Avoiding Anemia and Nutrtional Deficiencies after Bariatric Surgery

While there are a number of different types of bariatric surgeries, many people only think of the 'Gastric Bypass' or the 'LapBand' when they think of bariatric surgeries and that if they didn't have the 'Gastric Bypass' they don't have to worry about nutritional deficiencies or anemia. Bariatric surgeries fall in to three categories: restrictive only, restricting with some malabsorption and malabsorptive with some restriction. All of them have the potential to cause nutritional deficiencies either through restriction and/or malabsorption, so it's really very important to make sure that you work with your bariatric medical team to ensure that you know are getting the appropriate supplimentation and are being tested to ensure that you are getting enough of what you need because we all metabolize nutrients a little differently. 

Here is a link to an article regarding Anemia and Nutritional Deficiencies. 

I also recommend not blindly accepting your surgeon's recommendations for labs or vitamins, but doing your own research and being assertive regarding your own care.  My surgeon did not want to order all the labs I wanted done, so I went to my PCP and had him order them.  Then I took the results to my surgeon and showed him that I was deficient in one of the vitamins he felt it wasn't necessary to test.  Doctors are not God; they do not know everything.  Their focus is on surgery.  They are not generally out there scouring the newest info on nutrition and vitamins.  Be proactive.  Be your own best advocate!

Good point. I have done the same thing and also think that it's important to be a knowledgeable advocate for yourself. That said, I know that there are many who do not research, nor do they follow the guidelines provided by their surgeon. This was really directed to those who may not think it's important to follow through and make sure that they have a nutritious, balanced and supplemented diet. 

Thanks again for reminding everyone that it's important that we do all that we can to take care of ourselves.