Iron Deficiency After Weight-Loss Surgery

Iron deficiency is a common, delayed consequence of malabsorptive weight-loss surgery, especially in younger women.

Bariatric surgery can reduce the impact of obesity-associated comorbidities, but it increases the risk for iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA).

To determine the incidence of ID and IDA following weight-loss surgery, Canadian investigators conducted a single-center, retrospective cohort study of 388 patients (83% women) who underwent bariatric surgery in 2012. Of these patients, 73% received Roux-en-Y bypass surgery, 25% received sleeve gastrectomy, and 2% received a duodenal switch. Baseline ID and IDA were reported in 12% and 6% of patients, respectively. At 6 months' follow-up, 41% of patients were taking oral iron, and 49% were taking iron-containing prenatal vitamins.

Key findings at a mean follow-up of 31 months include…

Reviewing Author

Brady L. Stein, MD, MHS

Disclosures

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Hematology (Senior Editor, ASH Self-Assessment Program; guideline development)

Brady L. Stein, MD, MHS

Disclosures

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Hematology (Senior Editor, ASH Self-Assessment Program; guideline development)

Iron Deficiency After Weight-Loss Surgery

Topics

Reviewing Author