Supplementation Adherence and Outcomes Among Pregnant Women After Bariatric Surgery

Most patients undergoing bariatric surgery (BS) are fertile women whose postoperative (post-op) hormonal balance and weight loss increases fertility, frequently leading to pregnancy. This study aims to analyze supplementation adherence of pregnant women after BS and perinatal outcomes.

This retrospective study analyzed records from women after BS who consulted nutritionists at least twice during pregnancy. Each patient received nutritional guidance about vitamin and mineral supplementation and protein intake. Demographic data, body mass index (BMI), percentage of weight loss (%WL) at conception, maximum post-op BMI and %WL, post-op time at conception, supplementation adherence, biochemical data, possible gestational complications, and infant's birth weight were collected.

Data was obtained from 23 women (mean age 33 ± 4 years). On average, patients became pregnant 43 months after surgery. The mean preoperative BMI was 40.2 kg/m2, the maximum post-op %WL was 36.6%, and the mean %WL at conception was 32.0%. No gestational intercurrence was related to biochemical data. Supplementation adherence was 34.7% for one multivitamin and 34.7% for two multivitamins; 43.5% for iron, 43.5% for omega 3, 39.1% for folic acid, 17.4% for B complex, and 60.8% for calcium. Mean infant birth weight was 3.0 kg, and it was not associated with maximum %WL, % WL at conception, and time since BS at conception.

Our data indicate satisfactory adherence to post-op micronutrient supplementation and few gestational complications following BS. Moreover, child's birth weight was not associated with maximum %WL, %WL at conception, or time since BS.