Final answer:
Mary is likely at risk for protein malnutrition after having most of her stomach removed, which can impede proper protein digestion and absorption, leading to symptoms like edema and muscle wasting.
Step-by-step explanation:
After having most of her stomach removed in an attempt to overcome obesity, Mary would be at risk for several complications, but out of the provided options, protein malnutrition is a likely risk. Since the stomach plays a critical role in the initial stages of protein digestion through the action of the enzyme pepsin and the acidic environment, its reduced size can lead to inadequate protein digestion and absorption. Consequently, Mary may experience a deficiency in essential amino acids leading to various health issues such as hypoalbuminemia, which can result in edema and complications such as fattening of the liver and muscle wasting, closely resembling the symptoms of the condition known as kwashiorkor. Abnormal erythropoiesis is another potential risk given that proper protein nutrition is essential for the production of red blood cells.