Metabolic and bariatric surgery impacts hormone health in a variety of ways. Adipose or fat tissue plays a large part in endocrine system function and hormone communication. Changes in weight after surgery can disrupt hormone balance overall. In addition, gut hormones such as leptin and ghrelin, which impact hunger and fullness cues are impacted due to absorption and anatomical changes. Metabolic and bariatric surgery often improves hormonal functioning such as blood glucose control and sex hormones, however, if imbalance was present before surgery we may still need to dive deeper.

Metabolic and bariatric surgery not only changes your anatomy and how your body absorbs nutrients, but studies show that it also affects the composition of microbes in your gut. There are several reasons for changes in gut health, motility, and functioning after surgery such as rapid weight loss, changes in nutritional habits, nutrient absorption, and altering of the digestive tract's pH. The change in microbiome after surgery is vital to long-term effectiveness of the surgery for weight loss and obesity treatment because they play an important role in nutrient absorption, digestion, and the body's energy balance. Therefore, optimizing gut health is great for overall health and quality of life!

Deficiencies of micronutrients following metabolic and bariatric surgery can arise from several mechanisms. This includes deficiencies before surgery, reduced food intake post-surgery, malabsorption, and inadequate supplementation. Since those with obesity have a higher risk factor for malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, all patients should be screened and deficiencies corrected pre- and post-surgery.

We understand that obesity is a multifactorial disease. We use current treatments that include lifestyle changes in nutrition and physical activity, and behavioral therapy to assist people living with obesity. We also support those considering other effective solutions for those with obesity, including metabolic and bariatric surgery. Our next blog series takes a deep dive into what metabolic and bariatric surgery is, how we support both those considering surgery and who have already undergone surgery through a functional nutrition perspective.