Nutrient Intake following Vertical Banded Gastroplasty or Gastric Bypass

Background: This study explored eating habits, nutrient intake, and blood vitamin and mineral levels to determine whether severely obese subjects (BMI 40-50 kg m⁻²) post-vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) or gastric bypass Roux-en-Y (GBR) are at risk of developing compounded under-nutrition. Methods: A dietary follow-up of 36 VBG and 19 GBR was maintained for 18 months via 7-day food intake diaries and 24-h recalls. Food intake was analysed for energy and nutrient composition and for its relative amount to recommended dietary allowances (RDA). Results: Weight loss was greatest during the first 6 months, continued at a slower rate for the next 6 months, nearly ceasing thereafter. The results following GBR were not substantially different from those following VBG 18 months postoperatively. The median weight loss at 1 year postoperatively was 48, 46, 48 and 36 kg; expressed as residual excess body weight: 0.2, 16, 13 and 22% for GBR Men, Women, VBG Men, Women, respectively. According to the classification proposed by Reinhold, all subjects achieved excellent treatment outcomes 18 months postoperatively. Despite the relatively low reported energy intake (20-50% below RDA), no correlation was found between rate of weight loss and energy intake at 6 months postoperatively. The intake of most vitamins and minerals was below 50% of RDA during the 18 months follow-up. The increase in energy intake did not improve the level of the nonenergy-contributing nutrients. Compliance to multivitamin and mineral supplement intake deteriorated with time. Conclusion: The low to within-normal range of blood vitamin and mineral levels 12 months postoperatively suggests the slow development of subclinical nutritional deficiency which could jeopardize the subjects' long-term health status.