Plano, TX, 2016 – People who undergo weight loss surgery to get ahead of the dangers obesity may pose could find they are deficient in a critical nutrient after the procedure is performed. Bariatric surgery and Vitamin D deficiency have been strongly linked in a number of studies, but there are things patients can do to maintain healthy levels.

“This is a very common potential side effect of bariatric surgery, but with proper education and preparation it is possible to overcome it,” explains Dr. Nick Nicholson, founder and lead surgeon at the North Texas-based Nicholson Clinic, one of the top weight loss surgery centers in the country. “One of the keys to combating the concern is testing levels in advance of surgery. As it turns out, many patients may be deficient before they even undergo surgical procedures.”

Nutritional deficiencies have been connected with a number of post-surgical complications. When proper nutrition is lacking before a bariatric procedure, patients may find themselves at a higher risk for infection and inflammation. They may also find that healing comes more slowly than it should. While it is currently unclear if addressing deficiencies before surgery would lower complication risks, researchers recommend that patients and their doctors know where levels stand beforehand.

“Addressing nutrition before and after surgery is simply critical for gaining the greatest benefits from weight loss,” says Dr. Nicholson. “Patients are urged to discuss their pre-surgery and post-surgical diets with a nutritionist or their healthcare provider.”

Vitamin D supplements may not provide the boost patients need, some studies have indicated. As it turns out, many people who are deficient also happen to be from northern climates where access to Vitamin D-synthesizing sun rays are not as widely available. This has given rise to some suggesting greater, but cautioned, exposure to the outdoors.

Bariatric surgery is a valuable tool for addressing obesity and its potential complications. People who are obese are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, heart disease and other serious conditions. To find out more about the Nicholson Clinic, its locations and the services it provides, visit it online at www.nicholsonclinic.com.

About Nicholson Clinic
Founded by Dr. Nick Nicholson, one of the country’s leading weight loss surgeons and co-author of “Weight Loss Surgery: The Real Skinny,” the Nicholson Clinic for Weight Loss Surgery offers a variety of options to help patients gain control of their weight and their lives.