Red meat intolerance in patients submitted to gastric bypass: a 4-year follow-up study

Abstract Background Bariatric surgery provides significant weight reduction; however, it may result in food intolerance followed by gastrointestinal complications that may lead to nutritional deficiencies. This study evaluated the influence of red meat intolerance on the dietary pattern, biochemical indicators, and clinical symptoms after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Methods This retrospective study evaluated patients 4 years after RYGB. The patients were divided into 2 groups: patients with and without red meat intolerance, and data for the following were collected: food intake, anthropometric data, biochemical data, and presence of nausea, vomiting, weakness, weak nails, and hair loss. The difference between groups in the times postoperative was determined by ANOVA. Results Of the 72 patients included in the study, 63 were evaluated during the first postoperative year, 45 during the second, 56 during the third, and 41 during the fourth. Red meat intolerance was observed in 49.2%, 42.2%, 46.4%, and 39% of the patients after 1, 2, 3, and 4 years, respectively. After 1 year, the intolerant group showed lower calorie, carbohydrate, and iron intake. After 3 years, tolerant patients showed weight regain (2.9±5.3 kg), while the intolerant ones remained stable. There was no difference in the presence of clinical symptoms or biochemical indicators between groups. Conclusion Red meat intolerance is frequent after bariatric surgery and may alter energy, iron intake, and weight loss; however, it is not associated with the presence of clinical symptoms and biochemical profile.