Background: Bariatric operations cause weight loss by two mechanisms: restriction and malabsorption. However, there are several nutritional deficiencies among these patients post-operatively, such as deficiencies of vitamin B12, iron, folic acid, vitamin D, and albumin. Thereby, this study aimed to measure the prevalence rate of vitamin B12 deficiency among patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in Buraidah Central Hospital, Saudi Arabia.
Methodology: This study was a retrospective cohort review and analysis of the medical records of patients, who had undergone LSG, in the obesity center of Buraidah Central Hospital, Saudi Arabia, between January 1, 2017 and July 31, 2019. The patientsÂ’ health status and levels of vitamin B12 one-year post-LSG were investigated.
Results: The most common age group was 25-34 years (34.7%). Females dominated the males (84.2% vs. 15.8%). Obesity was found in 76.2% patients. Before the operation, vitamin B12 deficiency was found among 8.9% patients. After the operation, it was decreased to 5%. There was no significant statistical difference between pre-operative and post-operative vitamin B12 in gender, age group, and body mass index (BMI) levels
(All p > 0.05).
Conclusion: The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency had little effect on patients who underwent LSG. The age group of the patients, gender, and BMI levels were not considered as influential factors of vitamin B12 deficiency before and after surgery.
Key words: Vitamin B-12 deficiency, sleeve gastrectomy, prevalence, obesity
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