Nutrition for pregnancy after metabolic and bariatric surgery: literature review and practical guide

Nutrient Status and Supplement Use During Pregnancy Following Metabolic Bariatric Surgery: A Multicenter Observational Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION

Pregnant women with a history of metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) are at high risk of developing nutrient deficiencies, leading to greater challenges to reach nutritional requirements. This study compared nutrient status of women using specialized "weight loss surgery" multivitamin supplementation (WLS-MVS) to those using standard supplementation (sMVS) during pregnancy following MBS.

METHODS

Multicenter observational cohort study including 119 pregnant women at 41.0 (18.5-70.0) months after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB, n = 80) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG, n = 39). Routine blood samples were analyzed every trimester (T1, T2, T3), and micronutrient serum levels were compared between WLS-MVS and sMVS users.

RESULTS

During pregnancy after RYGB, WLS-MVS users demonstrated higher serum concentrations of hemoglobin (7.4 [7.2, 7.5] vs. 7.0 [6.8, 7.3] mmol/L), ferritin (23.2 [15.0, 35.7] vs. 13.7 [8.4, 22.4] µg/L), and folic acid (31.4 [28.7, 34.2] vs. 25.4 [21.3, 29.4] nmol/L) and lower serum vitamin B6 levels (T1: 90.6 [82.0, 99.8] vs. 132.1 [114.6, 152.4] nmol/L) compared to sMVS users. Iron deficiencies and elevated serum vitamin B6 levels were less prevalent in the WLS-MVS group. During pregnancy after SG, WLS-MVS users showed higher serum vitamin D concentrations (89.7 [77.6, 101.8] vs. 65.4 [53.3, 77.4] nmol/L) and lower serum vitamin B1 concentrations (T2: 137.4 [124.2, 150.6] vs. 161.6 [149.0, 174.1] nmol/L, T3: 133.9 [120.1, 147.7] vs. 154.7 [141.9, 167.5] nmol/L) compared to sMVS users.

CONCLUSION

Low maternal concentrations of micronutrients are highly prevalent during pregnancy after MBS. The use of specialized multivitamin supplementation generally resulted in higher serum levels during pregnancy compared to standard supplementation. Future research is needed to investigate how supplementation strategies can be optimized for this high-risk population.

Gestational Weight Gain Following Metabolic Bariatric Surgery: A Scoping Review

Metabolic bariatric surgery remains the most effective and durable treatment for severe obesity. Women of reproductive age represent the largest demographic group undergoing these procedures. Metabolic bariatric surgery can have both beneficial and adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes. One of the most common adverse effects is fetal growth restriction. To mitigate these adverse effects, it is crucial to explore lifestyle modifications aimed at promoting a healthy pregnancy. Modifiable factors during pregnancy after metabolic bariatric surgery include the amount of gestational weight gain. The aim of this comprehensive review is to provide an overview of what is known about gestational weight gain in pregnancy after bariatric metabolic surgery. This review is focused on the two most performed procedures: sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Updates in Medical and Surgical Weight Loss

The number of individuals with obesity is at an all-time high, and the rate of obesity continues to climb each year. Obesity is a chronic disease with widespread effects throughout the body. Midwives and perinatal care providers need an understanding of the etiology, pathophysiology, and interventions for obesity. A review of evidence-based diet and lifestyle modifications, medications, and surgical procedures is presented.

Beyond Weight Loss: A Comprehensive Review of Pregnancy Management following Bariatric Procedures

The increasing prevalence of bariatric surgery among women of childbearing age raises critical questions about the correct management of pregnancy following these procedures. This literature review delves into the multifaceted considerations surrounding pregnancy after bariatric surgery, with a particular focus on the importance of preconception counselling, appropriate nutrition assessment, and the necessity of correct folic acid supplementation. Key areas of investigation include nutrient absorption challenges, weight gain during pregnancy, and potential micronutrient deficiencies. Examining the relationship between bariatric surgery and birth defects, particularly heart and musculoskeletal issues, uncovers a twofold increase in risk for women who underwent surgery before pregnancy, with the risk emphasized before folic acid fortification. In contrast, a nationwide study suggests that infants born to mothers with bariatric surgery exhibit a reduced risk of major birth defects, potentially associated with improved glucose metabolism. In addition, this review outlines strategies for managing gestational diabetes and other pregnancy-related complications in individuals with a history of bariatric surgery. By synthesizing existing literature, this paper aims to provide healthcare providers with a comprehensive framework for the correct management of pregnancy in this unique patient population, promoting the health and well-being of both mother and child.

[Indications and preoperative planning for bariatric surgery]

These clinical practice guidelines represent the consensus opinion of a group of Austrian specialist physicians associated with the treatment of obesity. The recommendations incorporate the current literature and guidelines and aim to balance both procedural feasibility and patient acceptance and adherence. Special emphasis was placed on simplification of the preoperative clarification and maximum patient safety. Therefore, this article makes no claim to be complete in all fields.

Nutritional Implications of Bariatric Surgery on Pregnancy Management-A Narrative Review of the Literature

One in three women of reproductive age is obese. The mainstay treatment for obesity is bariatric surgery, and the following weight reduction results in a decrease in pregnancy adverse effects, including gestational diabetes mellitus, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and macrosomia. However, nutritional and vitamin deficiencies due to changes in the gastrointestinal tract after bariatric surgery are associated with an increase in the risk of fetal growth retardation and small for gestational-age neonates. The purpose of this review was to analyze the available recent literature on the subject of the management of pregnancy after bariatric surgery. We searched for available articles from 2007 to 2023 and chose articles of the greatest scientific and clinical value. Micronutrient, vitamin, and protein supplementation is recommended in the prenatal period and throughout the pregnancy. It is advised that pregnant women with a history of bariatric surgery should be provided with regular specialist dietary care. There is still a lack of recommendations about the optimum gestational weight gain after different types of bariatric surgery and for patients of different metabolic statuses. Women of reproductive age undergoing bariatric procedures should be provided with appropriate counseling about adequate contraception, the recommended time-to-conception interval, and the positive and negative influence of bariatric surgery on perinatal outcomes.

Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Prescription of Supplements in Pre- and Post-bariatric Surgery Patients: An Updated Comprehensive Practical Guideline

Only in the USA, 315 billion dollars are spent annually on the medical cost of obesity in adult patients. Till now, bariatric surgery is the most effective method for treating obesity and can play an essential role in reducing the direct and indirect costs of obesity treatment. Nonetheless, there are few comprehensive guidelines which include nutrition, physical activity, and supplements, before and after surgery. The purpose of the present narrative review is to provide an updated and comprehensive practical guideline to help multidisciplinary teams. The core keywords include nutrition, diet, physical activity, exercise, supplements, macronutrients, micronutrients, weight reduction, bariatric surgery, Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrostomy, Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding, and Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch which were searched in databases including PubMed/Medline, Cochrane, and some other sources such as Google Scholar. We answered questions in five important areas: (a) nutritional strategies before bariatric surgery, (b) nutrition after bariatric surgery, (c) physical activity before and after bariatric surgery, (d) weight regain after bariatric surgery, and (e) micronutrient assessments and recommendations before and after bariatric surgery. Some new items were added in this updated guideline including "weight regain" and "pregnancy after bariatric surgery." Other fields were updated based on new evidence and guidelines.

Pregnancy after Bariatric Surgery: Nutrition Recommendations and Glucose Homeostasis: A Point of View on Unresolved Questions

Obesity is increasing in all age groups and, consequently, its incidence has also risen in women of childbearing age. In Europe, the prevalence of maternal obesity varies from 7 to 25%. Maternal obesity is associated with short- and long-term adverse outcomes for both mother and child, and it is necessary to reduce weight before gestation to improve maternal and fetal outcomes. Bariatric surgery is an important treatment option for people with severe obesity. The number of surgeries performed is increasing worldwide, even in women of reproductive age, because improving fertility is a motivating factor. Nutritional intake after bariatric surgery is dependent on type of surgery, presence of symptoms, such as pain and nausea, and complications. There is also a risk of malnutrition after bariatric surgery. In particular, during pregnancy following bariatric surgery, there is a risk of protein and calorie malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies due to increased maternal and fetal demand and possibly due to reduction of food intake (nausea, vomiting). As such, it is necessary to monitor and manage nutrition in pregnancy following bariatric surgery with a multidisciplinary team to avoid any deficiencies in each trimester and to ensure the well-being of the mother and fetus.

The Timing of Pregnancies After Bariatric Surgery has No Impact on Children's Health-a Nationwide Population-based Registry Analysis

PURPOSE

Bariatric surgery has a favorable effect on fertility in women. However, due to a lack of data regarding children's outcomes, the ideal time for conception following bariatric surgery is unknown. Current guidelines advise avoiding pregnancy during the initial weight loss phase (12-24 months after surgery) as there may be potential risks to offspring. Thus, we aimed to analyze health outcomes in children born to mothers who had undergone bariatric surgery. The surgery-to-delivery interval was studied.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A nationwide registry belonging to the Austrian health insurance funds and containing health-related data claims was searched. Data for all women who had bariatric surgery in Austria between 01/2010 and 12/2018 were analyzed. A total of 1057 women gave birth to 1369 children. The offspring's data were analyzed for medical health claims based on International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes and number of days hospitalized. Three different surgery-to-delivery intervals were assessed: 12, 18, and 24 months.

RESULTS

Overall, 421 deliveries (31%) were observed in the first 2 years after surgery. Of these, 70 births (5%) occurred within 12 months after surgery. The median time from surgery to delivery was 34 months. Overall, there were no differences noted in frequency of hospitalization and diagnoses leading to hospitalization in the first year of life, regardless of the surgery-to-delivery interval.

CONCLUSION

Pregnancies in the first 24 months after bariatric surgery were common. Importantly, the surgery-to-delivery interval had no significant impact on the health outcome of the children.