Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy and Nutrient Deficiencies: A Prospective Study

Abstract

Background: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is being increasingly established as a definitive procedure for weight loss. The mechanism for weight loss in LSG is gastric restriction and neurohormonal changes, but there is deficient information on its nutritional effect. The aim of this prospective study was to assess vitamin and micronutrient deficiencies following LSG (whats and when) in organized follow-up visits.

Patients and methods: LSG was performed in 112 consecutive patients between June 2010 and December 2013. In all patients, the vitamin and micronutrient deficiencies were corrected before the LSG procedure. Patients were investigated for vitamin and micronutrient concentrations 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months after surgery.

Results: During the study time, 112 patients (65% female) underwent LSG. The mean age was 26 years (range: 20 to 37 y), and the mean preoperative body mass index was 41 (range: 35 to 52). Complications and nutrient deficiencies were observed and analyzed throughout the follow-up period.

Conclusions: The appearance of vitamin and nutritional deficiencies after LSG is a common phenomenon. Correction of the deficiencies before surgery, sufficient supplementation immediately after the procedure, and routine long follow-up are important to avoid the serious consequences of the deficiencies.