Anaemia in patients with self-reported use of iron supplements in the BAriatric surgery SUbstitution and nutrition study: A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: After bariatric surgery, micronutrient deficiencies may lead to anaemia. To prevent post-operative deficiencies, patients are recommended lifelong micronutrient supplementation. Studies investigating the effectiveness of supplementation to prevent anaemia after bariatric surgery are scarce. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between nutritional deficiencies and anaemia in patients who report use of supplementation two years after bariatric surgery versus patients who do not. METHODS AND RESULTS: Obese (BMI≥35 kg/m2) individuals (n = 971) were recruited at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, Sweden between 2015 and 2017. The interventions were Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), n = 382, sleeve gastrectomy (SG), n = 201, or medical treatment (MT), n = 388. Blood samples and self-reported data on supplements were collected at baseline and two years post treatment. Anaemia was defined as haemoglobin <120 g/L for females and <130 g/L for males. Standard statistical methods, including a logistic regression model and a machine learning algorithm, were used to analyse data. The frequency of anaemia increased from baseline in patients treated with RYGB (3·0% vs 10·5%; p < 0·05). Neither iron-dependent biochemistry nor frequency of anaemia differed between participants who reported use of iron supplements and those who did not at the two-year follow-up. Low preoperative level of haemoglobin and high postoperative percent excessive BMI loss increased the predicted probability of anaemia two years after surgery. CONCLUSION: The results from this study indicate that iron deficiency or anaemia may not be prevented by substitutional treatment per current guidelines after bariatric surgery and highlights there is reason to ensure adequate preoperative micronutrient levels. TRIAL REGISTRATION: March 03, 2015; NCT03152617.

Effect of one-anastomosis gastric bypass on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with vitamin D deficiency and morbid obesity: A secondary analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Bariatric patients often suffer from vitamin D (VD) deficiency, and both, morbid obesity and VD deficiency, are related to an adverse effect on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Therefore, we assessed the change of known CVD risk factors and its associations during the first 12 months following one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB). METHODS AND RESULTS: In this secondary analysis, CVD risk factors, medical history and anthropometric data were assessed in fifty VD deficient (25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D) <75 nmol/l) patients, recruited for a randomized controlled trial of VD supplementation. Based on previous results regarding bone-mass loss and the association between VD and CVD risk, the study population was divided into patients with 25(OH)D ≥50 nmol/l (adequate VD group; AVD) and into those <50 nmol/l (inadequate VD group; IVD) at 6 and 12 months (T6/12) postoperatively. In the whole cohort, substantial remission rates for hypertension (38%), diabetes (30%), and dyslipidaemia (41%) and a significant reduction in CVD risk factors were observed at T12. Changes of insulin resistance markers were associated with changes of total body fat mass (TBF%), 25(OH)D, and ferritin. Moreover, significant differences in insulin resistance markers between AVD and IVD became evident at T12. CONCLUSION: These findings show that OAGB leads to a significant reduction in CVD risk factors and amelioration of insulin resistance markers, which might be connected to reduced TBF%, change in 25(OH)D and ferritin levels, as an indicator for subclinical inflammation, and an adequate VD status. REGISTERED AT CLINICALTRIALS.GOV: (Identifier: NCT02092376) and EudraCT (Identifier: 2013-003546-16).

Rare Variants in Genes Linked to Appetite Control and Hypothalamic Development in Early-Onset Severe Obesity.

Context: The hypothalamic circuit has an essential role in the regulation of appetite and energy expenditure. Pathogenic variants in genes involved in the hypothalamic leptin-melanocortin pathway, including melanocortin-4-receptor (MC4R), have been associated with monogenic obesity. Objective: To determine the rate and spectrum of rare variants in genes involved in melanocortin pathway or hypothalamic development in patients with severe early-onset obesity (height-adjusted weight >60% before age 10 years). Methods: We used a custom-made targeted exome sequencing panel to assess peripheral blood DNA samples for rare (minor allele frequency <0.5%), pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in 24 genes related to the hypothalamic circuit in 92 subjects (51% males, median age 13.7 years) with early-onset severe obesity (median body mass index (BMI) Z-score + 4.0). Results: We identified a novel frameshift deletion in MC4R (p.V103Afs5*) in two unrelated patients and a previously reported MC4R variant (p.T112M) in one patient. In addition, we identified rare heterozygous missense variants in ADCY3 (p.G1110R), MYT1L (p.R807Q), ISL1 (p.I347F), LRP2 (p.R2479I, and p.N3315S) and a hemizygous missense variant in GRPR (p.L87M) (each in one patient), possibly contributing to the obesity phenotype in these patients. Altogether 8 % (7/92) of the subjects had rare pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in the studied genes. Conclusions: Rare genetic variants within the hypothalamic circuit are prevalent and contribute to the development of severe early-onset obesity. Targeted exome sequencing is useful in identifying affected subjects. Further studies are needed to evaluate the variants' clinical significance and to define optimal treatment.

Relationship Between Modified Body Adiposity Index and A Body Shape Index with Biochemical Parameters in Bariatric Surgery Candidates.

BACKGROUND: Body mass index, an estimate of body fat percentage, has been previously shown to be associated with metabolic disorders. However, there is little data on the associations between a body shape index (ABSI) or modified body adiposity index (MBAI), which provide valuable definitions of body fat, with serum biochemical parameter levels. Therefore, this study was conducted to find either ABSI or MBAI associations with serum biochemical parameter levels in bariatric surgery candidates. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 776 bariatric surgery candidates (age range 18-69 years) between November 2010 and September 2017. Demographic data, anthropometric indices, biochemical parameters, and body composition analysis data were drawn from the National Obesity Surgery Database, Iran. ABSI and MBAI were calculated using related equations. A stepwise multivariate linear regression was used to evaluate whether ABSI or MBAI was associated with each serum biochemical parameter. RESULTS: ABSI, age, and multivitamin/mineral supplementation (MVMS) were independently associated with serum vitamin D (ß = 24.374, SE 10.756, P value 0.026; ß = 0.022, SE 0.007, P value 0.002; ß = 0.639, SE 0.235, P value 0.008). However, a negative association was observed between MBAI and vitamin D (ß = - 0.037, SE 0.016, P value 0.025) in a model adjusted for age and MVMS. Additionally, MBAI and age showed a significant positive association with serum HDL-c (ß = 0.185, SE 0.085, P value 0.028; ß = 0.171, SE 0.033, P value < 0.001), although there was a negative association between male sex and HDL-c (ß = - 4.004, SE 0.891, P value < 0.001). CONCLUSION: ABSI and MBAI may be appropriate indices in predicting serum vitamin D and HDL-c levels.

Feasibility and acceptability of an integrated behavioral medicine service within a post-bariatric surgery clinic.

BACKGROUND: Long-term medical and psychological follow-up after weight loss surgery is associated with improved patient outcomes. Weight regain after weight loss surgery is a common concern that has behavioral and psychological components; however, most patients do not attend behavioral medicine (BMED) follow-up appointments post-surgery. Innovative treatment models are needed to improve access to BMED to optimize long-term outcomes. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the feasibility and acceptability of an integrated BMED service within a bariatric surgery clinic. SETTING: University medical center, outpatient clinic. METHODS: Patients (n = 198) in a post-bariatric surgery clinic were screened for psychosocial/behavioral concerns and offered a same-day BMED consult, when appropriate. Patients rated their satisfaction with the consult and their confidence in being able to carry out the plan created during the consult. RESULTS: The top 3 concerns identified during screenings were emotional eating, body image, and cravings. The top 3 concerns addressed during consults were emotional eating, mood, and cravings. The mean length of consult was 26.1 minutes. The mean severity of problems addressed was 7 of 10. Patients' confidence ratings had a mean of 9.4 of 10 (1 = low, 10 = high) and satisfaction ratings had a mean of 9.8 of 10. CONCLUSIONS: In this clinic, the integration of a BMED service provided 40% of patients with behavioral intervention for psychosocial/behavioral concerns during routine surgery follow-up appointments. Patients indicated high satisfaction with consults and reported high confidence in being able to carry out the plan created during the consult.

Four Weeks of Preoperative Omega-3 Fatty Acids Reduce Liver Volume: a Randomised Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: Weight loss before bariatric surgery with a low-calorie diet (LCD) has several advantages, including reduction of liver volume and an improved access to the lesser sac. Disadvantages include performing surgery in a state of undernutrition, side effects, costs and patient compliance. Omega-3 fatty acids may serve as an alternative to reduce liver steatosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomised controlled open-label trial was done to compare the effects of a LCD with Modifast (800 kcal/day) during 2 weeks with 2 g of omega-3 fatty acids a day and a normal diet (2000 kcal/day) during 4 weeks. Total liver volume (TLV) and volume of the left liver lobe (LLL), visceral fat area (VFA) and muscle area (SMA) at the L3-L4 level were measured with MRI before and after preoperative treatment. RESULTS: Sixty-two morbidly obese women undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (LRYGB) were recruited. In both groups, there was a significant decrease in LLL, TLV and VFA. For LLL and TLV reduction, the LCD had a significantly larger effect (p < 0.05). Only in the LCD group was there a significant decrease in SMA with significantly more side effects and worse compliance. CONCLUSION: Both the LCD and omega-3 diet reduced LLL, TLV and VFA. The LCD outperformed the omega-3 diet in LLL and TLV reduction, but induced significant loss of SMA and had worse compliance due to more side effects. Omega-3 fatty acids may provide a safe and more patient-friendly alternative for a LCD and further research is indicated. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02206256).

Excited catatonia in a patient with fatal pulmonary embolism and a successful treatment strategy.

BACKGROUND: Patients with psychiatric disorders in critical condition are difficult to treat. In this study, we report on a patient with underlying schizoaffective disorder who developed catatonia, cardiac arrest, and pulmonary embolism, as well as a successful treatment strategy. CASE PRESENTATION: The inpatient is a 41-year-old morbidly obese male with schizoaffective disorder whose clozapine dosage was titrated from 100 mg to 175 mg due to auditory hallucination and agitation. The patient abruptly developed acute cardiopulmonary symptoms associated with an elevated troponin-I level. He was transferred to a cardiac intensive care unit, where he remained for 3 days. He was also found to have excited catatonic symptoms, and the lorazepam-diazepam protocol was initiated to quickly relieve the catatonia. Once the coronary angiogram was read as normal, the patient was transferred back to the psychiatric ward. However, the patient then suffered from in-hospital cardiac arrest. He was resuscitated and again transferred to the medical intensive care unit. Computed tomography confirmed the diagnosis of a pulmonary embolism. The patient was treated with Rivaroxaban 30 mg/d for the first 21 days, followed by 20 mg daily for 3 months. To control his severe and refractory psychotic symptoms, the patient was re-prescribed clozapine. During the 15-month follow-up period, the patient demonstrated a fair response and tolerability to clozapine 150 mg without symptoms relapse and no thromboembolic event. CONCLUSION: This report can serve to remind psychiatrists and physicians to be aware of fatal conditions in patients with psychiatric diseases and physical illnesses.

Nutritional Status of Bariatric Surgery Candidates.

Obesity is a global epidemic affecting populations globally. Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for morbid obesity, and has increased dramatically. Bariatric surgery candidates frequently have pre-existing nutritional deficiencies that might exacerbate post-surgery. To provide better health care management pre- and post-bariatric surgery, it is imperative to establish the nutritional status of prospective patients before surgery. The aim of this study was to assess and provide baseline data on the nutritional status of bariatric candidates. A retrospective study was conducted on obese patients who underwent bariatric surgery from 2008 to 2015. The medical records of 1538 patients were reviewed for this study. Pre-operatively, the most commonly observed vitamin deficiencies were Vitamin D (76%) and Vitamin B12 (16%). Anemia and iron status parameters were low in a considerable number of patients before surgery, as follows: hemoglobin 20%, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) 48%, ferritin 28%, serum iron 51%, and transferrin saturation 60%. Albumin and transferrin were found to be low in 10% and 9% of the patients, respectively, prior to surgery. In addition to deficiencies, a great number of patients had hypervitaminosis pre-operatively. Excess levels of Vitamin B6 (24%) was the most remarkable. The findings in this study advocate a close monitoring and tailored supplementation pre- and post-bariatric surgery.

Wernicke Encephalopathy in Adolescents After Bariatric Surgery: Case Report and Review.

Roughly 1% of all weight loss surgery is performed in adolescents. There is strong evidence demonstrating significant postsurgical weight loss, improvement in quality of life, and reduction in comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes. Reports of postoperative complications in adolescents are few because of the small sample size in most series. Despite vitamin supplementation, nutritional deficiencies requiring hospitalization occur occasionally after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Wernicke encephalopathy, a triad of ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and altered mental status, is a serious consequence of thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency. Few cases of Wernicke encephalopathy after weight loss surgery have been reported in the literature and even fewer in the pediatric population. Here we describe a teenage girl who develops vomiting after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and presented with nystagmus, irritability, and ataxia. The clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of Wernicke encephalopathy in adolescents after bariatric surgery are discussed.

Beneficial Effects of Applying Low-Level Laser Therapy to Surgical Wounds After Bariatric Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is a successful method for weight loss in cases of morbid obesity; however, as an invasive procedure, surgical complications may occur. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been increasingly used due to its effectiveness in controlling the inflammatory response, accelerating tissue repair, and reducing pain. The objective of this study was to investigate photobiomodulation effects after bariatric surgery and determine the laser actions during the inflammatory process, wound healing (clinical observation), and analgesia. METHODS: This study was a randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial in which 85 patients underwent Roux en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) by conventional techniques (i.e., open surgery). Patients were divided into two groups and were irradiated with LLLT at 10 different points through the surgical scar in three sessions of applications: the laser group (laser-on) consisted of 43 patients who received the CW diode laser (MMOptics), while the placebo group (laser-off) consisted of 42 patients who were treated by the same protocol but with a disabled laser. Temperature was measured by a digital thermometer in both groups, and pain was evaluated using the visual analogue scale for pain. Biochemical analysis and digital images were used to document and evaluate the inflammatory response as well as tissue repair process at the surgical wound site. RESULTS: Patients in the laser group demonstrated diminished wound temperature as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) compared with the placebo group, indicating better inflammatory process control as well as improved wound healing and reduced pain. CONCLUSIONS: LLLT applied with the described protocol led to a decrease by biochemical markers and wound temperature compared with the placebo, which indicated that LLLT was able to control the inflammatory process; in addition, seroma and pain were reduced and cicatrization was improved by this preventive procedure.

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in morbid obese patients: coffee consumption vs. disease severity.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity correlates with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and occurs in 90 to 100% of severely obese individuals (body mass index [BMI] > 35 kg/m2). Coffee consumption (CC) has been associated with reduced progression of fibrosis in both hepatitis C infection and NAFLD; however, this topic is still under discussion when this liver disease affects severely obese individuals. OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between CC, insulin resistance (IR) and histological NAFLD morbid obese patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study, including obese individuals undergoing bariatric surgery, liver biopsy and histological diagnosis between September 2013 and August 2014. The patients were classified into 3 groups according to their weekly CC: 0- 239.9 mL; 240-2099.9 mL and ≥ 2100 mL. RESULTS: A total of 112 obese individuals were included (BMI = 41.9 ± 4.3 kg/m2), with a mean age of 34.7 ± 7.4 years; 68.6% were women. CC was reported by 72.3% of patients. There were no statistical significant differences between groups regarding the presence of IR (84.8% vs. 74.2% vs. 75.9%; p = 0.536). Progressively higher percentages of individuals with normal liver histology were observed (14.7% vs. 21.9% vs. 24.3%). NASH (65.7% vs. 70.3% vs. 57.5%) were observed among those who consumed greater coffee volumes (p = 0.812). In conclusion, obese individuals with elevated CC exhibited lower frequencies of NASH, although with no statistical significance in this sample.

Increased PUFA Content and 5-Lipoxygenase Pathway Expression Are Associated with Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Inflammation in Obese Women with Type 2 Diabetes.

Obese women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have more inflammation in their subcutaneous white adipose tissue (sWAT) than age-and-BMI similar obese women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT). We aimed to investigate whether WAT fatty acids and/or oxylipins are associated with the enhanced inflammatory state in WAT of the T2DM women. Fatty acid profiles were measured in both subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue (vWAT) of 19 obese women with NGT and 16 age-and-BMI similar women with T2DM. Oxylipin levels were measured in sWAT of all women. Arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) percentages were higher in sWAT, but not vWAT of the T2DM women, and AA correlated positively to the gene expression of macrophage marker CD68. We found tendencies for higher oxylipin concentrations of the 5-LOX leukotrienes in sWAT of T2DM women. Gene expression of the 5-LOX leukotriene biosynthesis pathway was significantly higher in sWAT of T2DM women. In conclusion, AA and DHA content were higher in sWAT of T2DM women and AA correlated to the increased inflammatory state in sWAT. Increased AA content was accompanied by an upregulation of the 5-LOX pathway and seems to have led to an increase in the conversion of AA into proinflammatory leukotrienes in sWAT.

Bariatric surgery results: reporting clinical characteristics and adverse outcomes from an integrated healthcare delivery system.

BACKGROUND: Limited data have been reported on bariatric surgery within a large, high-volume regional multicenter integrated healthcare delivery system. OBJECTIVES: Review clinical characteristics and short- and intermediate-term outcomes and adverse events from a bariatric surgery program within an integrated healthcare delivery system. SETTING: Single high-volume, multicenter regional integrated healthcare delivery system. METHODS: Adult patients who underwent primary bariatric surgery during 2010-2011 were reviewed. Clinical characteristics, outcomes, and weight loss results were extracted from the electronic medical record. RESULTS: A total of 2399 patients were identified within the study period. The 30-day rates of clinical outcomes for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB; n = 1313) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG; n = 1018) were 2.9% for readmission, 3.0% for major complications, .8% for reoperation, and 0% for mortality. One-year and 2-year weight loss results were as follows: percent weight loss (%WL) was 31.4 (±SD 8.5) and 34.2±12.0% for SG and 34.1±9.3 and 39.1±11.9 for RYGB; percent excess weight loss (%EBWL) was 64.2±18.0 and 69.8±23.7 for SG and 68.0±19.3 and 77.8±23.7 for RYGB; percent excess body mass index loss (%EBMIL) was 72.9±21.0 and 77.7±22.4 for SG and 76.6±22.1% and 85.6±21.6 for RYGB. Follow-up for each procedure at 1 year was 76% for SG (n = 778) and 80% for RYGB (n = 1052) and at 2 years was 65% for SG (n = 659) and 67% for RYGB (n = 875). CONCLUSIONS: A large regional high-volume multicenter bariatric program within an integrated healthcare delivery system can produce excellent short-term results with low rates of short- and intermediate-term adverse outcomes.

Nutritional deficiencies after sleeve gastrectomy: can they be predicted preoperatively?

BACKGROUND: Nutritional deficiencies are common among morbidly obese patients. Data are scarce for patients who have undergone laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to clarify the prevalence of deficiencies and to identify risk factors for postoperative deficiencies. SETTINGS: Hebrew University, Israel. METHODS: Preoperative and 1-year postoperative data were collected. We included anthropometric parameters, obesity-related co-morbidities, and laboratory findings. RESULTS: There were 192 candidates. Seventy-seven of them completed follow-ups at 12 months. Before surgery, 15% had anemia. Deficiencies of iron, folate, and B12 were 47%, 32%, and 13%, respectively. Women were more deficient in iron (56% women, 26% men, P<.001). Before surgery, low levels of vitamin D and elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) were 99% and 41%, respectively. One year postsurgery, the deficiencies of hemoglobin and vitamin B12 worsened (20% and 17%, P<.001, P = .048, respectively). One year postsurgery, deficiencies of iron, folate, vitamin D, and PTH improved (28%, 21%, 94%, and 10%, respectively). Deficiencies of hemoglobin, folate, and B12 before surgery were predictors for deficiencies 1 year after surgery (P = .006 OR = .090; P = .012 OR = .069; P = .062 OR = .165, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: LSG had a modest effect on nutritional deficiencies in our patients at 1-year postsurgery. Focusing on the preoperative nutritional status and tailoring a specific supplemental program for each individual should prevent postoperative deficiencies.

Effects of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass on bone mineral density and markers of bone turnover.

BACKGROUND: Despite multiple beneficial effects of weight loss after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB), the influence on bone mineral density (BMD) remains largely unknown. Our objective was to evaluate the changes in BMD and serum/urine bone markers after LRYGB. METHODS: Thirty-four women undergoing LRYGB were prospectively enrolled and underwent bone densitometry and serum/urine analysis preoperatively and 1 year postoperative. Changes≥.025 g/cm(2) in hip, femoral neck, and spine BMD and decreases>2% in total BMD were considered significant. Statistical analysis included paired t tests and McNemar's test. RESULTS: Mean age was 44.6 years. Body mass index at the preoperative and 1-year postoperative intervals were 46.7 and 29.6 kg/m(2), respectively. Mean hip, femoral neck, and spine (L1-L4) BMD was 1.191 versus 1.087 g/cm(2) (P< .001), 1.105 versus 1.032 g/cm(2) (P< .001), and 1.323 versus 1.277 g/cm(2) (P< .001) at the preoperative and 1 year postoperative intervals, respectively. Mean total BMD decreased from 1.328 preoperatively to 1.251 g/cm(2) at 1 year postoperative (P<.001). The decreases in BMD were 5.8%, 6.5%, 3.5%, and 8.8% for hip, femoral neck, spine (L1-L4) and total BMD from preoperative to 1 year postoperative. The proportion of patients with low vitamin D levels decreased from 55% preoperatively to 21% at 1 year postoperative (P = .004). Elevated osteocalcin and bone alkaline phosphatase was observed in 4% and 63% (P<.001), and 14% and 41% (P = .011) of patients preoperatively and at 1 year postoperative, respectively. CONCLUSION: BMD and bone markers changed significantly after LRYGB. Current recommendations for supplementation in post-LRYGB women may need to be reevaluated.

Pregnancy outcomes and nutritional indices after 3 types of bariatric surgery performed at a single institution.

BACKGROUND: Nutritional status during pregnancy and the effects of nutritional deficiencies on pregnancy outcomes after bariatric surgery is an important issue that warrants further study. The objective of this study was to investigate pregnancy outcomes and nutritional indices after restrictive and malabsorptive procedures. METHODS: We investigated pregnancy outcomes of 113 women who gave birth to 150 children after biliopancreatic diversion (BPD), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) between June 1994 and December 2011. Biochemical indices and pregnancy outcomes were compared among the different types of surgery and to overall 20-year hospital data, as well as to 56 presurgery pregnancies in 36 women of the same group. RESULTS: Anemia was observed in 24.2% and 15.6% of pregnancies after BPD and RYGB, respectively. Vitamin B12 levels decreased postoperatively in all groups, with no further decrease during pregnancy; however, low levels were observed not only after BPD (11.7%) and RYGB (15.6%), but also after SG (13.3%). Folic acid levels increased. Serum albumin levels decreased in all groups during pregnancy, but hypoproteinemia was seen only after BPD. Neonates after BPD had significantly lower average birth weight without a higher frequency of low birth weight defined as<2500 g. A comparison of neonatal data between babies born before surgery and siblings born after surgery (AS) showed that AS newborns had lower average birth weight with no significant differences in body length or head circumference and no cases of macrosomia. CONCLUSION: Our study showed reasonably good pregnancy outcomes in this sample population after all types of bariatric surgery provided nutritional supplement guidelines are followed. Closer monitoring is required in pregnancies after malabsorptive procedures especially regarding protein nutrition.

Herbal medications and plastic surgery: a hidden danger.

Herbal medicine is a multibillion-pound industry, and surveys suggest that ~10% of the UK population uses herbal supplements concurrently with prescription medications. Patients and health care practitioners are often unaware of the adverse side effects of herbal medicines. In addition, because many of these herbal supplements are available over the counter, many patients do not disclose these when listing medications to health care providers. A 39-year-old nurse underwent an abdominoplasty with rectus sheath plication after weight loss surgery. Postoperatively, she experienced persistent drain output, and after discharge, a seroma developed requiring repeated drainage in the clinic. After scar revision 10 months later, the woman bled postoperatively, requiring suturing. Again, a seroma developed, requiring repeated drainage. It was discovered that the patient had been taking a herbal menopause supplement containing ingredients known to have anticoagulant effects. Complementary medicine is rarely taught in UK medical schools and generally not practiced in UK hospitals. Many supplements are known to have anticoagulant, cardiovascular, and sedative effects. Worryingly, questions about herbal medicines are not routinely asked in clinics, and patients do not often volunteer such information. With the number and awareness of complementary medications increasing, their usage among the population is likely to increase. The authors recommend specific questioning about the use of complementary medications and consideration of ceasing such medications before surgery. Level of Evidence V This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Vitamin B12 deficiency in patients undergoing bariatric surgery: preventive strategies and key recommendations.

BACKGROUND: Advances in bariatric surgery have brought about a paradigm shift in the management of obesity, with benefits extending beyond weight loss. However, nutritional deficiencies are an inherent problem in the postoperative period and often require lifelong supplementation. Vitamin B12, also referred to as cobalamin, is one of the most common micronutrient deficiencies affecting this population. This review explores the pathophysiology of cobalamin deficiency in patients undergoing bariatric surgery and provides an overview of the effectiveness of various available vitamin B12 formulations. METHODS: To identify the relevant literature, a systematic review of MEDLINE was conducted from the earliest dates through September 2012 for English-language articles describing the prevention and management of vitamin B12 deficiency in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. RESULTS: Intramuscular vitamin B12 continues to be the gold standard of therapy for vitamin B12 deficiency, especially in symptomatic patients. In select patients with asymptomatic vitamin B12 deficiency after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), high-dose oral cyanocobalamin should be given a consideration, especially when there are concerns with the adherence to intramuscular therapy or if compliance comes into question. Unlike patients post-RYGB, those undergoing restrictive procedures such as gastric banding and sleeve gastrectomy may be maintained postoperatively on a lower-dose daily vitamin B12 supplementation. Efficacy data of nasal and sublingual routes for maintenance therapy is currently awaited. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing bariatric surgery must be continuously educated on proper nutrition, the risk of developing significant vitamin B12 deficiency, and the role of supplements in avoiding catastrophic consequences.

Management of iron deficiency and anemia after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery: an observational study.

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency (ID) is common after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB). Optimal iron management in this population is unclear. The objective of this study was to assess our management of RYGB patients with ID and anemia. METHODS: Clinic visit records of RYGB patients with ID or anemia from January 1, 2008, to February 1, 2010 were evaluated. Demographic characteristics, postsurgery iron and anemia indices, and prescribed treatments were recorded. Three separate definitions for ID and anemia were used (standard textbook, ASBMS, and recent literature). An intravenous iron protocol was later implemented, and follow-up laboratory values were obtained. RESULTS: A total of 125 with ID or anemia (89% female, 86% Caucasian), mean (SD) age 44.7 (8.6) years, and BMI 47.3 (10.8) kg/m(2) at time of RYGB, were included. Proportion of values meeting criteria for ID or anemia at first follow-up: standard textbook, hemoglobin (Hb, 35%), transferrin saturation (Tsat, 48%), ferritin (28%); ASBMS, ferritin (43%); recent literature, ferritin (58%), serum iron (21%). At mean follow-up of 45.7 (43) months, oral iron (n = 49) or intravenous iron (n = 4) had been prescribed for 53 (42.4%) patients, and 32 (25.6%) patients received multiple blood transfusions. Nine patients received intravenous iron using the new protocol (400-1400 mg), resulting in increases in Hb (1.8 g/dL; P<.05) and ferritin (31.8 ng/mL; P< .002). CONCLUSION: Iron management was inadequate. Hematologic values often were deficient for sustained periods. Initially, few patients received intravenous iron after oral iron failure, many received no iron supplementation, and there was high use of blood transfusions. Subsequently, administration of intravenous iron was beneficial.