ARGUMENT 1: It causes deficiencies of nutrients essential for growth
Our body requires nutrients in order to function normally. In addition for a still-growing person, nutrients are needed for growth. However, after undergoing bariatric surgery, nutritional deficiencies are prone to happen. It is a problem that cannot be avoided because it is closely related with changes of the gastrointestinal tract. This, if no medical attention is given, can lead into serious and life-threatening complications.
Sullivan et al (2006) stated that, “nutritional deficiencies documented in patients post Roux-en-Y gastric bypass include thiamine, folate, calcium, vitamin B12 and D, and iron deficiency.” It also stated that neuropathies and skin integrity breakdown are demonstrated among patients who did not take appropriate dietary supplements (p. 408). In addition, Alvares-Leite (2004) also agreed that thiamine deficiency along with regular vomiting is frequent among patients who underwent bariatric surgery.
Weight loss in bariatric surgery is achieved primarily by two mechanisms; restricting food intake, and bypassing the absorptive and secretory areas of stomach and small intestines (Xanthakos and Inge, 2006). Along with that, nutritional deficiencies are also presented because of these mechanisms. Restricting food intake means smaller food amounts, hence fewer nutrients are taken. Bypassing certain parts of stomach and small intestines reduces the capability of the organs to absorb nutrients effectively. It is further confimed by Alvares-Leite (2004) who stated that “nutrient deficiency is proportional to the length of absorptive area and to the percentage of weight loss” (p 569).
Xanthakos and Inge (2006) further clarify on how macronutrient (protein and fat) and micronutrient (vitamins and trace minerals) deficiencies can occur because of the mechanisms. Reduced food intake leads to protein deficiencies, while bypassing the gastrointestinal tract decreases the secretion of gastric acid, resulting in reduced bioavailability of certain nutrient that requires gastric acid for it to be released. Moreover, because of shorter phase of gastric digestion, nutrient supplements that are not in liquid, suspension or chewable form are passed into the colon unabsorbed.
A review done by Matrana and Davis (2009) emphasizes the effect of vitamin deficiency following gastric bypass surgery. A case is presented regarding a 37-year-old female who underwent gastric bypass surgery, yet did not receive any post-operative care. She developed complications, which arises from deficiency of thiamine rather than the surgery itself. After three weeks of hospitalization and rehabilitation, the patient has showed a slow but progressive improvement.
It is clear that nutritional deficiencies are dangerous and can risk life. If the deficiencies can cause problems in adults, it will be more prominent in adolescents who need nutrients not only for maintaining normal bodily functions, but also for development and growth. It is agreed that bariatric surgery is offered to correct obesity problem, but it introduces another problem – nutritional deficiencies – which needed another lifelong corrective measure. Thus, based on this argument, bariatric surgery should not be offered to adolescents.
Our body requires nutrients in order to function normally. In addition for a still-growing person, nutrients are needed for growth. However, after undergoing bariatric surgery, nutritional deficiencies are prone to happen. It is a problem that cannot be avoided because it is closely related with changes of the gastrointestinal tract. This, if no medical attention is given, can lead into serious and life-threatening complications.
Sullivan et al (2006) stated that, “nutritional deficiencies documented in patients post Roux-en-Y gastric bypass include thiamine, folate, calcium, vitamin B12 and D, and iron deficiency.” It also stated that neuropathies and skin integrity breakdown are demonstrated among patients who did not take appropriate dietary supplements (p. 408). In addition, Alvares-Leite (2004) also agreed that thiamine deficiency along with regular vomiting is frequent among patients who underwent bariatric surgery.
Weight loss in bariatric surgery is achieved primarily by two mechanisms; restricting food intake, and bypassing the absorptive and secretory areas of stomach and small intestines (Xanthakos and Inge, 2006). Along with that, nutritional deficiencies are also presented because of these mechanisms. Restricting food intake means smaller food amounts, hence fewer nutrients are taken. Bypassing certain parts of stomach and small intestines reduces the capability of the organs to absorb nutrients effectively. It is further confimed by Alvares-Leite (2004) who stated that “nutrient deficiency is proportional to the length of absorptive area and to the percentage of weight loss” (p 569).
Xanthakos and Inge (2006) further clarify on how macronutrient (protein and fat) and micronutrient (vitamins and trace minerals) deficiencies can occur because of the mechanisms. Reduced food intake leads to protein deficiencies, while bypassing the gastrointestinal tract decreases the secretion of gastric acid, resulting in reduced bioavailability of certain nutrient that requires gastric acid for it to be released. Moreover, because of shorter phase of gastric digestion, nutrient supplements that are not in liquid, suspension or chewable form are passed into the colon unabsorbed.
A review done by Matrana and Davis (2009) emphasizes the effect of vitamin deficiency following gastric bypass surgery. A case is presented regarding a 37-year-old female who underwent gastric bypass surgery, yet did not receive any post-operative care. She developed complications, which arises from deficiency of thiamine rather than the surgery itself. After three weeks of hospitalization and rehabilitation, the patient has showed a slow but progressive improvement.
It is clear that nutritional deficiencies are dangerous and can risk life. If the deficiencies can cause problems in adults, it will be more prominent in adolescents who need nutrients not only for maintaining normal bodily functions, but also for development and growth. It is agreed that bariatric surgery is offered to correct obesity problem, but it introduces another problem – nutritional deficiencies – which needed another lifelong corrective measure. Thus, based on this argument, bariatric surgery should not be offered to adolescents.
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