Sleeve myths: “I’ll end up with nutrient deficiencies after sleeve gastrectomy!”

Worried that you might develop all sorts of health issues because of the amount of food you can eat after your sleeve? Or, do you have a family member who is concerned? Before you write off surgery altogether, read on…

Part of the way a sleeve works is because it reduces the amount of food you can eat. Some people with a sleeve also get some reduction in absorption of nutrients although this is much less common than after a bypass. Vitamin, mineral and protein deficiencies can negatively impact health, causing symptoms like fatigue, anemia, muscle wasting, bone loss, impaired night vision, low immunity, neuropathy and even cognitive defects.

Certain nutrient deficiencies are very common after surgery. For example, the ASMBS Guidelines for nutrient management after WLS reports up to 18% of people with a sleeve will experience an iron deficiency, 4-20% a B12 deficiency, 19% a zinc deficiency and ~50% a vitamin D deficiency after their sleeve. In fact, it’s especially important to have your pre-op bloods done because a significant indicator of deficiency after a sleeve is a deficiency before surgery.

The good news? Nutrient deficiencies after sleeve gastrectomy can be avoided with appropriate diet and the use of vitamin, mineral and protein supplements (if necessary). You should also have your bloods checked yearly at least to avoid any negative symptoms caused by a deficiency. Also, if you do develop a deficiency, most of the symptoms can be remedied with supplementation to correct the deficiency.

So, I have two questions for you:

• Have you had your bloods checked recently?
• Are you taking your supplements?

If you answered no to either of these, then what are you waiting for?!

If you’re interested, read more about the most common deficiencies and their symptoms and to check what supplements you should be taking each day, click here.