Does vertical-banded gastroplasty result in any vitamin or mineral deficiencies?

In the stomach food comes in contact with gastric acid. Iron found in foods such as spinach, raisins, and red meat requires contact with gastric acid to covert it from the ferrous form, which is not readily absorbed adequately, anemia can result. The stomach also contains something called intrinsic factor, which aids in the absorption of vitamin B12.

Vitamin B12 deficiency can result in a condition called pernicious anemia. Vertical-banded gastroplasty can result in a deficiency of both iron and vitamin B12. Although this is generally not a major problem, supplements of both iron and vitamin B12 are usually necessary. Because of the potential for vitamin and mineral deficiencies following gastric bypass surgery, it is crucial for you to maintain regular follow-up with the nurses, doctors, and dietitians at your gastric bypass
center.