Maintaining weight loss after Bariatric surgery requires lifelong commitment and care. Bariatric surgery is the most effective tool to lose weight substantially and for long term, but is no guarantee that you will stay fit all your life unless you eat healthy and exercise regularly, and stay off alcohol or drink in moderation. You must follow your Bariatric team every 3 months in the first year and then annually at least.
Why regular follow up is necessary after Bariatric surgery. The most important reason is to prevent nutritional deficiencies which are bound to creep up unless monitored. As many of the obese already have low vitamin D and iron levels, the situation gets worst after the surgery due to inadequate diet.
Vitamin B1 or thiamine is a special case in point. This vitamin is essential to keep your nerves and haemoglobin healthy. Thiamine is found in abundance in fresh vegetables and fruits. As it is, Its stores are small, and can be depleted quickly in just few days if there is persistent vomiting. This problem is more common in people who have been drinking heavily. An acute deficiency can damage nerves and brain and impair vision permanently. The more acute form is known as Wernick’s encephalopathy which requires prolonged hospitalization and its symptoms may not reverse completely.
The blood tests to check its levels are not commonly available; therefore the treatment is started immediately without waiting for the results. In its mild form, thiamine deficiency is difficult to detect, so one should take it routinely.
We will discuss other nutritional deficiencies in our next blog.
