Malnutrition in Atlanta Bariatric Surgery Cases
Bariatric surgeries such as the gastric bypass or gastric sleeve are done to help patients lose considerable amounts of weight. Though many patients see positive results, these procedures can also have unintended consequences like malnutrition.
If you have experienced vitamin deficiencies after a weight-loss surgery, talk to a lawyer who is familiar with malnutrition in Atlanta bariatric surgery cases. With legal help, you could pursue compensation from a negligent medical provider.
How Bariatric Surgeries Work
Most bariatric surgeries involve making the patient’s stomach smaller. This decreases the amount of food patients can take in, making them feel fuller quicker. Consequently, patients will consume less food and lose more weight than they were able to before the operation.
However, these procedures can also cause people to absorb much fewer vitamins and nutrients. Because of this well-known complication, medical providers must provide prospective bariatric patients with adequate counseling to explain the kind of vitamins and supplements they will need to take to meet their nutritional needs after the surgery.
Developing a Nutrition Plan with a Dietician in Atlanta
Most bariatric patients are required to meet with a dietician to develop a plan for getting their necessary vitamins and minerals. Post-operative bariatric patients often have deficiencies in nutrients such as:
- Vitamin B12,
- Vitamin D,
- Iron,
- Zinc,
- Folate,
- Thiamine,
- Calcium, and
- Copper.
Individuals lacking these crucial vitamins and minerals may develop conditions such as anemia and osteoporosis. Malnutrition can also cause a rare complication known as Wernicke’s encephalopathy—a neuropsychiatric syndrome characterized by intense disorientation and confusion.
To prevent this, many dietitians will help bariatric patients craft a supplement regimen based on the key nutrients listed above. Medical providers are also responsible for checking in on post-operative patients to monitor their vitamin levels.
It is the patient’s responsibility to take those supplements as directed. If an individual intentionally ignores the dietician’s plan or forgets to take the supplements regularly, resulting in malnutrition, he or she will have a difficult time pursuing a successful bariatric surgery malpractice claim.
Valid Malpractice Claims Regarding Malnutrition
A patient may have a valid medical malpractice claim if the physician did not talk to him or her about changes in nutritional needs after bariatric surgery. Similarly, if the medical provider did not provide the patient with an opportunity to meet with a nutritionist or dietitian to discuss a supplement plan, that could also be considered grounds for a civil lawsuit.
Additionally, if the medical provider did not properly monitor the patient during the post-operative period, that could constitute malpractice. In any of these scenarios, it is crucial to speak with a bariatric surgery attorney to determine whether the patient’s malnutrition was caused by a breach in the standard of care.
Call Our Firm to Discuss Malnutrition in Atlanta Bariatric Surgery Cases
If you or a loved experienced malnutrition after having a bariatric surgery, you should reach out to a skilled attorney to discuss your legal rights. Our lawyers at Warshauer Woodward Atkins understand the complexities of malnutrition in Atlanta bariatric surgery cases.
We can help you review your medical records to find evidence of departures from the standard of care and file a case on your behalf. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation with a dedicated attorney.