Nutrition Support in Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is considered to be a safe and effective treatment for patients with obesity (BMI >30) and significant comorbidities. The research is promising for successful long-term weight loss, improvement in coex-isting medical conditions, improved functional status and quality of life as well as reduced healthcare costs. There is great responsibility on the part of the patient and their medical providers to ensure these successful outcomes. Different bariatric procedures that include restrictive, malabsorptive, or both mechanisms for weight loss may contribute to altered metabolic complications and nutritional deficiencies. In addition, morbid obesity is associated with a high prevalence of micronutrient deficiency. Adequate pre-and postoperative assessment, nutrition intervention and education, and monitoring are essential to prevent potential problems.