Background
One of the most common bariatric operations is the laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) in which the gastric capacity
is restricted and the absorption by the small intestine is reduced. The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence
of iron, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiency anemia in patients undergoing LRYGBP.
Patients and methods
Clinical records of 30 patients who underwent LRYGBP between July 2003 and January 2005 and had a minimum follow up of 24 months
at our outpatient clinic were included. Multivitamin supplementation was prescribed to all patients. The complete blood cell
count, plasma iron, total iron-binding capacity, transferrin saturation, serum folate, and cobalamin levels before surgery,
6 months, 1, 2, and 3 years after the surgery were analyzed.
Results
There were 25 women (83.4%) and five men (16.6%) with ages from 21 to 56 years. Before surgery, two patients (6.6%) presented
ferropenic anemia. Iron deficiency was seen in 40 and 54.5% 2 and 3 years after surgery, respectively. Cobalamin deficiency
was observed in 33.3% at 2 years and in 27.2% at 3 years. At 2-year follow-up, 46.6% of the patients had already developed
anemia and 63.6% at 3 years. Folate deficiency was not observed in any patient.
Conclusion
Our routine scheme of vitamin supplementation is not sufficient to prevent iron and vitamin B12 deficiencies in most patients.
Keywords Anemia - Iron - Vitamin B12 - Folate - Morbid obesity - Roux-en-Y gastric bypass - Bariatric surgery