Hemic micronutrients following vertical banded gastroplasty

Serum iron, folate, B12 and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) were obtained preoperatively and at 6-month intervals in 40 morbidly obese patients who underwent VGB. Deficiencies of hemic micronutrients rarely occurred following VBG. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were within normal limits at all times. Some patients experienced transitory depression of nutrients at six months postoperatively, during the period of most rapid weight loss and lowest dietary intake. These levels return to normal by one year in almost all cases. Low B12 levels were observed in four patients at 1 year. All had been above 120 per cent overweight and had lost in excess of 100 pounds in the first postoperative year. These data indicate that hemic micronutrients remain at normal levels following VBG. B12 levels should be followed to determine possible need for supplementation other than that provided by usual daily multivitamin preparations in patients above 120 per cent ideal weight loss exceeding 100 lbs in the first postoperative year.