October 30th 2024.
Jennei Hart, a 49-year-old woman from Melbourne, has been struggling with weight loss for years. However, she recently made a significant achievement in her journey by shedding a substantial amount of weight. Unfortunately, this accomplishment came with a surprising consequence - she was diagnosed with scurvy, a disease usually associated with the Victorian era.
According to Jennei, her doctors informed her that her condition was a result of complications related to the gastric band she had to help her lose weight. She recalls being "absolutely shocked" when she first received the news three years ago after a series of blood tests. Her initial reaction was a mix of confusion and amusement as she joked, "Isn't that what people on boats used to have?"
Despite receiving multiple vitamin infusions and taking high-dose vitamin tablets, Jennei's body is unable to retain these vital nutrients, resulting in frequent "flare-ups" of her scurvy. She explains that she initially lost weight to have a lap band inserted in 1999, but it had to be removed in 2004 due to complications. A subsequent surgery to help her eat properly left her extremely sick, and she is now unable to consume more than a quarter cup of coffee or soup at a time.
Apart from the physical challenges, Jennei also struggles with the psychological aspect of her illness. She admits to having "trained her brain" to not want to eat, but she desperately wishes she could. Unfortunately, her health has deteriorated to the point where she can no longer work as a hairdresser. She describes her current situation as a "rollercoaster" and says, "This isn't a quality of life. All vitamin levels are depleted from me. I can't put on weight."
In 2007, Jennei appeared on A Current Affair after losing over 100kg, promoting her portion-controlled diet. However, she now regrets her decision to undergo weight loss surgery and urges others to consider alternative options for achieving a healthy lifestyle. She stresses, "We want people to be healthy, but surgery is not the answer."
Unfortunately, Jennei's case is not an isolated incident. Previous studies have also linked scurvy with weight loss surgery. According to Professor Lauren Ball, chair of Community Health and Wellbeing at the University of Queensland, it is not a common or expected outcome, but for individuals with restricted diets or compromised nutrient absorption, it is possible. She emphasizes the importance of working with an accredited practising dietitian to ensure adequate intake of essential vitamins and nutrients.
Just last week, a man from Western Australia was also diagnosed with scurvy, and he too had undergone weight loss surgery. Scurvy was first reported in ancient times, but it gained notoriety during the Renaissance era when it claimed the lives of sailors who went for extended periods without proper nutrition. Nowadays, other risk factors for scurvy include alcoholism, smoking, eating disorders, low household income, obesity, kidney dialysis, and drugs that interfere with vitamin C absorption.
Common symptoms of scurvy include fatigue, weakness, swollen bleeding gums, joint and muscle pain, and dry, rough, or discoloured skin with reddish spots. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, please seek support from organizations like the Butterfly Foundation. Let us learn from Jennei's experience and make informed decisions about our health and well-being.
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