Nutritional Deficiencies after Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is considering as a common procedure to lose the excess weight. This surgery is mostly preferred, because of its successful results. However, there are so many side effects and issues due to the bariatric surgery, so patient should be aware of all these things before having the surgery. If you are planning to have weight loss surgery, it is very important to be informed regarding the nutritional deficiencies, which may occur after having this medical procedure.

Through this surgery a major part of the small intestine has been removed due to this Nutritional deficiency may occur followed by the bariatric surgery. The functionality of the small intestine is to absorb the nutrients, which are required for the body functioning. It is also a place where pancreatic enzymes and bile absorb fat-soluble minerals and vitamins from the intake food.

The important nutrients include vitamins D, A, K and E. Deficiencies, which occur fallowed by the bariatric surgery include: vitamin D and calcium deficiency, iron deficiency, protein deficiency, Folate and Vitamin B12 deficiency, Vitamin B1 (thiamin) deficiency and other vitamin deficiencies. Such as magnesium and zinc deficiencies have been found in some patients. Symptoms of protein deficiencies include: loss of hair, swelling in the legs, and extreme fatigue. As well normal mineral and vitamin deficiencies include tingling and numbness in the hands and feet, lethargy, difficulty in seeing when light is dim, bone pain, brittle nails, wounds, which are bruising easily, and slow to heal.

After having bariatric surgery you must have to concentrate on your diet that should be nutrient rich food. Nutritionally empty food may cause vomiting, dumping and weight gain. After having bariatric surgery you must avoid unhealthy foods. The foods, which you have must avoid are white foods, such as white flour, white fat and white sugar. There are many food items, which contains these three items such as most breads, pasta, crackers ,soft drinks, pastry fillings and pastries, frostings, cakes,  spread and margarines, candies and sweets, jellies, hotdog buns and hamburger, frozen dinner-all of which are convenience foods and common snacks. Indeed, most of these combine all three white foods together, and these foods contain artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, processing agents and texturing, and other  additives, which further lessen their nutritional stature and also your health.

To prevent any nutritional deficiencies fallowed by the bariatric surgery, it is very important to take supplements while you are recovering from the medical procedure. A regular examination by the physician may help you to find any other nutritional deficiencies. After completion of this procedure, you can expect to take a nutrient diet on a regular basis, and consult your physician for frequent checkups. Regularly having supplements can maintain your nutrient serum levels at the prominent level.

22. January 2012 21:54 by bariactric | Comments (0) | Permalink

The Cost of Lap Band Surgery

The lap band surgery is used to drop excessive amount of weight. It is possible by manipulating the intake food of stomach. Inflatable band is used in this process to divide the stomach in to two parts, lower and upper. It is fitted around the stomach as like belt which will reduce the intake of liquids and food of stomach. A small opening is made by the surgeon in between lower and upper sections which is useful to pass some amount of food but it is very small amount.

Cost of the surgery: Nowadays cost of the lap band surgery is big problem. It is in between $12,500 to $30,000. Several factors are included in determining the costs of lap band surgery. They are:

1. Diagnostic tests and laboratory fees: Depending on the person’s priority to surgery approved diagnostic tests are performed, while declaring the person’s eligibility for the surgery is concluded by using preoperative laboratory tests.

2. Hospital Fees: The facilities which are available with the Hospital may decide the cost of the surgery. Before signing up for the surgery, candidates are advised to observe the clinic and hospital environment.

3. Doctor’s fee: The big portion of lap band surgery fee is paid to bariatric surgeon as professional fees. The surgeon who has more experience could pay ample amount to their services. Since this procedure requires experts in handling tools and laparoscopic elements. Then only the surgery will be successfully completed.

4. Visits: Patient should visit the surgeon before and after the surgery for a complete guidance. These are called fallow up visits. The cost of these visits can be included in the surgery amount.

Factors that Affects externally:

1. Geographical location: The cost of the lap band surgery will be high in urban areas. It is more expensive in metropolitan cities when compared to the rural areas.

2. Surgery procedure: If patient wants to stay in hospital to ensure recovery, then it will cost more when compared to self maintenance.

3. Insurance Policy: Most of the insurance providers don’t provide complete amount. So, care should be taken while providing the documents and papers needed for the insurance.

4. Additional Charges: Additional procedures after the lap band surgery include body contouring, Extra Skin Removal, liposuction, face lift and breast lift operations may charge high amount to pay. Normally these are not included in the health insurance policy of patient so it should be paid by the patient separately.

17. January 2012 18:28 by bariactric | Comments (0) | Permalink

How Will be The Life After Bariatric Surgery?

Life after bariatric surgery is very crucial, as there are many changes in the lifestyle. Bariatric surgery is not a rapid procedure but it is an ongoing process on the way to weight loss. The recovery process takes time to adjust with the regular habits. It is important to be patient and accept the changes. The alterations in the daily routine like the diet, lifestyle, regular workouts, and follow-up surgeries for the removal of excess skin fat are very important after surgery. Medical professional gives all the necessary suggestions after the surgery.

Follow-up after bariatric surgery from medical experts such as a primary care from general physician, gastroenterologist and endocrinologist work together to assist to prevent weight regain. Some of the consequence of post surgery like nutritional deficiencies, regaining weight and the development of diseases associated to obesity.

After bariatric surgery, the diseases related to weight gain may cause high blood pressure, bone disease, sleep apnea, polycystic ovarian syndrome, diabetes and gout.

After bariatric surgery, patients need to undergo the programs related to rigorous nutritional instructive list in order to prevent and take care of nutritional deficiencies. As the assimilation of nutrients is blocked, there is an increased risk of nutrition. As this may result in metabolic bone diseases. Necessary supplements of vitamins and calcium are required to prevent further bone diseases. To determine the lack of nutrition in your body, there are specific tests as bone density test and blood test.

Some of the side effects like vomiting and dumping syndrome, which are caused when the contents of the food is dumped into the intestine quickly, so follow up care is necessary. As the stomach is made smaller as it takes limited quantities of food to adjust with the newer stomach after the surgery. Post bariatric surgery doctors can help you regarding the intake of food and give useful instructions regarding eating and drinking habits.

Pregnancy and birth control after bariatric surgery

Most of the women have doubts regarding pregnancy after surgery, but it is very much safer to become pregnant after bariatric surgery than being obese. It is very much essential to wait for limited period following precautions. Approximately half of the women who had bariatric surgery are in the age group of 18 to 45, which is the reproductive age.

Effectiveness of bariatric surgery

One of the most effective weight loss surgeries is bariatric surgery for morbid obesity. The consequences of the surgery are well satisfied and it is a safer process for obesity. The initial care is necessary at the starting months after bariatric surgery. Weight loss mainly happens in initial years following surgery. To affirm the surgery is success 50 to 60 percent of excess body weight is adequate.

3. January 2012 22:17 by bariactric | Comments (0) | Permalink

Vitamin Deficiency after Bariatric Surgery

In Gastric Bypass Surgery the small bowel section is bypassed. Most of the vitamins are absorbed by this small bowel only. With this surgery, stomach is divided into small pouches and some part of the stomach may be removed. It often provides permanent changes to the gastrointestinal system. Which may leads to vitamin deficiency and nutritional consequences.

Common Mineral and vitamin Deficiencies after bariatric surgery includes:

1. Vitamin B12

2. Iron

3. Calcium

4. Vitamin A

5. Vitamin D

Vitamin B12: For healthy activity of the nervous system and brain, vitamin B12 is essential. Vitamin B12 deficiency may lead to neurological disorders and pernicious anemia. Vitamin B12 is available in poultry, meat, egg, fish and milk products, but all these are not acceptable in starting months after the surgery. Even though vitamin B12 supplements are recommended for life long after the bariatric surgery. It is better to take the supplements in the form of injection and liquid instead of pill. It has to be swallowed so the absorption may be imperfect which may lead to vitamin B12 deficiency.

Iron: Transportation of oxygen from lungs to the blood stream can be done by Iron. This vitamin is available in seafood, meat and poultry. Organ meat and red meat are excellent for iron in diet. After the surgery, some patients never retain the ability of tolerating this food. Depending on the sex and age of the person, Iron Supplements are necessary after the Surgery. It can be taken in the form of pill. If the deficiency of iron is severe, frequent iron transfusions may require.

Calcium: It is essential for the proper functioning of cells. Such as muscle contraction, blood clotting, cellular communication and enzyme reactions. It gives strength to the teeth and bones. Calcium deficiency occurs after bypass surgery due to bypassing the duodenum in the process of surgery.

To fulfill the calcium requirement in the body, supplements are necessary. But the calcium supplement type is very important. Vitamin D with calcium citrate is a preferred form after the bariatric surgery. Mostly calcium supplements are available in the form of grocery stroes, pharmacies, and calcium carbonate, but they are not absorbed as much after surgery and should avoid.
Vitamin A: It contains retinoid which are essential for the visual activity, cell proliferation and immunological functioning. It is available from liver, green leafy vegetables, carrots, pumpkins and sweet potatoes. Vitamin A deficiency may lead to xerosis, night blindness, imperfect immunity.

Vitamin D: Need of phosphorus and calcium in the body can be regulated by Vitamin D. For the absorption of the calcium in the body, Vitamin D is necessary. Vitamin D deficiency can cause osteoporosis. It is available in milk products, tuna and samon.Vitamin D levels can be increased by sunlight.

At the time of bariatric surgery, small intestine is bypassed which absorbs the majority of calcium which may leads to vitamin D deficiency postoperatively.

Other than these Vitamin E, thiamin, selenium deficiencies may also occur after the surgery.

22. December 2011 20:08 by bariactric | Comments (0) | Permalink

About Roux-En-Y gastric Bypass Surgery

Roux-en-y gastric Bypass Surgery is one of the most effective surgeries used for weight loss in the most obese people, it is a very standard method to decrease fat in the stomach. Gastric bypass surgery is a group of identical operations. First it separates the stomach into a much larger remnant pouch and a small upper pouch. After that, both the pouches can be re-arranged by connecting to the small intestine. There are several types of Gastric Bypass surgery procedures depending on the method used to reconnect the small intestine.

In normal gastrointestinal system, most of the calories can be absorbed by the small intestine because the food taken by the person can directly enters into the small intestine through the stomach, after that it will enters in to colon or large intestine and remaining waste can be eventually excreted. By using Roux-en-y gastric Bypass Surgery, stomach pouch with an egg size can be created by using small part of stomach; this smaller stomach can be directly connected to the jejunum, the middle part of small intestine, bypassing the duodenum which is the upper part of small intestine and remaining portion of the stomach. The entire procedure can be done by an open procedure or laparoscopic approach.

Roux-en-y gastric Bypass Surgery decreases the size of the stomach, so it can’t absorb more calories, simultaneously majority part of the stomach will be sealed off. This procedure limits the ability of the body to absorb excess food and calories. This surgery can be done through open surgery or laparoscopic approach.

Laparoscopic surgery is also called as minimal invasive surgery. Rather than open procedure which uses one large incision, it involves many small incisions. By giving normal anesthesia to the, to see more with laparoscopic camera and to move organs into the abdomen a harmless air or gas can be introduced, then only surgeon can do the work in a large space. Through a trocar or a small hollow tube, a small or laparoscopic camera is inserted into the incision. Through this technique, surgeon can see the images of the operation site on a screen. The same performance can be acquired by an open procedure which uses lengthy narrow surgical tubes, they can be inserted into rest of the small incisions through other trocars.

Advantages:

1. Long lasting success.

2. It is a good operation for the persons who like sweets.

3. Lose more weight compared to the other procedures.

4. Good solution for obesity related Health problems.

5. By losing the overweight, person’s confidence may increase.

Disadvantages:

1. Recovery time is very long.

2. Hernia, kidney problems, problems in gallbladder, and ulcers may occur.

3. Incision infection can possible after this surgery.

4. Over eating may cause vomiting.

So, before undergoing any kind of weight loss surgery, make sure to consult an experienced weight loss surgeon.

16. December 2011 20:43 by bariactric | Comments (0) | Permalink

The Cost of Gastric Bypass Surgery

The cost of gastric bypass surgery depends on several factors, such as the location, the surgeon, and also the duration of the surgery. Generally the cost varies between $18,000 and $35,000. There are several insurance providers that can offer some or full insurance coverage for the gastric bypass surgery.

Here are the details that are included in gastric bypass surgery cost:

1. Pre-op lab costs

2. Surgeon’s fee

3. Hospital fee

4. X-ray

5. Anesthesia charges

6. Post-operative care, generally 90 days

Factors that can alter the cost of the gastric bypass surgery:

1. Duration of the hospital stay

2. Where you live, the location you are residing can have a great effect on the cost of the surgery

3. If the surgeon or hospital is in your network provider for the health plan you have

Also, there are several things that are not included in the cost of gastric bypass surgery, such as:

1. Diet counseling cost

2. Lifestyle changes

3. Body contouring or plastic surgery procedures to eliminate the additional skin or sagging areas whereas treating the loose muscles

4. Vitamin and supplements cost

5. Behavioral therapies if you are considering any after the surgery

If you want to make sure about the cost of gastric bypass surgery, you can consult your nearest and an experienced bariatric surgeon.

7. December 2011 22:16 by bariactric | Comments (0) | Permalink

What to Expect After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

It is a non-reversible surgery and is performed under general anesthesia and needs 1-2 hours. It needs one or two days hospital stay. The recovery after gastric sleeve surgery takes few weeks time.

Your abdomen becomes swollen and sore for few days. The surgeon may suggest pain medicines to reduce the discomfort. There will be some scarring that can be covered with clothing.

After the surgery, you should be very careful about your eating habits and the solid foods you are consuming. For first few weeks, you need to stick to the liquid diet, then semi solid foods, then pureed foods and finally you can start with solid foods.

People who have undergone the surgery may lose 50-80 percent of the excess body weight for the first six months or up to one year. Several studies proved that people after undergoing the gastric sleeve surgery may get improvements in their diabetes, blood pressure, high cholesterol and sleep apnea within one or two years. All these health improvements are comparable with the other weight loss surgeries.

Since, gastric sleeve is a totally new surgery, there is a limited data available on long-term weight loss or upon any other health improvements. After the surgery recovery, you will notice certain lifestyle changes and essential follow-up care. People who have gastric sleeve surgery should follow:

  • Regular exercise
  • Some behavioral modification techniques
  • Specific dietary guidelines for the rest of the life, such as:

a. Eat slowly and eat small quantities each time consuming the food
b. Chew thoroughly and swallow the food only when it is mashed
c. Also, not eating and drinking the food at the same time

3. December 2011 09:16 by bariactric | Comments (0) | Permalink

What You Need To Know About Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Gastric sleeve is the modern bariatric surgery procedure designed for permanent weight loss. This procedure involves several small incisions instead of making a large incision. Most of the studies support that this surgery is the primary bariatric procedure for years to come.

The increasing amount of positive results with rapid and sustained weight loss coupled with complete recovery from diabetes and hypertension, can all lead a patient to live longer and healthier. The procedure can increase the quality of life.

People who are more than 100 pounds of weight can undergo gastric sleeve procedure or people who are obese and suffering from weight related issues, such as sleep apnea, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes can also be suitable for gastric sleeve surgery.

For a free evaluation to see whether you are a suitable candidate for the surgery, you can consult one of our bariatric surgeons.

But, before undergoing the surgery, there are some essential things which you need to follow, such as:

  • You should stop smoking as it may increase the chance of affecting with infections, pneumonia, blood clots and slows down the healing process.
  • You need to follow a diet program recommended by your bariatric surgeon.
1. December 2011 09:30 by bariactric | Comments (0) | Permalink

Sexual Life after Weight Loss Surgery

Obese women and men who lose significant amount of weight after weight loss surgery may have more satisfying sex than in their past life. Obesity can cause various problems in men and women that can greatly affect their sexual life. So, undergoing weight loss surgery may help in enhancing their sexual life.

For obese men, shortness of breath and erectile dysfunction can greatly affect their sexual life. Obese men after undergoing a weight loss surgery, they have increased levels of testosterone that can benefit during the intercourse.

For obese women, estrogen is stored in the fat. These women after undergoing a weight loss surgery feel an increase in their libido.

Weight loss and declining BMIs in men who had the surgery were directly linked with increases in all measures of testosterone levels, declines in levels of the female sex hormone estradiol and improvements in self-reported sexual quality of life.

The physical, physiological and psycho emotional changes which occur following weight loss surgery can have positive effects on the person's sexual life.

20. November 2011 07:24 by bariactric | Comments (0) | Permalink

The Cost of Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is both a complex and costly procedure. For instance, the average cost of gastric bypass surgery ranges from $18,000-35,000. Generally, the cost of bariatric surgery includes pre-op lab tests, X-ray fees, anesthesia cost, hospital facility and the surgeon’s cost.

Also, the cost varies based on the duration of the surgery and the length of recovery time. There are additional post recovery costs like dietary plan, fitness regimen, nutritional supplements, body contouring surgeries and behavioral modification. Some people who lose excess weight may need body contouring surgeries removing excess skin, improving loose muscles, lifting sagging body areas and treating fat deposits. As bariatric surgery is a complex procedure involves more than one method and also recovery issues make it to increase the cost easily.

While analyzing the cost of bariatric surgery, remember that after the procedure there are additional cosmetic plastic surgery procedures need to be considered such as tummy tuck, liposuction, breast augmentation, or labiaplasty. The cost of all these procedures should be taken into account. The follow-up plastic surgery procedures, it needs to remove more skin and fat. The longer the surgery requirement, the higher is the cost of the procedure.

Also, the cost of bariatric surgery varies according to the region. Surgery costs are usually higher in urban areas. Cost varies based on the surgeon’s experience. Generally, top surgeons demand and receive higher fees.

11. November 2011 19:09 by bariactric | Comments (0) | Permalink

About Bariatric Care Center

The Bariatric Care Center is dedicated to the holistic approach to morbid obesity. We believe that surgery is only a small fraction of the whole process of losing weight and a powerful tool when used appropriately. In order to achieve that, our team includes a specialized panel in Psychiatry, Nutrition and Exercise Physiology.

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