Gastric Bypass Surgery Linked to Nutritional Deficiencies

Although gastric bypass and gastric lap band surgeries have proven effective weight loss tools for such celebrities as Star Jones, Randy Jackson, and Roseanne Barr, as well as a young girl with incredibly misguided parents, they may not be all they’re cracked up to be.

Two studies by a group of researchers at Washington Hospital Center highlight potential postoperative nutritional deficiencies among patients who undergo gastric bypass surgery to treat obesity. Research presented at the 72nd Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology by Dr. Frederick Finelli and Dr. Timothy Koch suggests that a potentially serious condition can emerge after gastric bypass surgery known as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth that has an impact on absorption of vitamins, minerals and micronutrients such as calcium and zinc.

According to the Washington Hospital Center team, this is a serious issue with widespread implications as approximately 150,000 patients this year will have gastric bypass surgery, and there exists wide variation in surgical techniques. According to Dr. Koch, “patients may develop bacterial overgrowth that interferes with their ability to absorb nutrients, even if they are taking supplements as directed after surgery. Only a gastroenterologist can evaluate these potentially serious small intestinal disorders.”

Dr. Koch and his colleagues hypothesized that by altering the gut ecology, gastric bypass surgery could induce calcium deficiency.*

Everyone has to make her own decision as to the best way to reach and maintain a healthy weight, but this is just one more reason that convinces me that natural weight loss is best! Healthy diet and regular exercise will help your body attain its optimum state.

Contents © Copyright 2007 Kristen King