Weight Loss Information

Weight loss surgery can mean a new lease on life for the morbidly obese. However, new research reveals these patients may be at risk for developing disabling neurological conditions.

Researchers from the University of Arkansas for Medical Science in Little Rock report 26 out of 150 patients studied had neurological problems that could be linked to gastric bypass surgery.

Researcher Katalin Juhasz Pocsine, M.D., became interested in the area of study after treating a gastric bypass patient who was experiencing severe neurological problems eight years after her surgery. Complaining at first of tingling feet, the patient quickly became so weak she could barely get out of bed, Dr. Pocsine told Ivanhoe.

"We couldn't find anything abnormal other than nutritional deficiencies," said Dr. Pocsine. It wasn't until surgeons partially reversed the bypass surgery that the patient began to improve.

"I think it could to happen to anyone," Dr. Pocsine said, although she said patients who lose weight rapidly or who do not or cannot follow the nutritional guidelines of their physicians seem to be at higher risk. She theorized it is the vitamin and mineral deficiencies caused by the reduced ability to absorb food that is behind this condition.

Dr. Pocsine said as gastric bypass patients continue to age, we may see more problems caused by reduced ability to absorb nutrients and medication.

"I would not say that surgeons should stop operating on patients because most of patients do not have problems, and morbid obesity itself is life threatening," said Dr. Pocsine. She recommends patients considering gastric bypass learn about this potential side effect and about how to prevent it.