Micronutrients & recovery
Postoperative monitoring of Vitamin B12, Iron, and Folate is critical because bariatric surgery (especially RYGB and BPD/DS) impairs absorption, leading to high rates of anemia and neurological damage if untreated.
After surgery, you are at high risk for Iron and B12 deficiency. Get your blood checked at 3, 6, and 12 months, then yearly. Do not wait for symptoms like fatigue or numbness, as nerve damage from B12 deficiency can be permanent. Take your prescribed supplements consistently.
There is a high incidence of iron deficiency anaemia following bariatric surgery... Vitamin B12 absorption is adversely affected by SG, RYGB and BPD/DS... Vitamin B12 deficiency impacts adversely on the haematopoietic and nervous systems and may result in megaloblastic anaemia and irreversible neuropathies.
Why this rating
Supported by multiple cohort studies and RCTs (Grade B EL 2).
Source
British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society Guidelines on perioperative and postoperative biochemical monitoring and micronutrient replacement for patients undergoing bariatric surgery—2020 update
Mary O’Kane et al. · Obesity Reviews · 2020
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →