A patient who has undergone bariatric surgery may develop a number of nutritional deficiencies.
Deficiency
Risk Factor
calcium
vitamin D deficiency, roux-en-Y
copper
folate
iron
menstruating female, roux-en-Y
protein malnutrion
pre-existing (prior to surgery), biliopancreatic diversion
thiamine
vomiting
vitamin A
roux-en-Y
vitamin B12
vitamin D
roux-en-Y
vitamin E
roux-en-Y
vitamin K
roux-en-Y
zinc
General recommendations:
(1) A patient needs to be specifically monitored for nutritional deficiencies following bariatric surgery, with a careful evaluation if signs and symptoms develop.
(2) Oral replacement therapy following surgery does not guarantee adequate nutrient replacement especially if there is malabsorption or diarrhea.
(3) A multivitamin may not replace all of the nutritients adversely affected.
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