Iron deficiency (also referred to as sideropenia or hypoferremia) is characterized by having low iron levels in the body. It is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies and also the main cause of anemia across the world. The terms iron deficiency; iron deficiency anemia and anemia are often used interchangeably. Iron deficiency can range from depletion in iron stores without any health concern to anemia due to iron deficiency, which may affect the normal functioning of multiple organs. Deficiency of iron in the body is a cause of concern because it may affect the normal activity and movement or mental function in infants; it may increase the risk of preterm labor in a pregnant female and it may lead to symptoms of fatigue and tiredness in adults, thereby impairing their ability to do physical labor. Iron deficiency may be caused due to either increased iron needs of the body or reduced iron intake or absorption.

Vitamin Supplements and Medications

We strongly encourage a healthy balance diet after bariatric surgery. Even with a balanced diet, it is difficult to consume enough variety to ensure that you are meeting all of the recommended amounts of each vitamin regularly.

Solid Foods after Bariatric Surgery

Like the other phases of the post-bariatric surgery diet, the exact timing of Phase III of your diet will vary. Phase III of your diet typically starts at the beginning of week 5 and continues for the rest of your life. The goal is to choose healthy, balanced meals and make lifestyle changes to become the new healthy you. You should continue to follow your previous routine that you used for previous diet phases for meal times and vitamin supplementation.

What are the complications and risks associated with bariatric surgery?

As with any surgery, there are immediate and long-term complications and risks. Possible risks can include, but are not limited to:

– Bleeding
– Complications due to anesthesia and medications
– Deep vein thrombosis
– Dehiscence (separation of areas that are stitched or stapled together)
– Infections
– Leaks from staple lines
– Marginal ulcers
– Pulmonary problems
– Spleen injury
– Stenosis (narrowing of a passage, such as a valve)
– Death

Why is my hair falling out and my fingernails breaking?

Patients who undergo weight loss surgery sometimes complain of problems with their hair and fingernails during the first year or so after the operation. They are a few possible explanations related to the stress state after the operation as well as possible nutritional deficiencies.

Immediately after a gastric bypass, you may lose as much as a pound or two of weight each day. When the body is losing weight this quickly, it sometimes goes into a stress state in order to conserve resources. The result of this is that hair and fingernail growth might not be the same as it was before the

The importance of iron in human metabolism

Iron is important for human life. It is found in every cell of the human body. Iron is essential to manufacture hemoglobin found in the red blood cells and myoglobin found in muscles. These two are oxygen-carrying proteins. Hemoglobin carries oxygen from the lungs to different parts of the body.

Bariatric Surgical Diet while in the Hospital

Stage I – Post-Op and the Hospital Diet

At this time, Dr. Belsley and the hospital team will be monitoring your progress by seeing how well you tolerate low-sugar, non-carbonated liquids such as water, tea, and broth. Sugar-free gelatin is another option. Use a cup to drink and avoid sipping from a bottle or straw.

Pre-op Bariatric Diet

Phase I – Pre-Surgery Clear Liquid Diet

The first phase of clear liquids will actually start five days prior to surgery. You will be advised to drink only clear liquids and be expected to adhere to this for the five days prior to surgery regardless of which operation you will be undergoing. We allow two protein supplements per day for the first two days of this five day period.

Understanding Your Decision

At your second or pre-surgical office visit with Dr. Belsley, you will take a short quiz so that you can have an additional discussion regarding various important issues prior to your operation. The purpose of the quiz is to assist your understanding and provide a source of conversation regarding the risks and benefits of the procedure. You will also be asked to review, initial and sign a consent form that discusses a number of important possibilities of your operation.