NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES ASSOCIATED TO BARIATRIC SURGERY

Abstract

Obesity is an epidemic disease, increasingly addressed through surgical options for weight loss. Benefits of these surgical procedures, such as weight loss and improvement of obesity-related co-morbidities, are well established. However, postoperative complications do occur. Deficiencies in micronutrients, which include water and fat-soluble vitamins and minerals, are common after bariatric surgery. Recognition of the clinical signs and symptoms of micronutrient deficiencies is important to minimize long-term adverse effects.