The Southern Medical Journal (SMJ) is the official, peer-reviewed journal of the Southern Medical Association. It has a multidisciplinary and inter-professional focus that covers a broad range of topics relevant to physicians and other healthcare specialists.

SMJ // Article

Editorial

Anemia After Gastric Bypass: Still a Risky Business?

Authors: Eldo E. Frezza, MD, MBA, FACS, Amber Moreland, MSII

Abstract

Morbid obesity is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States. In the next 20 years, 40% of the population will be obese with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30. Operations for morbid obesity (BMI >35), such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP), are becoming more popular. An awareness of the potential complications and side effects of these operations has increased along with the increase in the number of procedures performed. Nutritional problems have been observed and reported at length.1–4 One of the effects of this malnutrition is anemia.

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