Fatty Liver Bariatric Surgery: Everything You Need to Know!

Key Takeaways

About 24% of adults in the U.S. have a fatty liver.
Bariatric surgery can improve liver health by reducing liver fat and inflammation.
Losing excess weight, eating the right foods, and lifestyle changes are essential for overall liver health.

Fatty liver, a condition known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), happens when fat builds up in your liver. It can lead to more serious liver issues and other complications over time.

Many people with obesity have fatty livers that improve after bariatric surgery. However, there are some things you need to be aware of, such as possible complications like elevated AST and ALT after bariatric surgery, and how to monitor liver health, and how to support a healthy liver. Supplements like bariatric vitamins or bariatric multivitamins can also play a critical role in maintaining health after surgery.

If you are considering bariatric surgery and have concerns about your liver health, keep reading our guide for everything you need to know.

Background on Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Obesity

NAFLD is closely linked to obesity. It is one of the most common liver conditions, affecting up to 24% of adults in the United States.

NAFLD happens when fat builds up in the liver without the influence of alcohol. It’s often associated with insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes..

Over time, having fat in the liver can lead to a more severe disease called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This is when there is severe inflammation in the liver. Inflammation in the liver can lead to scarring of the liver, also known as fibrosis. Scarring in the liver can cause permanent damage or liver cirrhosis.

Obesity is a major risk factor for developing fatty liver disease. Most people with fatty liver don’t know they have it until lab tests show their liver enzymes (ALT and AST) are elevated.

Without lifestyle changes and treatment, people with fatty liver disease can develop complications such as:

Liver cancer.
Heart disease.
High cholesterol.
High blood pressure.

Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Fatty Liver Disease

Bariatric surgery can have a positive impact on fatty liver disease. These improvements can start as early as eight to ten weeks after surgery.

One of the main benefits is the significant reduction in liver fat. Reducing the amount of fat in the liver can also reduce inflammation and scarring, which lowers the risk of more severe conditions. Your liver enzymes may also improve. Adding bariatric vitamins chewable, bariatric calcium chews, and a bariatric multivitamin with iron to your routine can support these benefits.

Experts believe bariatric surgery causes these positive shifts due to changes in your metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Changes to your gut microbiome (healthy bacteria in your gut) and bile acids also play a part in improving your liver health. Supplements such as a liquid bariatric vitamin or bariatric probiotic can further support this process.

However, if you have known liver issues, not all types of bariatric surgeries are safe. It’s best to avoid surgeries that cause poor nutrient absorption, such as jejunoileal bypass.

Experts suggest that gastric bypass surgery (RYGB) has the most benefits for fatty liver disease compared to sleeve gastrectomy and gastric banding.

While there are many positive effects on liver health after bariatric surgery, there are also some health concerns to be aware of.

One of the main risks is nutrient deficiencies, such as vitamins B12 and D, and the minerals iron and zinc. These nutrients are important for liver functions, and not getting enough can affect your liver health.

Losing weight too quickly can cause too many fatty acids to be released into the liver, which can cause damage. There have even been reports of liver failure.

You can also develop more scarring in the liver if you don’t eat the right foods.

Management and Monitoring of Liver Health Post-Surgery

Monitoring your liver health after bariatric surgery is important for your long-term success and in preventing complications.This includes integrating bariatric protein bars and bariatric snacks into your post-surgery nutrition plan.

Here are several steps you can take to monitor your liver and support its health.

Regular liver function tests: Having your labs drawn to test your liver function can monitor your liver health and detect any changes or potential issues early.

Nutritional support and supplementation: Taking supplements—including iron, vitamin D, and multivitamins—supports your liver function.
Lifestyle and dietary counseling: A registered dietitian can give you ongoing counseling about diet and lifestyle to help maintain your liver health and reduce the risk of fatty liver recurrence.
Hydration: Drinking enough water each day is important for overall health, including liver function.
Exercise: Regular physical activity can help improve metabolic health, support weight maintenance, and reduce liver fat.
Avoid alcohol: Limiting or avoiding alcohol is essential for protecting liver health after surgery.
Follow-up appointments: Keeping regular appointments with your healthcare provider helps to track progress and adjust treatment as needed.

Patient Outcomes and Quality of Life

Bariatric surgery usually brings about significant improvements in overall health, including liver health.

As your liver function improves, you may notice better physical and mental health outcomes, partly due to reduced body fat and better insulin sensitivity.

Studies have shown that bariatric surgery can slow the progression of liver diseases, leading to a better long-term prognosis.

The American Gastroenterology Association (AGA) demonstrated that people who lost 5% of their total body weight had less fat in their livers. Another study indicated that people who lost 10% of their total body weight had a reduction in liver scarring.

Bariatric surgery also reduces your risk of developing more serious liver-related conditions.

Overall, bariatric surgery is a powerful preventive measure if you are at high risk of liver complications due to obesity.

Conclusion

Bariatric surgery is a great way people with obesity can lose weight and decrease fatty deposits in the liver. Not only does bariatric surgery help with weight loss, but it has several benefits for the liver as well.

However, it’s important to monitor the liver’s health after surgery. It’s also crucial to supplement with nutrients like vitamin B12, vitamin D, zinc, and iron. Other ways to support the liver include regular exercise, avoiding alcohol, and staying hydrated.

A registered dietitian can give personalized advice on the best foods for supporting liver health.

Talk with your medical provider if you have concerns about your liver health and believe bariatric surgery may be a helpful way to improve your health.