Christina Sanders, DO, Adeshola Fakulujo, MD, Marc Neff, MD, Louis Balsama, DO
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey – Kennedy University Hospital
Introduction: As the obesity epidemic continues, the number of bariatric surgeries being performed continues to increase. Although bariatric surgery serves as an excellent method of weight loss, the nutritional deficiencies that accompany these procedures is often under emphasized.
Interestingly many of these nutritional deficiencies exist pre-operatively despite excessive food intake. This is likely due to poor choice in quality of food and the presence of excess adipose tissue, which influences nutrient storage and availability.
Varying degrees of nutritional deficiencies can exist following all types of bariatric surgery. The greatest deficiencies are seen after malabsorptive operations, such as the gastric bypass and duodenal switch procedures.
Methods: A retrospective study is being conducted to identify preoperative and post operative nutritional deficiencies in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. The types of bariatric procedures performed at our institution include; laparoscopic Roux en Y gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and placement of lap bands. Nutritional parameters being assessed include: albumin, calcium, vitamin D, PTH, vitamin B12, folate, and thiamine levels. These parameters are being assessed pre-operatively and then again at 6 months and 1 year post-operatively.
Results: Deficiencies have been identified in all nutritional parameters to various degrees, both pre- and postoperatively. These deficiencies tend to be more prominent following gastric bypass.
Conclusion: Nutritional deficiencies are common among morbidly obese patients. Recognition of these deficiencies is important for those patients seeking to undergo bariatric surgery, as many of these deficiencies will persist or continue to worsen postoperatively. Thus, routine nutritional screening is recommended so adequate supplementation can be initiated.
Session: Poster Presentation
Program Number: P462
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