24 Sep 2025 08:00
Vitamin B1: It’s For Your Brain…The Importance Of Supplementation When Having Bariatric Surgery or Starting GLP1’s with Dr. Emma Patterson | Ep 267
Have you had or are you preparing for bariatric surgery or starting GLP1’s and wondering how to avoid nutritional deficiencies? Do you know what Wernicke’s encephalopathy is and how easy it is to prevent and treat it? Tune in to this episode of the BariNation podcast to uncover critical insights!
We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Emma Patterson, a renowned expert in bariatric surgery with 25 years of experience. Dr. Patterson shares her research on thiamine deficiency (aka vitamin B1), offering practical advice on preventive care and thiamine supplementation to help safeguard your health before and after metabolic and bariatric surgery (aka weight loss surgery.) Don’t miss her expert tips on vitamin supplementation to ensure a successful bariatric journey!
Don’t forget! BariNation is proud to be this year's National Sponsor of TREO Foundation's The Walk: Stomp the Stigma. Sign up to join BariNation’s virtual team for the September 27th, 2025, The Walk: Stomp the Stigma, which raises awareness and access to care. There are also 12 in person walks happening and more being organized. To find a walk near you, or set one up visit the TREO Foundation website linked below.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- (03:15) Dr. Emma Patterson shares her 25-year focus on bariatric surgery
- (10:45) Wernicke’s encephalopathy is an acute neuropsychiatric syndrome caused by thiamine deficiency
- (17:00) Surgeons should monitor nutrition to prevent thiamine deficiency and what are the classic symptoms
- (28:21) Dr. Patterson notes the low risk of thiamine supplementation, encouraging bariatric patients to discuss it with their surgeons
- (35:44) Wernicke’s encephalopathy typically peaks two to three months post-bariatric surgery, but can occur later if nutritional deficiencies persist
- (43:59) Dr. Patterson gives advice to bariatric patients starting GLP-1 medications
- (48:30) Discussion of the importance of vitamin B1’s role in, cell maintenance, and nerve function
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- B1/Thiamine deficiency can lead to Wernicke’s encephalopathy, a severe neurological condition, particularly in bariatric patients post-surgery due to reduced nutrient intake.
- Preventive care through B1/Thiamine supplementation (100 mg daily) starting two weeks before bariatric surgery and continuing for three months post-op is critical to avoid complications.
- Patient education on bariatric nutrition, especially the importance of vitamin B1, empowers individuals to advocate for their health and prevent malnutrition risks.
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