Long-term nutritional follow-up post bariatric surgery

No Increased Risk of All-cause Revision up to 10 Years in Patients Who Underwent Bariatric Surgery Before Single-level Lumbar Fusion

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess whether prior bariatric surgery (BS) is associated with higher 10-year surgical complication and revision rates in lumbar spine fusion compared with the general population and morbidly obese patients.

BACKGROUND

Obesity accelerates degenerative spine processes, often necessitating lumbar fusion for functional improvement. BS is explored for weight loss in lumbar spine cases, but its impact on fusion outcomes remains unclear. Existing literature on BS before lumbar fusion yields conflicting results, with a limited investigation into long-term spine complications.

METHODS

Utilizing the PearlDiver database, we examined patients undergoing elective primary single-level lumbar fusion, categorizing them by prior BS. Propensity score matching created cohorts from (1) the general population without BS history and (2) morbidly obese patients without BS history. Using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard modeling, we compared 10-year cumulative incidence rates and hazard ratios (HRs) for all-cause revision and specific revision indications.

RESULTS

Patients who underwent BS exhibited a higher cumulative incidence and risk of decompressive laminectomy and irrigation & debridement (I&D) within 10 years postlumbar fusion compared with matched controls from the general population [decompressive laminectomy: HR = 1.32; I&D: HR = 1.35]. Compared with matched controls from a morbidly obese population, patients who underwent BS were associated with lower rates of adjacent segment disease (HR = 0.31) and I&D (HR = 0.64). However, the risk of all-cause revision within 10 years did not increase for patients who underwent BS compared with matched or unmatched controls from the general population or morbidly obese patients (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Prior BS did not elevate the 10-year all-cause revision risk in lumbar fusion compared with the general population or morbidly obese patients. However, patients who underwent BS were associated with a lower 10-year risk of I&D when compared with morbidly obese patients without BS. Our study indicates comparable long-term surgical complication rates between patients who underwent BS and these control groups, with an associated reduction in risk of infectious complications when compared with morbidly obese patients. Although BS may address medical comorbidities, its impact on long-term lumbar fusion revision outcomes is limited.

Management of Severe Malnutrition Post-bariatric Surgery Using Artificial Nutrition

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery (BS) results in major and sustained weight loss and improves comorbidities in patients with obesity but can also lead to malnutrition, especially through severe malabsorption and/or surgical complications. Little is known about the efficacy of artificial nutrition (AN) in this setting.

METHODS

In this case series, we describe data from consecutive severely malnourished patients after BS (resectional and non-resectional), managed by AN at our hospital unit over a 4-year period.

RESULTS

Between January 2018 and June 2022, 18 patients (mean ± SD age 42.2 ± 10.4 years, 94% women) required AN following BS complications. At the time of AN initiation, more than half of the patients (53%) had multiple revisional surgeries (up to four). Mean BMI was 49.7 ± 11.3 kg/m2 before BS and 29.6 ± 9.6 kg/m2 when AN was initiated. Most patients (n=16, 90%) received enteral nutrition. AN management resulted in weight regain (+4.7kg ± 8.0, p=0.034), increased serum albumin (+28%, p=0.02), pre-albumin (+88%, p=0.002), and handgrip strength (+38%, p=0.078). No major AN complication nor death was observed. Median total AN duration was 4.5 months [1-12]. During follow-up, the cumulative duration of hospitalization was 33 days [4-88] with a median of 2.5 hospitalizations [1-8] per patient.

CONCLUSION

Malnutrition can occur after any BS procedure, and AN when required in this setting appears safe and effective on nutritional parameters. It is important to recognize the potential risk factors for malnutrition, which include excessive weight loss resulting from surgical complications, eating disorders, multiple revisional BS, and pregnancy.

Nutrient Deficiency After Bariatric Surgery in Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review and meta-analysis study aimed to estimate changes in blood nutrient concentrations and nutrient deficiencies in adolescents following bariatric surgery.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Scopus, and the Web of Science to find studies published between January 2000 and August 2023. Observational studies reporting the mean blood concentration of nutrients before and after bariatric surgery or the proportion of nutrient deficiencies after the surgery in healthy adolescents were selected.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies were included. Gastric bypass and sleeve gastrostomy were the most common types of surgery. Vitamin D, iron, or ferritin, vitamin B12, calcium, and folic acid were the most studied nutrients, respectively. Other nutrients examined in the studies included zinc, phosphorus, and albumin. The serum ferritin increased by 21 mcg/L (95% CI = 10.0, 32.0 mcg/L) after the surgery, but there were no significant alterations in other nutrients. The postoperative prevalence of low albumin, ferritin, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 levels was 10%, 49%, 41%, and 20%, respectively. Also, 23% had an iron deficiency, and 10% had a calcium deficiency after bariatric surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The serum ferritin level increased following bariatric surgery in adolescents. Vitamin D and ferritin deficiencies were estimated to be present in more than one-third of adolescents after the surgery.

Diet quality and anthropometric indices of patients undergone bariatric surgery: the prospective Tehran obesity treatment study

BACKGROUND

Patients undergone bariatric surgery (BS) has long-term risks including decrease in diet quality, nutritional deficiencies and weight regain. This study focus on assessing dietary quality and food group components in patients one year after BS, the relationship between dietary quality score and anthropometric indices, and also evaluating the trend of body mass index (BMI) of these patients three years after BS.

METHODS

A total of 160 obese patients (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m²) were undergone sleeve gastrectomy (SG) (n = 108) or gastric bypass (GB) (n = 52), participated in this study. They were assessed for dietary intakes using three 24-hour dietary recalls one year after surgery. Dietary quality was assessed using food pyramid for post BS patients and healthy eating index (HEI). Anthropometric measurements were taken pre-surgery and 1, 2 and 3 years after operation.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 39.9 ± 11 years (79% female). The mean ± SD percentage of excess weight loss was 76.6 ± 21.0 one year after surgery. Intake patterns are generally (up to 60%) not consistent with the food pyramid. The mean total HEI score was 64 ± 12 out of 100. More than %60 of participants is exceeding the recommendations for saturated fat and sodium. The HEI score did not show significant relationship with anthropometric indices. The mean of BMI in SG group increased over three years of follow up, while in GB group, there were no significant differences in BMI during three years of follow up.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings showed that patients had not healthy pattern intake one year after BS. Diet quality did not show significant relationship with anthropometric indices. The trend of BMI three years after surgery was different based on surgery types.

Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Surgery in the Morbidly Obese Patient: A Critical Analysis Review

»

Obesity, defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥30, is a serious public health concern associated with an increased incidence of stroke, diabetes, mental illness, and cardiovascular disease resulting in numerous preventable deaths yearly.

»

From 1999 through 2018, the age-adjusted prevalence of morbid obesity (BMI ≥40) in US adults aged 20 years and older has risen steadily from 4.7% to 9.2%, with other estimates showing that most of the patients undergoing hip and knee replacement by 2029 will be obese (BMI ≥30) or morbidly obese (BMI ≥40).

»

In patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA), morbid obesity (BMI ≥40) is associated with an increased risk of perioperative complications, including prosthetic joint infection and mechanical failure necessitating aseptic revision.

»

The current literature on the role that bariatric weight loss surgery before TJA has on improving surgical outcomes is split and referral to a bariatric surgeon should be a shared-decision between patient and surgeon on a case-by-case basis.

»

Despite the increased risk profile of TJA in the morbidly obese cohort, these patients consistently show improvement in pain and physical function postoperatively that should be considered when deciding for or against surgery.

eHealth Intervention via LINE® Social Media as an Adjunct for Postoperative Care After Bariatric-Metabolic Surgery: Single Institution Experience

PURPOSE

Applying eHealth interventions via social media is common in modern medicine. LINE® is a popular communication app in Taiwan that can deliver messages 24 h a day. In addition to being free of charge, it also allows bariatric nurses (BNs) and patients to enjoy bidirectional communication via telecommunication services instead of direct, face-to-face contact for patients undergoing bariatric-metabolic surgery (BMS). We conducted this retrospective study to determine the frequency and reasons for early post-discharge of LINE® messages/calls and investigate the relationship between this frequency and contents of these messages and postoperative outcomes after BMS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was conducted in an Asian weight management center. The study period ran from August 2016 to December 2021, and a total of 143 native patients with severe obesity were enrolled. All patients were informed of the necessity of a postoperative dietitian consultation before bariatric surgery. The patterns of LINE® communication with the BN and associated actions to resolve patients' needs within 180 days after index BMS were analyzed.

RESULTS

Among the 143 enrolled patients, 100 underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and 43 underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. A total of 1205 messages/calls were analyzed concomitantly; most LINE® communications focused on diet problems (47.97%; n = 578), weight problems (11.54%; n = 139), and medications (9.21%; n = 111). Most problems could be resolved by LINE® communications directly, and only a small portion (5.6%) was directed to local clinics or emergency departments. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the usage of LINE® communications significantly increased (12.2 ± 10.4 vs. 6.4 ± 4.9; p < 0.01); nonetheless, a higher frequency of LINE® communications would not hinder the regular clinic visits (r = 0.359; p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Based on our limited experience, the LINE® consultation service operated by the BN could effectively address patients' problems. Moreover, it might reduce the need for emergency department visits or unexpected clinic appointments for patients after BMS.

Physical activity and obesity spectrum disorders in post-bariatric surgery patients: A systematic review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review and meta-analysis is based on randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of physical activity on weight loss in adults undergoing bariatric surgery. The study compared certain biomarkers for individuals with and without physical activity after bariatric surgery. Secondary, the study identified potential successful interventions for the target population.

METHOD

PubMed, Embase, OVID, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library were searched from January 2000 to December 2020. Intervention studies on the effect of physical activity in adults after bariatric surgery were selected, included, and analyzed following the PRISMA guidelines. The primary outcome was weight loss followed by selected biomarkers.

RESULTS

Two independent reviewers extracted data and conducted quality assessments. Of the 11 studies included, six reported BMI, two reported fat-free mass, three reported fat mass, two reported waist-hip ratio, and two reported waist circumference. Six studies measuring change from baseline BMI reported a significant intervention effect: SMD = -0.93 (-1.65;-0.20) with high heterogeneity of included trials (I2 = 72%). There was no significant difference between control and intervention groups for other outcomes.

CONCLUSION

BMI as a measure of physical activity positively impacts the target population. Large-scale studies with better criteria and a longer evaluation follow-up may finalize pronounced outcomes.

Internet-based platform for a low-calorie dietary intervention involving prepackaged food for weight loss in overweight and obese individuals in China: protocol for a randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Obesity is a global health issue that impacts quality of life. A calorie-restricted diet with high-intensity consultation provided via the internet may be an effective way to lose weight. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a practitioner-guided, mobile internet-based low-energy dietary intervention in overweight and obese populations in China.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This open-label randomised controlled trial enrolled 220 overweight and obese adults aged 18-70 years who met the inclusion criteria. Participants were assigned to the control group (n=110) or trial group (n=110). The trial group will be enrolled in the MetaWell programme, a weight loss programme using diet replacement products, wireless scales and a mobile phone app. Participants in the control group will receive paper material containing a sample diet for weight loss. The follow-up period will be 1 year, and measurements will occur at 3, 6 and 12 months. Dual-emission X-ray absorptiometry and abdominal quantitative CT will be performed to estimate the percentage of overall body fat and areas of visceral and subcutaneous fat, alongside several cardiometabolic measurements. The primary outcome of this study is the change in body mas index (BMI) at 6 months after enrolment. A mixed-effects model will be used to compare BMI and body fat changes between the two groups.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study was approved by the ethics committee of the Hospital of Chengdu Office of the People's Government of the Tibetan Autonomous Region. Advertisements for recruitment will be sent via official accounts using WeChat. The results will be disseminated via publications in academic journals and our clinic. Our study group will maintain contact with the participants to inform them of the study findings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ChiCTR1900021630.

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.

Clinical outcomes of bariatric surgery - Updated evidence

Obesity has grown to become a major health problem over the past few decades. Obesity-related comorbidities, such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, and dyslipidemia, are inextricably linked with increased adverse clinical consequences and mortality. Compared with other strategies for obesity, bariatric surgery is efficient in weight loss and has been proved to exert positive effects on obesity-related risk factors. This broad improvement in risk factors has resulted in substantial remission or reductions of comorbidities and better performance on clinical outcomes, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and mortality. With the development of surgical procedures, the safety of bariatric surgery has been validated and the rate of peri-operative death is low all over the world. Nonetheless, surgeons ought to be careful about potential complications, such as nutrition deficiencies, psychological disorders, or new digestive tract tumors after surgery. For patients with obesity, bariatric surgery might be a precious and crucial tool to bring additional benefits including comorbidities protection and life span extension. All patients with obesity should be engaged in a union consultation group to select a suitable treatment.

Nutritional Deficiencies Among Adolescents Before and After Sleeve Gastrectomy: First Study with 9-Year Follow-up

BACKGROUND

Globally, only two studies appraised the long-term nutritional status of adolescents after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of all adolescents aged ≤ 18 years who underwent LSG with ≥ 5 years follow-up and had no subsequent revisional surgery (N = 146). We assessed 15 nutritional parameters preoperatively and at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 years post surgery.

RESULTS

Mean age was 16.51 ± 1.29 years, 51% were males. We identified three patterns: 1) Significant worsening of preoperative deficiencies: 4.7% and 0.8% of the sample exhibited zinc and vitamin B12 deficiencies, worsening to 20.8% and 12.8% at 1 year, respectively. Likewise, 0.7% of the sample had low total protein, worsening to 8.3% at year 3. A total of 32.4% of females had preoperative low hemoglobin worsening to 57.9% at year 5. 2) Significant improvement: the percentage of males with preoperative low hemoglobin (5.6%) was reduced to 4.1% and 5.1% at years 1 and 3, respectively. 3) Persistent deficiency: all (100%) of adolescents had preoperative vitamin D deficiency that persisted through years 3 and 9 at 90.5% and 100%, respectively. The most common complications were food intolerance (51%), vomiting (47.5%), gastritis/ esophagitis (35.7%), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (20.3%). We observed one case of Wernicke's encephalopathy. Across the 9 years, 15.4% of the adolescents underwent intra-abdominal surgeries where 12.6% had cholecystectomy and one patient had appendectomy.

CONCLUSION

Adolescents had several preoperative nutritional deficiencies, most of which worsened or persisted on the long term. This is the first study among adolescents to assess such deficiencies beyond 5 years.

Pre-Operative Bariatric Surgery Imparts An Increased Risk of Infection, Re-Admission and Operative Intervention Following Elective Instrumented Lumbar Fusion

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the impact of bariatric surgery on patient outcomes following elective instrumented lumbar fusion.

METHODS

A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database was performed. Patients who underwent a bariatric procedure prior to an elective instrumented lumbar fusion were evaluated. Lumbar procedures were performed at a large academic medical center from 1/1/2012 to 1/1/2018. The primary outcome was surgical site infection (SSI) requiring surgical debridement. Secondary outcomes were prolonged wound drainage requiring treatment, implant failure requiring revision, revision secondary to adjacent segment disease (ASD), and chronic pain states. A randomly selected, surgeon and comorbidity-matched group of 59 patients that underwent an elective lumbar fusion during that period was used as a control. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's two-way t-tests for continuous data, with significance defined as P < .05.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients were identified who underwent bariatric surgery prior to elective lumbar fusion. Mean follow-up was 2.4 ± 1.9 years in the bariatric group vs. 1.5 ± 1.3 years in the control group. Patients with a history of bariatric surgery had an increased incidence of SSI that required operative debridement, revision surgery due to ASD, and a higher incidence of chronic pain. Prolonged wound drainage and implant failure were equivalent between groups.

CONCLUSION

In the present study, bariatric surgery prior to elective instrumented lumbar fusion was associated increased risk of surgical site infection, adjacent segment disease and chronic pain when compared to non-bariatric patients.

Health Status, Eating, and Lifestyle Habits in the Long Term Following Sleeve Gastrectomy

INTRODUCTION

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is an established bariatric procedure. However, long-term data on eating and lifestyle behaviors and their effect on weight outcomes are scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to examine these long-term behaviors and their associations to weight outcomes following SG.

METHODS

A long-term follow-up study (>5 years post-surgery) of 266 adult patients admitted to a primary SG surgery during 2008-2012 and who participated in a pre-surgery study was conducted. Data on pre-surgery demographics, anthropometrics, and medical status were obtained from the patients' medical records. Data on long-term health status, anthropometrics, lifestyle and eating habits, eating pathologies, follow-up regime, and satisfaction from the surgery were collected by an interview phone calls according to a structured questionnaire.

RESULTS

Data of 169 patients were available before and 7.8±1.0 years post-SG. Their baseline mean age was 41.8±11.3 years, and 71.6% of them were females. The mean post-surgery excess weight loss (EWL) was 53.2±31.2%, and 54.2% had EWL of ≥50%. Eating 3-6 meals per day, not having the urge to eat after dinner, separating liquids from solids, avoiding carbonated beverages, and performing physical activity were related to better weight-loss outcomes (P≤0.026). However, frequent need for eating sweets, binge eating, and feeling guilty or sad after eating were related to worse weight-loss outcomes (P≤0.010). Furthermore, only a minority reported taking a multivitamin and participating in follow-up meetings after more than 1 year since the surgery (≤21.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

In the long term following SG, approximately half achieved EWL of ≥50%, and physical activity, certain eating patterns, and eating pathologies were related to weight outcomes.

Nutrient Intake and Deficiency of Patients 1 Year After Bariatric Surgery: Tehran Obesity Treatment Study (TOTS)

PURPOSE

This study aimed at assessing nutrient adequacy after 1 year in patients who had undergone gastric bypass (GB) surgery or sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and to investigate the association of nutrient adequacy with anthropometric indices.

METHODS

A total of 180 severely obese patients (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m²) were selected among the participants of Tehran Obesity Treatment Study. Nutritional assessments were performed over 3 days of 24-h dietary recall. To evaluate the nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR), the subject's nutrient intake was divided by the dietary reference intakes. The mean adequacy ratio (MAR) was also determined as the sum of NARs divided by the number of involved nutrients (n = 11).

RESULTS

The mean age of SG (67%) and GB (32%) patients was 39.2 ± 12 and 41.4 ± 10 years, respectively. SG patients had more postoperative fat-free mass (52.0 ± 12 kg) than GB patients (49.7 ± 8 kg) (P < 0.05). The most common postoperative serum nutrient deficiencies were related to vitamin B12 (30%), ferritin (19%), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (16.2%). Moreover, high inadequacy of protein (> 80%) and total fat (> 70%) intake was reported. The MAR score showed that almost 45% of the patients had possibly adequate intakes of some nutrients. The adequacy of nutrients was positively associated with fat-free mass (β = 8.67, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

These findings revealed that patients had inadequate nutrient intakes 1 year after bariatric surgery, which was accompanied by serum nutritional deficiencies. Compared to GB patients, SG patients had a better body composition. Overall, compliance of patients with dietary guidelines and supplementations needs to be carefully monitored in the postoperative period.

The Optimal Nutritional Programme for Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for severe and complex obesity; however, the risk of developing nutrient deficiencies varies based upon the type of surgery, degree of malabsorption, and level of nutrition intervention. There are numerous factors that can impact the nutrition status of a patient during their pre- and postoperative journey. We review the critical components and considerations needed in order to provide optimal nutrition care for patients with bariatric surgery.

RECENT FINDINGS

A dietitian, specializing in bariatric surgery, is the best equipped healthcare provider to prepare and support patients in achieving and maintaining optimal nutrition status. We present best practices for both the pre- and postoperative nutrition-related phases of a patient's journey. The dietitian specialist is integral in the assessment and ongoing nutrition care of patients with bariatric surgery. Further consideration should be given to enable access for lifelong follow-up and monitoring.

A series of severe neurologic complications after bariatric surgery in France: the NEUROBAR Study

BACKGROUND

Neurologic complications after bariatric surgery are rare, but can have dramatic consequences. Little data are available on this topic.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the Neurologic complications after BARiatric surgery (NEUROBAR) study was to define, which factors (anthropometric, nutritional, surgical, etc.) were frequently associated with neurologic complications after bariatric surgery.

SETTINGS

Data were collected by the French Centers of Obesity Care Management hosted in University Hospitals.

METHODS

An online standardized questionnaire was designed and submitted to the 37 French Centers of Obesity Management. This questionnaire included items about patient characteristics, bariatric surgery, neurologic complications, nutritional status, and management. Patients were retrospectively included from January 2010 to November 2018.

RESULTS

Thirteen centers included 38 patients (34 females and 4 males) with neurologic complications after bariatric surgery. The 2 main bariatric procedures were gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. More than half of the patients with neurologic complications had a surgical complication after bariatric surgery (53%) and gastrointestinal symptoms, including vomiting (53%). Vitamin B deficiencies were frequent (74%) including at least 47% of cases with deficiency in Vitamin B1.

CONCLUSION

Early identification of patients with surgical complications and gastrointestinal symptoms after bariatric surgery could help prevent neurologic complications related to nutritional deficiencies.