By Oregon Weight Loss Surgery
At Oregon Weight Loss Surgery we believe that education is one of the most powerful tools a patient can have. The more you understand about your body, your surgery, and the changes that take place afterward, the more confident and successful you will be on your weight loss journey. That is why we are highlighting a recent episode of the BariNation podcast titled “Vitamin B1, It Is For Your Brain. The Importance of Supplementation When Having Bariatric Surgery or Starting GLP1s,” featuring our own surgeon, Dr. Emma Patterson.
This episode is packed with vital information about thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, and why it is essential for anyone undergoing bariatric surgery or beginning medical weight loss with GLP1 medications. The conversation is real, practical, and patient focused. Today we want to reflect on what was shared in the podcast and discuss how these lessons apply directly to the patients we serve here in Oregon and beyond.
Why BariNation Chose Vitamin B1 as a Topic
BariNation is known for conversations that help patients feel supported, empowered, and informed. In this episode they ask an important question: Why is vitamin B1 so important for bariatric patients?
The answer is simple but powerful. Thiamine plays a direct role in brain function, nerve health, energy metabolism, and carbohydrate processing. Without enough thiamine, the brain struggles to operate normally. In the bariatric community, the risk of deficiency is higher than many patients realize. This is why BariNation wanted to bring attention to it and why Dr. Patterson’s insights were so valuable.
What Thiamine Does in the Body
In the podcast Dr. Patterson explains thiamine in a way that is easy to understand even if you have no medical background. Vitamin B1 helps the body convert food into usable energy. It also allows the nervous system and brain to function. When the body is low in B1, the brain is often the first organ to struggle.
Symptoms of deficiency can include confusion, poor balance, memory issues, difficulty walking, and even changes in eye movement. The most severe complication is a neurological condition called Wernicke encephalopathy, which can lead to permanent brain injury if not treated quickly.
Dr. Patterson shares that she has seen patients arrive with symptoms that were initially mistaken for other conditions. In reality the issue was thiamine deficiency. This is why awareness matters.
Why Bariatric Patients Are at Higher Risk
Throughout the episode Dr. Patterson explains why bariatric patients face a unique risk. After bariatric surgery the body takes in less food. In the early postoperative phase, patients may experience nausea or vomiting. The stomach is healing and protein becomes the priority, so sometimes balanced micronutrient intake is harder to achieve.
Some surgeries also change how nutrients are absorbed. When food moves through the digestive tract differently, vitamins like B1 may not enter the bloodstream the same way they did before.
BariNation and Dr. Patterson emphasize that thiamine is water soluble, so the body does not store large amounts. This means a deficiency can develop quickly. For patients who vomit regularly or who are unable to tolerate food during the early healing period, the risk rises even more.
This is why bariatric programs like ours pay close attention to supplementation during the first several months and why vitamin protocols are so important.
The Role of GLP1 Medications
One of the most valuable parts of this episode is the discussion about GLP1 medications. Many people assume that these medications are only about appetite control and blood sugar regulation. However there is an important nutritional conversation happening in the medical community.
When a patient begins a GLP1 medication, appetite often decreases quickly. Some patients unintentionally eat very small amounts or skip meals because they simply do not feel hungry. This rapid reduction in intake can mirror the early bariatric postoperative phase.
Less intake means fewer micronutrients, including thiamine.
Dr. Patterson explains that GLP1 patients can develop the same deficiency risks that bariatric patients face if they are not monitored. This is especially true for patients who begin GLP1s at high doses or who are new to nutritional guidance. The conversation stresses that medical weight loss still requires medical supervision. Supplements, labs, and follow up matter just as much now as they do after surgery.
How Thiamine Deficiency Presents and Why It Is Often Missed
One of the most important messages Dr. Patterson shares is how easy it is for early thiamine deficiency to be overlooked. Symptoms can mimic many other issues. A person might think they are tired from surgery, dehydrated, stressed, or adjusting to weight loss. They might think their balance is off because they are weak from lower calorie intake.
A patient might tell themselves that their brain fog is normal or temporary. The problem is that thiamine deficiency does not improve on its own. It continues to progress until supplementation or treatment is provided.
This is why Dr. Patterson recommends that bariatric patients take thiamine seriously and contact their care team early if something feels wrong. Listening to your body and reaching out for support is one of the best ways to protect your long term health.
What Makes Thiamine Supplementation So Important
The podcast makes it clear that supplementation is a simple and highly effective way to prevent severe deficiency. Thiamine is inexpensive and safe for most patients. Consistency is the key. Dr. Patterson recommends that bariatric patients begin thiamine supplementation before surgery and continue faithfully afterward.
If a patient experiences vomiting or cannot tolerate food, increasing thiamine intake or receiving medical evaluation is essential. Many of the severe cases of deficiency described in the podcast occurred when patients had ongoing vomiting but did not realize that they were running low in B1.
This is why bariatric programs require multivitamins, thiamine supplementation, and routine laboratory monitoring. These steps protect the brain and ensure patients stay safe during rapid changes in eating patterns.
How Oregon Weight Loss Surgery Supports Patients
At Oregon Weight Loss Surgery we believe that every patient deserves a comprehensive and safe plan. That includes preoperative education, postoperative care, long term follow up, and nutritional guidance.
Our program includes:
- Detailed vitamin and mineral protocols
- Support from experienced dietitians
- Regular lab testing
- Guidance for patients on GLP1 medications
- Clear instructions on when to contact our team
The message from the BariNation episode aligns with our philosophy. Surgery is a powerful tool for weight loss, but long term success depends on a strong partnership between the patient and the medical team. Supplements are not optional. They are a vital part of protecting your body and brain.
Final Thoughts on the Podcast
This BariNation episode is an important resource for anyone considering bariatric surgery, anyone who has already undergone a procedure, and anyone using GLP1 medications. Dr. Patterson provides knowledge that can prevent serious complications. The conversation is warm, honest, and empowering.
We encourage our patients to listen to the full episode because understanding your nutrition is an essential part of long term success. Vitamin B1 may be small, but its impact on your brain and nervous system is significant. With the right guidance and consistency, you can prevent deficiency and build a healthier future.
If you have questions about supplementation, bariatric surgery, or GLP1 treatment, Oregon Weight Loss Surgery is here to help. Reach out to request a consultation and let us support you on your path to lasting health.
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