Gastric bypass surgery offers obese individuals a means of losing large amounts of weight quickly, which can help them manage some of the dangerous side effects of obesity such as diabetes and coronary heart disease. However, gastric bypass itself may also have some undesirable side effects. According to an October 2009 article in "Southern Medical Review," gastric bypass has been associated with numerous vitamin deficiencies. Speak to your doctor or health care provider about nutritional supplementation if you are considering gastric bypass to treat obesity.
Vitamin B-12 Deficiency
Vitamin B-12 deficiency occurs in as many as 30 percent of gastric bypass surgery patients, according to the October 2009 article in "Southern Medical Review." The body requires vitamin B-12 for proper neurological function, the configuration of red blood cells, DNA synthesis, and the metabolism of fats and proteins. A deficiency in vitamin B-12 damages the peripheral nerves and causes problems with coordination. Gastric bypass surgery patients require 300 to 500 micrograms of vitamin B-12 per day; some patients may need to take monthly vitamin B-12 injections to maintain optimal health.
Thiamine Deficiency
Thiamine, also known as vitamin B-1, is essential to the health of the nervous system. According to Larry E. Johnson, M.D., Ph.D., of the University of Arkansas, thiamine deficiency can cause a condition known as dry beriberi. Symptoms include numbness and tingling in the feet and toes, burning in the feet, particularly at night, muscle wasting, severe muscle cramping, intense leg pain and muscle weakness. Vitamin B-1 deficiency and dry beriberi occur regularly in gastric bypass patients; however, the conditions respond well to permanent oral supplementation of 50 to 100 mg of thiamine every day, according to the October 2009 article in "Southern Medical Review."
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and also plays important roles in immune system function and the decrease of inflammation in the body. Vitamin D deficiencies can contribute directly to osteoporosis, weak bones, bone pain and muscle weakness. Gastric bypass surgery often results in a vitamin D deficiency. According to the October 2009 article in "Southern Medical Review," vitamin D deficiency occurs in over 50 percent of patients post surgery, although many patients demonstrate vitamin D deficiencies prior to their operations.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A plays a role in immune system function, visual acuity and also helps to maintain the integrity of the skin and the mucous membranes. Vitamin A deficiency causes night blindness, eye damage and respiratory infections. Deficiencies in vitamin A occur in about 10 percent of gastric bypass patients, according to the October 2009 article in "Southern Medical Review," although this estimate varies considerably in published reports. Speak to your doctor or health care practitioner before you supplement vitamin A if you have had gastric bypass surgery, as too much vitamin A can cause gastrointestinal and vision problems.
References
- "Southern Medical Review"; Vitamin Deficiency After Gastric Bypass Surgery: A Review; Marc R. Matrana, M.D., M.S. et al.; October 2009
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements; Vitamin B12; May 2010
- Merck Manuals Online Medical Library; Thiamin; Larry E. Johnson, M.D., Ph.D.; April 2007
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements; Vitamin D; February 2011
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements; Vitamin A; April 2006
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