Rare Complication-"Beriberi"

Hi everyone, I'm finding that not enough people know about a rare complication that happens in approx 1% of the bariatric surgery population. I know 1% doesn't sound like much, but I know of two people that have been diagnosed with this complication. It is called Bariatric "Beriberi." It is a severe thiamin deficiency in the early months after surgery. It can be caused by vomiting and the reduced food intake. In severe cases, it can be fatal. Please go to the two web sites listed below and learn the symptoms. If you learn the symptoms, you might save your own life or the life if a friend someday . . . . http://www.thinnertimes.com/thiamine_deficiency.htm http://www.spotlighthealth.com/nasp/beyond_change/moarticle.asp?article_id=68

Stacey, Is this something that you had out of curiosity, since I did and had Hueppenbecker? If you want to email me personally please do so. My email address is [email protected]. Thanks for any info...Deb

Hi Deb, this is NOT something I've had. . . just something I've heard about. I haven't had surgery yet and because my insurance has changed, I won't be having Dr. Huepenbecker. I'll be going through the UW and will likely have Dr. Gould if everything goes as planned. However, I do recommend that if other people want to know what an aweful complication this is that you invite them to contact you.