Question:
Can malnutrition be totally avoided if you just take your vitamins

A local women died a few months ago from malnutrition.She was 8 months post-op from gastric bypass surgery and people said she went from being very large to very tiny in only eight months.They say she looked too thin.Is it safe too guess that she didn't follow doc's orders in terms of vitamins and mineral intake?I mean if she kept throwing up wouldn't the surgeon have tried to do a reversing of the procedure before it was too late?I would appreciate any input about this subject,it is a little disturbing!!    — natalie J. (posted on September 9, 2003)

September 9, 2003
Nutrition post op is serious business. It is not just food or just vitamins. It is trhe total package and keeping up on the research to know what IS the best thing for us. I would have to guess that this poor woman either had other complications that caused her malnutrition or she was completely non compliant with her post op nutrition, my guess would be complications. Also the type of surgery she had could be the explanation. CAN YOU AVOID MALNUTRITION? Absolutely, it takes a strong commitment on your part for a lifetime of health.
   — Carol S.

September 9, 2003
can I say APPROPRIATE FOLLOW UP as loud as possible. If someone is that malnourished, they can be given protein, fats & calories etc thru an IV if necessary if they cant take any thing orally. I would like more information as to the followup, did this person follow the plan, return to the Dr. for complications, was the Dr. negligant? many questions here.
   — **willow**