As long as patients take their appropriate vitamins, it is rare to have health problems with vitamin deficiency.

Weight loss surgery can lead to reduced amounts of vitamins and minerals because people eat less and may absorb less in the intestines. Weight loss surgeries have different effects on vitamins and minerals based on how much change in absorption they cause. Deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and protein can negatively affect health causing:

• fatigue (feeling tired);

• anemia (low levels of red blood cells that carry oxygen through your body);

• bone and muscle loss;

• impaired night vision;

• low immunity (your body’s ability to stay healthy);

• loss of nerve function (can affect your senses such as touch, taste, and smell);

• mental function deficits (changes how clearly you think).

Fortunately, nutrient deficiencies following surgery can be easily avoided with a good diet and the use of supplements including vitamins, minerals, and sometimes protein supplements. Before and after surgery, patients are advised of the appropriate diet and vitamin supplement needed. Most weight loss surgery programs also require patients to have their vitamins and minerals checked on a regular basis after surgery. Nutrient deficiencies and any associated health problems are preventable with monitoring and patients following diet and supplement (vitamin and mineral) recommendations. Health issues due to deficiencies usually occur in patients who do not regularly follow up to monitor healthy vitamin and mineral levels. Be sure you stay in touch with your weight loss surgery team for the best results!