A new U.S. study has found that obesity-reduction surgery such as gastric bypass and stomach binding can result in memory loss of a patient. The obesity surgery results in deficiency of vitamins that is the main cause of memory loss, confusion, co-ordination, and other neurological problems.

The study, which was published in the issue of Neurology, says that the memory loss can have serious consequences stemming from loss of names of people to many of them forgetting about their finances.

The condition is called Wernicke encephalopathy - a severe syndrome characterized by loss of short-term memory. It is linked to damage to the mammilla bodies in the brain, and is the result of inadequate intake or absorption of thiamine (Vitamin B1) coupled with continued carbohydrate ingestion. The most common cause of an onset is severe alcoholism, though there are several other causes including weight loss surgery.

The study also revealed that the problem is more common in people who vomit within one to three months after the surgery is done and recovery is still ongoing. It can however be controlled by a supplementary dose of thiamine immediately after the weight loss surgery.

Experts recommend taking a daily dose of Vitamin B1 to avoid its occurrence in more people in the future. If the condition is treated immediately after the surgery, the results are usually good.

Gastric bypass surgery makes the stomach smaller and allows food to bypass part of the small intestine. The patient feels full more quickly than the stomach was its original size, which reduces the amount of food he or she eats and thus the calories consumed. Bypassing part of the intestine also results in fewer calories being absorbed, which leads to weight loss.