Wernicke’s encephalopathy three weeks after sleeve gastrectomy

Abstract Following bariatric surgeries for management of morbid obesity, less nutrients are absorbed, giving rise to complications due to vitamin deficiencies with frequently dramatic consequences. Neurologic complications resulting from folate, vitamin B12, and thiamine deficiencies have been estimated to occur in up to 16% of cases and present within weeks to months following bariatric surgery. Among bariatric surgeries, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass has been the most associated with such deficiencies due to both restrictive and malabsorptive components. Complications are less seen with restrictive surgeries. We report a case of rapid Wernicke’s encephalopathy due to a thiamine deficiency in a young female patient following Sleeve gastrectomy (SG).