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.
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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.
RESOURCES:
Join BariNation on the TREO Walk
TREO Walk Discounted BariNation Membership
BariNation x TREO Landing Page
BariNation - Partnership Monthly Membership
BariNation’s How to Find an Obesity Specialist Guide
BIOGRAPHY:
Dr. Emma Patterson, a board-certified bariatric surgeon, has over 25 years of experience, performing 6,000+ bariatric surgery procedures like Sleeve Gastrectomy and Gastric Bypass after her fellowship at Mount Sinai Hospital. As the Northwest’s first laparoscopic bariatric surgery specialist and Bariatric Medical Director at Wilshire Surgery Center (MBSAQIP Center of Excellence), she’s authored 50+ peer-reviewed papers, including in NEJM, and contributed to NIH’s LABS consortium. Renowned for her expertise in thiamine deficiency and Wernicke’s encephalopathy, she advocates for bariatric nutrition and serves as an expert witness in medical advocacy (Practical Gastro, YouTube).
ABOUT:
If the BariNation podcast helps power your bariatric journey, become a monthly podcast supporter and help us produce the show! Visit www.barinationpodcast.com and help us support people treating the disease of obesity with humor, humility, and honesty.
About BariNation: BariNation is a bariatric educational organization on a mission to empower patients to access and utilize the tools, resources, and education needed to find and maintain personal wellness. We connect patients with the support they need and when and where they need it. BariNation produces an award-winning weekly podcast distributed on all major podcast and video platforms and hosts a support membership community that teams up with credentialed and licensed bariatric experts and clinicians.