Nutritional Status 6 Weeks After Gastric Bypass Bariatric Surgery: Comparison of Two Nutritional Support Plans

Abstract

Bariatric surgery has helped many people lose weight, but can create nutritional problems. Most studies on these problems have examined subjects way after surgery, and have not paid attention to variations in nutrition support. The present study looked at various measures pre‐surgery and 6 weeks after surgery in premenopausal females on one of two nutrition plans (a best selling meal replacement product + other supplements or a new meal replacement product). Both groups lost weight, though early weight loss was higher with the new product. Based on plasma ceruloplasmin, copper status declined by 6 weeks in the conventional nutrition support group, but not with the new formulation. Iron status improved in both groups based on ferritin to c‐reactive protein ratios. Magnesium status improved just with the new formulation based on 2 measures. In both groups, plasma measures of vitamin D and B12 did not change, but vitamin A status, based on retinol binding protein, declined. A urine measure of a bone resorption decreased in both groups. Urinary potassium rose with the new formulation, which had added potassium (the products in the other plan did not). Blood sugar fell with the new formulation, possibly due to the type of fiber used. Two plasma markers of liver damage increased with the traditional nutrition support products, but not with the new formulation. Plasma homocysteine fell in the traditional group, but not with the new formulation. In conclusion, some, but not all examined nutritional related parameters changed by 6 weeks after bariatric surgery. Some of the changes were affected by the type of nutritional support provided.