Use Patterns after Gastric Bypass Surgery for Weight Management

BACKGROUND:

Bariatric surgery, commonly gastric bypass, is an effective intervention in achieving sustained weight loss in patients with a body mass index (BMI) >40 kg/m2. Currently, there are few data in the literature describing medication use after bariatric surgery.

OBJECTIVE:

To document the change in medication use patterns over a 2-year period in patients who had gastric bypass surgery. METHODS: Institutional review board approval was obtained for this ongoing, prospective longitudinal study. Adults (>18 y) scheduled for gastric bypass surgery were recruited. Clinical and demographic data, including age, gender, weight, height, BMI, number of obesity-related comorbidities, and number of medications and nutritional supplements, were obtained by medical chart review.

RESULTS:

One hundred fourteen patients (87 females) were recruited. The mean ± SD age was 45 ± 9 years. Patients had multiple obesity-related comorbid diseases for which they were receiving medication. Drug therapy for diabetes and hypertension was significantly reduced (p < 0.05). All patients were required to take additional nutritional supplements and medications associated with surgery postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS:

Bariatric surgery has a positive benefit in terms of reduction intake of medication associated with obesity-related comorbid disease. However, there is limited reduction in the overall number of drugs and supplements being consumed by the patient, especially during the first year postoperatively.