Nutritional deficiencies following metabolic surgery

Abstract

Nutritional deficiencies can develop into challenging problems in patients undergoing metabolic surgery for weight loss. In order to prevent the development of serious complications, effective screening algorithms and routine supplementation should be employed in the postoperative period. This paper outlines the nutritional function of different positions of the gastrointestinal tract, and common nutritional deficiencies associated with sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and duodenal switch. We present appropriate screening/supplementation protocols for each metabolic surgery, supplementation regimens when nutritional deficiencies develop, and surgical approaches to overcome nutritional deficiencies refractory to medical management.