In a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, the stomach is reduced to just 30-45cc and connected to a further part of the small intestine. The consequence of these anatomical changes is that around 35-50% of the surface of the smaller intestine remains, leaving less surface for digestion. Furthermore, the exclusion of the first part of the small intestine increases the risk of both macro- and micronutrient malabsorption. This increases the risk of developing nutritional deficiencies postoperatively, showing the need for supplements after a Gastric Bypass.
Deficiencies after a Gastric Bypass
Research into deficiencies after a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass shows that the most common deficiencies are protein, iron, calcium, vitamin B12 and vitamin D. Thiamin deficiency is rare, but potentially very serious. In addition, there is a risk of potential vitamin A or vitamin B6 hypervitaminosis, especially when using multiple standard supplements.
The role of WLS Forte
The high prevalence of deficiencies and hypervitaminosis after a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass show the need of a food supplement, tailored to the specific nutritional needs after this operation type.
This is why in 2007, FitForMe developed WLS Forte, based on FitForMe studies and scientific literature. The safety and effectiveness of WLS Forte was shown in several studies, comparing it’s effect on the prevention of nutritional deficiencies and hypervitaminosis to standard multivitamins.
Supplements in the first year after a Gastric Bypass
In a triple-blind, randomized study, WLS Forte was compared to a standard multivitamin, containing approximately 100% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid. Over the course of 12 months, folic acid and vitamin B12 levels increased, and iron levels remained stable for patients using WLS Forte, whereas a decrease was seen in patients using the standard multivitamin. Furthermore, iron or vitamin B12 deficiencies were less prevalent among patients using WLS Forte.
Long-term effect of WLS Forte
This effect was further proven in a study that built on the initial evidence by evaluating the longer-term effects and safety of WLS Forte, 3 years after a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.
The patients who participated in the initial study were asked to enroll for a 3-year follow-up. Because of the superior outcomes of WLS Forte in the primary RCT, the randomization was terminated. All patients were encouraged to use WLS Forte with an additional calcium and vitamin D supplement.
3 years after the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass procedure, WLS Forte was found to be more effective in reducing anemia and ferritin, vitamin B12, and zinc deficiencies compared with a standard food supplement.