Nutritional deficiencies after sleeve gastrectomy: can they be predicted preoperatively?

BACKGROUND: Nutritional deficiencies are common among morbidly obese patients. Data are scarce for patients who have undergone laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to clarify the prevalence of deficiencies and to identify risk factors for postoperative deficiencies.

SETTINGS: Hebrew University, Israel.

METHODS: Preoperative and 1-year postoperative data were collected. We included anthropometric parameters, obesity-related co-morbidities, and laboratory findings.

RESULTS: There were 192 candidates. Seventy-seven of them completed follow-ups at 12 months. Before surgery, 15% had anemia. Deficiencies of iron, folate, and B12 were 47%, 32%, and 13%, respectively. Women were more deficient in iron (56% women, 26% men, P<.001). Before surgery, low levels of vitamin D and elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) were 99% and 41%, respectively. One year postsurgery, the deficiencies of hemoglobin and vitamin B12 worsened (20% and 17%, P<.001, P = .048, respectively). One year postsurgery, deficiencies of iron, folate, vitamin D, and PTH improved (28%, 21%, 94%, and 10%, respectively). Deficiencies of hemoglobin, folate, and B12 before surgery were predictors for deficiencies 1 year after surgery (P = .006 OR = .090; P = .012 OR = .069; P = .062 OR = .165, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS: LSG had a modest effect on nutritional deficiencies in our patients at 1-year postsurgery. Focusing on the preoperative nutritional status and tailoring a specific supplemental program for each individual should prevent postoperative deficiencies.