There are a variety of types of weight-loss surgery, know collectively as bariatric surgery. In the United States, gastric bypass surgery is one of the most common types of bariatric surgeries performed.
After gastric bypass surgery, food bypasses parts of the patients stomach and small intestine. B-12 usually breaks down into usable form in the stomach and small intestine, therefore, it is likely post-surgery, a patients B-12 levels will need to be monitored to assure adequate B-12 levels. Supplements or B-12 shots may be required to sustain an adequate level.
The impact of B-12 deficiency can be serious. Vitamin B-12 in intimately involved with protein metabolism and DNA synthesis; two important biochemical processes controlling everything from heredity to metabolism.
If you had gastric bypass surgery, make sure you know your B-12 levels.