With obesity in rise, people are looking at weight loss surgeries as quick-fix solutions. All weight loss surgeries have risks and complications associated with them. Gastric bypass surgery, a popular and safe weight loss surgery is no different. The complications associated with this surgery are bleeding, gall stones, adhesions and fistulas.
According to US researchers, it can also lead to a vitamin deficiency that can cause memory loss and confusion, inability to coordinate movement. Known as thiamine, vitamin B1 is essential for carbohydrate metabolism and normal functioning of the nervous system.
People who were affected most were those who frequently vomited after the surgery as vomiting prevents the vitamins from being absorbed into the system. If untreated, vitamin B1 deficiency can lead to Wernicke encephalopathy, a severe neurological condition.
Of the 32, only 13 patients who were given vitamin b1 after the surgery recovered from memory loss while the others continued to have problems associated with vitamin b1 deficiency.
When people who have had weight-loss surgery start experiencing any of these symptoms, they need to see a doctor right away.
says study author Sonal Singh.
You should consider gastric bypass surgery as the last option, but if you think it’s for you , don’t forget to take your vitamin supplements.
Via : BBC
