Outcome of revisional bariatric surgery for insufficient weight loss after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: an observational study

BackgroundInsufficient weight loss or secondary weight regain with or without recurrence of comorbidity can occur years after laparoscopic Roux en Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). In selected patients, increasing restriction or adding malabsorption may be a surgical option after conservative measures failed.ObjectivesEvaluation of short and long term results of revisional surgery for insufficient weight loss or weight regain after LRYGB.SettingTertiary hospital.MethodsRetrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from a cohort of 1150 LRYGB patients. Included were patients, who underwent revisional bariatric surgery after LRYGB for insufficient weight loss with a follow-up of minimal 1 year.ResultsFifty-four patients were included in the analysis. After an interdisciplinary evaluation, patients with insufficient weight loss, signs of dumping syndrome, and lacking restriction were offered a nonadjustable band around the pouch (banded group, n = 34) and patients with sufficient restriction, excellent compliance, and adherence were offered a revision to laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion (BPD group, n = 20). The revisional procedure was performed 3.3 ± 2.3 years after LRYGB in the banded-group and after 6.4 ± 4.3 years in the BPD group (P = .001). Mean body mass index at the time of the primary bariatric procedure was 41.7 ± 6.2 kg/m² in the banded group and 45.2 ± 8.2 kg/m² in the BPD group (P = .08); minimal body mass index between both operations was 29.1 ± 4.7 kg/m² in the banded group and 36.5 ± 9.4 kg/m² in the BPD group, and, at the time of revisional surgery, 31.4 ± 5.5 kg/m² in the banded group and 40.8 ± 6.7 kg/m² in the BPD group (P = .0001). The mean body mass index difference 1 year after revisional surgery was 1.3 ± 3.0 kg/m² in the banded group and 6.7 ± 4.5 kg/m² in the BPD group (P = .01). In the banded group, 11 patients (32.4%) needed removal of the band, 4 patients (11.8%) needed an adjustment, and 4 patients (11.8%) were later converted to BPD. In the BPD group, 2 (10.0%) patients needed revision for severe protein malabsorption.ConclusionsInsufficient weight loss or secondary weight regain after LRYGB is a rare indication for revisional surgery. Banded bypass has modest results for additional weight loss but can help patients suffering from dumping. In very carefully selected cases, BPD can achieve additional weight loss with acceptable complication rate but higher risk for reoperation. Future “adjuvant medical treatments,” such as glucagon-like peptide 1 analogues and other pharmacologic treatment options could be an alternative for achieving additional weight loss and better metabolic response.     

Insurance-mandated weight management program completion before bariatric surgery provides no long-term clinical benefit

BackgroundThere is no evidence that insurance-mandated weight loss before bariatric surgery affects outcomes.ObjectiveThis retrospective study evaluated the relationship between insurance-mandated weight management program (WMP) completion before primary bariatric surgery and postoperative outcomes.SettingSuburban academic medical center.MethodsPatients who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB, n = 572) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG, n = 484) from 2014 to 2019 were dichotomized to presence (LRYGB n = 431, SG n = 348) or absence (LRYGB n = 141, SG n = 136) of insurance-mandated WMP completion. Primary endpoints included follow-up rate, percent total weight loss (%TWL), and percent excess weight loss (%EWL) through 60 months after surgery. The Mann-Whitney U test compared between-group means with significance at P < .05.ResultsFollow-up rate, %TWL, and %EWL were not different (P = NS) up to 60 months postoperation between groups for either surgery. Both LRYGB and SG patients without WMP completion maintained greater %TWL (LRYGB: 34.4 ± 11.1% versus 29.8 ± 11.0%, P = .159; SG: 21.4 ± 10.0% versus 18.2 ± 10.5%, P = .456) and %EWL (LRYGB: 71.3 ± 26.3% versus 67.6 ± 26.5%, P = .618; SG: 49.2 ± 18.8% versus 47.5 ± 28.8%, P = .753) at 36 months after surgery. Secondarily, duration of time to get to surgery was significantly greater among yes-WMP patients (LRYGB: 178 days versus 121 days, P < .001; SG: 169 days versus 95 days, P < .001).ConclusionInsurance-mandated WMP completion before bariatric surgery delays patient access to surgery without improving postoperative weight loss potential and must be abandoned.     

Third bariatric procedure for insufficient weight loss or weight regain: how far should we go?

BackgroundRevisional procedures in bariatric surgery are increasing with several debated failure risk factors, such as super obesity and old age. No study has yet evaluated the outcomes and risks of a third bariatric procedure indicated for weight loss failure or weight regain.ObjectivesTo assess failure risks of a third bariatric procedure according to Reinhold’s criteria (percentage excess weight loss [%EWL] ≤50% and/or body mass index [BMI] ≥35 kg/m²).SettingA university-affiliated tertiary care center, France.MethodsFrom 2009 to 2019, clinical data and weight loss results of patients who benefited from 3 bariatric procedures for weight loss failure or weight regain were collected prospectively and analyzed using a binary logistic regression. Weight loss failure was defined according to Reinhold’s criteria.ResultsAmong 1401 bariatric procedures performed, 336 patients benefited from 2 or more procedures, and 45 had a third surgery. Eleven patients that were reoperated on because of malnutrition or gastroesophageal reflux disease were excluded from the final analysis. Among 34 patients with 3 procedures because of weight loss failure or regain, mean BMI was 48.3 ± 8.3 kg/m², and mean age was 30 ± 10.7 years. Three out of 34 patients (9%) presented a severe complication (Dindo-Clavien IIIb) and 2 (6%) had a minor one. Achieving Reinhold’s weight loss criteria after the second bariatric procedure was a significant predictor of success of the third procedure (β = 2.9 ± 1.3 S.E.).ConclusionNot reaching Reinhold’s criteria after a second bariatric procedure was identified as a significant risk factor of failure of a third procedure. A third surgery should be carefully discussed especially in case of primary failure of previous procedures.     

Algorithm for weight loss after gastric bypass surgery considering body mass index,gender, and age from the Bariatric Outcome Longitudinal Database (BOLD)

BackgroundInsight into the effects of gender and age on bariatric weight loss can be disturbed by the well-known influence of initial body mass index (BMI) on excess weight loss (%EWL). Alternative metrics can be found that eliminate this influence. Their formulas can be used to construct an algorithm in which mean weight loss becomes a constant value, describing the effectiveness of the operation independent of the initial BMI. The objective of this study was to create an algorithm describing weight loss after LRYGB in search for a better outcome metric to demonstrate unequivocally the influence of patient characteristics on bariatric results.MethodsNadir weight loss results of BOLD patients, grouped by gender and age (<40 yr and ≥40 yr), with ≥2 years follow-up after LRYGB and initial BMI ≥30 and<80 kg/m², are expressed in 26 different metrics with formula: 100%×(initial BMI – nadir BMI)/(initial BMI – a) with “reference BMI” a = 0–25 kg/m². For each subgroup, the “optimal reference BMI” (a) generating the smallest deviation and without significant difference in outcome between lighter and heavier patients is used to construct an algorithm (Mann-Whitney U test; P<.0002). Mean nadir relative weight loss results (b) are compared.ResultsA total of 8945 patients met inclusion criteria (mean initial BMI, 47.7 kg/m²; median age, 48 yr; 20.0% male). Both female subgroups had optimal reference BMI: a = 10 kg/m²; both male subgroups: a = 17 kg/m². LRYGB effectiveness (b) was significantly higher for younger patients and for female patients. The %EWL metric rendered different significances.ConclusionsBoth genders have age-independent metrics for which nadir relative weight loss after LRYGB is not influenced by initial BMI. The resulting algorithm nadir BMI = a + (100%−b) × (initial BMI−a) consists of an inert part (a = 10–17 kg/m²) on which the bariatric effectiveness (b) does not act and an alterable part (initial BMI−a) on which it does. The proposed metric percentage alterable weight loss (%AWL) reduces results to constant values for bariatric effectiveness (b), facilitating research on the precise effect of patient characteristics and surgical variables on postoperative weight loss better than %EWL, a metric able to produce false conclusions. Women and younger patients had significantly more weight loss; initial BMI had no effect.     

Preoperative weight loss is not a predictor of postoperative weight loss after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

BACKGROUND: Identification of preoperative predictors of weight loss after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) can lead to improved clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine whether preoperative weight loss was associated with improved percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) 1 year after LRYGB. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on the data from 295 patients who had undergone LRYGB at our institution from July 2004 to November 2005. Routine preoperative weight loss goals were implemented to facilitate the laparoscopic approach and ensure compliance with an appropriate nutritional and exercise program. Patients with an initial consultation BMI of <50, 50-59, and > or =60 kg/m(2) were given weight loss goals of 5 lb and 5% and 10% of body weight, respectively. RESULTS: The mean age was 45 +/- 10 years, and 89% were women and 70% were white. The mean BMI at the initial consultation was 51 +/- 7 kg/m(2). A significant inverse correlation was found between the preoperative BMI and %EWL at 1 year postoperative (P <.001). When controlling for BMI, no correlation was found between the %EWL and percentage of preoperative weight loss or attainment of the weight loss goals. The weight loss goals were met or surpassed by 79% of patients, and the mean %EWL at 1 year was 66%. Whites had greater %EWL at 1 year postoperatively compared with African Americans (67% versus 61%; P = .002). When controlling for age, gender, race, and consultation BMI, the preoperative weight loss did not predict for the %EWL at 1 year. CONCLUSION: The results of this study have shown that preoperative weight loss does not predict postoperative weight loss 1 year after LRYGB. A lower BMI, younger age, and white race predicted better %EWL.     

Weight loss is more sustained after biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch than Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in superobese patients

BackgroundAlthough biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) is not the most performed procedure, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is challenged by weight regain and insufficient weight loss, especially in patients with a body mass index >50 kg/m². The aim of our retrospective study was to compare the weight loss after 2 types of primary bariatric surgery. A total of 83 BPD-DS and 97 RYGB procedures were performed from March 2002 to October 2009 for an initial mean body mass index of 55 kg/m².MethodsAll RYGB patients underwent surgery at a private practice hospital and BPD-DS patients underwent surgery at a university hospital before February 2007 and at the same private hospital thereafter. The patients were seen in follow-up every 4 months the first year, every 6 months the second, and yearly thereafter. The maximum weight loss was assessed, as well as the weight regain beyond the first postoperative year. Weight loss success was defined as a percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) of ≥50%.ResultsThe patients did not differ by age, gender, or length of follow-up (mean 46 mo, range .5–102 for RYGB and 44.3 mo, range 9–111 for BPD-DS). Of the patients, 17 RYGB and 7 BPD-DS patients were lost to follow-up within 3 years postoperatively. At 3 years of follow-up, the mean %EWL was 63.7% ± 17.0% after RYGB and 84.0% ± 14.5% after BPD-DS (P < .0001). Weight loss success was achieved by 83.5% of the RYGB and 98.7% of the BPD-DS patients (P = .0005).ConclusionAfter 12 months postoperatively, the number of patients regaining 10% of the weight lost during the first postoperative year was significantly greater after RYGB than after BPD-DS.     

Predictors of Weight Status following Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass

Background: Weight loss after bariatric surgery varies and depends on many factors, such as time elapsed since surgery, baseline weight, and co-morbidities. Methods: We analyzed weight data from 494 patients who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) by one surgeon at an academic institution between June 1999 and December 2004. Linear regression was used to identify factors in predicting % excess weight loss (%EWL) at 1 year. Results: Mean patient age at time of surgery was 44 ± 9.6 (SD), and the majority were female (83.8%). The baseline prevalence of co-morbidities included 24% for diabetes, 42% for hypertension, and 15% for hypercholesterolemia. Baseline BMI was 51.5 ± 8.5 kg/m². Mean length of hospital stay was 3.8 ± 4.6 days. Mortality rate was 0.6%. Follow-up weight data were available for 90% of patients at 6 months after RYGBP, 90% at 1 year, and 51% at 2 years. Mean %EWL at 1 year was 65 ± 15.2%. The success rate (≥50 %EWL) at 1 year was 85%. Younger age and lower baseline weight predicted greater weight loss. Males lost more weight than females. Diabetes was associated with a lower %EWL. Depression did not significantly predict %EWL. Conclusion: The study demonstrated a 65 %EWL and 85% success rate at 1 year in our bariatric surgery program. Our finding that most pre-surgery co-morbidities and depression did not predict weight loss may have implications for pre-surgery screening.     

The bariatric surgery and weight losing: a meta-analysis in the long- and very long-term effects of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding,laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on weight loss in adults

Background

Several studies have been investigated to find the long-term effect of bariatric surgery on weight loss; nevertheless, a meta-analysis can detailedly demonstrate the effect of bariatric surgery on weight in morbidly obese patients. This study aimed to assess the long- and very long-term effects of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB), and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) on weight loss in adults.

Methods

An electronic search using PubMed, Scopus, and Google scholar databases was performed for all English-language articles up to May 15, 2016 with no publication date restriction. Outcome was long-term (≥5–10 years) and very long-term (≥10 years) weight reduction that reported as the mean %EWL and changes in BMI from baseline.

Results

Eighty articles with 87 arms were included in this meta-analysis. The excess weight loss percentage (%EWL) was 47.94% and 47.43% after LAGB at ≥5 and ≥10 years, respectively. After LRYGB the %EWL was 62.58% at ≥5 years and 63.52% at ≥10 years. It was 53.25% at ≥5 years after LSG. Results of subgroup analyses have indicated that LRYGB leads to higher %EWL in America and Asia compared with Europe. Meta-regression analyses have shown that there is no significant association between %EWL and baseline age, BMI and length of follow-up after three procedures. However, there is a positive association between gender and %EWL after LRYGB (β?=?1.24). No publication bias was found.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that LRYGB is an effective procedure in morbidly obese patients that leads to sustainable weight loss over the long- and very long-term periods in compared with LAGB and LSG.

     

Effect of preoperative body mass index on weight loss after obesity surgery

BackgroundPrevious studies suggest that individuals with body mass index (BMI) above versus below 60 kg/m² attain lower percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) after bariatric surgery. The objectives of this study were to (1) test whether conclusions drawn about the effect of preoperative BMI on postoperative weight loss depend on the outcome measure, (2) test for evidence of a threshold effect at BMI = 60 kg/m², and (3) test the effect from surgery to 12-month follow-up, relative to 12- to 36-month follow-up.MethodsRetrospective analyses of participants grouped according to preoperative BMI: 35–39.9 (n = 232); 40–49.9 (n = 1166); 50–59.9 (n = 429);≥60 (n = 166).ResultsAs anticipated, individuals with higher versus lower preoperative BMI had greater total weight loss but lower %EWL at all postoperative time points (all, P<.0005). However, these individuals also had lower percentage of initial weight loss (%IWL) at all time points beyond 1 month postsurgery (all, P<.0005). From 12- to 36-months, individuals with BMI 35–39.9 had 3.2±14.3 %IWL (P<.0001); 40–49.9 had 1.0±8.9 %IWL (P<.0005); 50–59.9 had?2.4±10.0 %IWL (P<.0005); and≥60 had?3.6±11.5 %IWL (P<.0005). Overall F_3,1989 = 20.2, P< .0005.ConclusionsConclusions drawn about the effect of preoperative BMI may depend on the outcome measure. A dosage effect of preoperative BMI was apparent, with heavier individuals showing lower percentages of initial and excess weight loss, regardless of BMI above or below 60 kg/m². Finally, this effect was particularly apparent after the initial 12-month rapid weight loss phase, when less obese (BMI<50) individuals continued losing weight, while heavier individuals (BMI≥50) regained significant weight.     

The association between number of children and weight loss outcomes among individuals undergoing bariatric surgery

BackgroundExisting research demonstrates that parity is associated with risk for obesity. The majority of those who undergo bariatric surgery are women, yet little is known about whether having children before bariatric surgery is associated with pre- and postsurgical weight outcomes.ObjectivesWe aim to evaluate presurgical body mass index (BMI) and postsurgical weight loss among a racially diverse sample of women with and without children.SettingMetropolitan hospital system.MethodsWomen (n = 246) who underwent bariatric surgery were included in this study. Participants self-reported their number of children. Presurgical BMI and postsurgical weight outcomes at 1 year, including change in BMI (ΔBMI), percentage excess weight loss (%EWL), and percentage total weight loss (%TWL) were calculated from measured height and weight.ResultsThose with children had a lower presurgical BMI (P = .01) and had a smaller ΔBMI (P = .01) at 1 year after surgery than those without children, although %EWL and %TWL at 1 year did not differ by child status or number of children. After controlling for age, race, and surgery type, the number of children a woman had was related to smaller ΔBMI at 1 year post surgery (P = .01).ConclusionsAlthough women with children had lower reductions in BMI than those without children, both women with and without children achieved successful postsurgical weight loss. Providers should assess for number of children and be cautious not to deter women with children from having bariatric surgery.     

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass versus laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a case-control study and 3 years of follow-up

BackgroundLaparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has become a popular surgical procedure among bariatric surgeons. Few studies have compared the efficacy of the procedure to laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). We performed a case-control study to assess the surgical results, weight progression, and remission of co-morbid conditions.MethodsFrom January 2006 to September 2009, we selected 811 patients undergoing LSG as a primary procedure. These patients were matched by age, body mass index, and gender to 786 patients undergoing LRYGB. The complication rate, mortality, and percentage of excess weight loss after 1, 2, and 3 years were analyzed.ResultsThe mean age for the LRYGB and LSG groups was 37.0 ± 10.3 and 36.4 ± 11.7 years, respectively (P = .120). Most of the patients were women (LRYGB 76.6% versus LSG 76.2%; P = .855). The preoperative body mass index before surgery was similar in both groups (LRYGB 38.0 ± 3.2 versus LSG 37.9 ± 4.6 kg/m²; P = .617). The mean operative time was longer for LRYGB (106.2 ± 33.2 versus 76.6 ± 28.0 min; P <.001), and the hospital stay was longer for LRYGB (3.4 ± 4.4 versus 2.8 ± .8 for LSG; P <.001). The early complication rate was 7.1% for LRYGB and 2.9% for LSG (P <.001), and the suture leak rate was .7% for LRYGB and .5% for LSG (P = NS). The percentage of excess weight loss for LRYGB versus LSG at 1, 2, and 3 years was 97.2% ± 24.3% versus 86.4% ± 26.4% (P <.001), 94.6% ± 30.2% versus 84.1% ± 28.3% (P <.001), and 93.1% ± 25.0% versus 86.8% ± 27.1% (P = .082), respectively. The total cholesterol level at 1 year for LRYGB versus LSG was 169.0 ± 32.9 versus 193.6 ± 38.7 mg/dL, respectively (P <.001), and the rate of diabetes remission was similar in both groups (LRYGB 86.6% versus LSG 90.9%).ConclusionLSG has become an acceptable primary bariatric procedure for obesity, with results comparable to LRYGB in this population.     

Cognitive function predicts weight loss after bariatric surgery

BackgroundClinically significant cognitive impairment is found in a subset of patients undergoing bariatric surgery. These difficulties could contribute to a reduced adherence to postoperative lifestyle changes and decreased weight loss. The present study is the first to prospectively examine the independent contribution of cognitive function to weight loss after bariatric surgery. Executive function/attention and verbal memory at baseline were expected to negatively predict the percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) and body mass index (BMI) at follow-up. Three sites of the Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery parent project were used: Columbia (New York, NY), Cornell (Princeton, NJ), and the Neuropsychiatric Research Institute (Fargo, ND).MethodsA total of 84 individuals enrolled in the Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery project undergoing bariatric surgery completed a cognitive evaluation at baseline. The BMI and %EWL were calculated at the 12-week and 12-month postoperative follow-up visits.ResultsClinical impairment in task performance was most prominent in tasks associated with verbal recall and recognition (14.3–15.5% of the sample) and perseverative errors (15.5%). After accounting for demographic and medical variables, the baseline test results of attention/executive function and memory predicted the BMI and %EWL at 12 months but not at 12 weeks.ConclusionsThese results have demonstrated that baseline cognition predicts for greater %EWL and lower BMI 12 months after bariatric surgery. Additional work is needed to clarify the degree to which cognition contributes to adherence and the potential mediation of cognition on the relationship between adherence and weight loss in this group.     

Systematic review of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in patients with body mass index ≤35 kg/m2

BackgroundRecently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) panel approved laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) in patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m² and related co-morbidities. To our knowledge there is no systematic review assessing LAGB in this group. The objective of this study was to analyze the use of LAGB in patients with BMI ≤35 kg/m².MethodsThe Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used to systematically search MEDLINE and Embase using the medical subject headings (MeSH) terms “bariatric surgery” and “obese” with equivalent free text searches and cross-references. Studies that described LAGB in patients with BMI ≤35 kg/m² were reviewed with particular focus on weight loss after LAGB as well as morbidity/mortality, co-morbidity resolution.ResultsSix studies evaluating 515 patients were included. Mean percentage excess weight loss (%EWL) ranged from 52.5 (±13.2) to 78.6 (±9.4) at 1 year and 57.6 (±29.3) to 87.2 (±9.5) at 2 years postoperatively. Two studies reported weight loss at 3 years with mean %EWL of 53.8 (±32.8) to 64.7 (±12.2). The only study with follow-up data after 3 years reported a mean %EWL of 68.8 (±15.3) and 71.9 (±10.7) at 4 and 5 years, respectively. Thirty-four patients (6.6%) developed complications. There was 1 reported mortality (.19%), which occurred at 20 months postoperatively.ConclusionThis systematic review shows that LAGB is well tolerated and effective in patients with a BMI ≤35 kg/m². There are encouraging suggestions that co-morbidities show partial or total resolution; however, a paucity of data remains in this BMI group, particularly with regard to long-term outcomes.     

The Impact of Temperament and Character Inventory Personality Traits on Long-Term Outcome of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Background

A significant proportion of patients who undergo bariatric surgery fail to achieve enduring weight loss. Previous studies suggest that psychosocial variables affect postoperative outcome, although this subject is still considered unclear. The purpose of this study is to further investigate the impact of psychosocial variables on Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) outcomes over long-term follow-up.

Materials and Methods

Individuals eligible for bariatric surgery were evaluated using validated psychopathological scales and the Temperament and Character Inventory in a specialized clinic for bariatric treatment. Adult patients who had RYGB were selected for the study. Percent of excess weight loss (%EWL) was measured after surgery at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and on the last clinical observation.

Results

This study included 333 subjects who had RYGB. Before surgery, mean age was 35.4 years (±9.5) and mean BMI was 43.3 kg/m² (±4.8). Higher baseline age and BMI were associated with lower %EWL across endpoints, although this association diminished over time. Follow up at 2 years and on the last clinical observation demonstrated that lower scores on the persistence personality variable and lower body dissatisfaction before surgery predicted lower %EWL.

Conclusions

Psychosocial variables and personality traits assessed during preoperative evaluation significantly predicted weight loss after bariatric surgery. Greater impact was observed in long-term follow-up at 2 years. These findings provide guidance in identifying patients at risk for worse outcomes and designing interventions to improve long-term weight loss.     

Early weight loss as a predictor of 3-year weight loss and weight regain in patients with good compliance after sleeve gastrectomy

BackgroundSleeve gastrectomy (SG) is the most common surgery for severe obesity. Patients lose weight post SG and regain some weight in the following years. Early weight loss predicts weight loss after SG. However, etiologies of weight loss and regain after SG remain unclear.ObjectivesTo investigate the effects of early weight loss on medium-term weight regain post SG.SettingTwo university hospitals in Taiwan.MethodsPatients with records within 1 and at 3 years after SG were enrolled retrospectively. Preoperative clinical variables and percentage of total weight loss (%TWL) were analyzed. Weight regain was defined as a weight increase from 1 year postoperatively of >25% of the lost weight. Linear and multiple logistic regression were applied to examine the associations of early weight loss, weight loss, and weight regain.ResultsA total of 363 patients were included. Body mass indexes before and 1, 3, 6, 12, and 36 months postoperatively were 40.7 ± 6.8 kg/m², 36.6 ± 6.2 kg/m², 33.5 ± 5.8 kg/m², 30.9 ± 5.5 kg/m², 28.4 ± 5.2, and 29.3 ± 5.4 kg/m², respectively. At 3 years after SG, 73 patients (20.1%) had weight regain. In multivariate linear analyses, initial age, waist circumference, type 2 diabetes, and %TWL at 1 or 3 months were associated with either 1-year or 3-year %TWL. Multiple logistic regression revealed %TWL at 3 months to be a predictor for 3-year weight regain after SG (odds ratio, .927; P = .02).ConclusionEarly weight loss predicted weight loss and regain 3 years after SG. Early lifestyle and behavioral interventions are suggested in patients at high risk of poor weight loss and weight regain outcomes after SG.     

Elevated plasma endothelin-1 is associated with reduced weight loss post vertical sleeve gastrectomy

BackgroundObesity and insulin resistance are positively correlated with plasma endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels; however, the mechanisms leading to increased ET-1 are not understood. Similarly, the full physiological complexity of ET-1 has yet to be described, especially in obesity. To date, one of the best treatments available for morbid obesity is bariatric surgery to quickly reduce body fat and the factors associated with obesity-related disease; however, the effects of vertical sleeve gastrectomy (SG) on plasma ET-1 have not been described.ObjectivesTo determine if SG will reduce plasma ET-1 levels and to determine if plasma ET-1 concentration is associated with weight loss after surgery.SettingThe studies were undertaken at a University Hospital.MethodsThis was tested by measuring plasma ET-1 levels from 12 obese patients before and after SG. All data were collected from clinic visits before SG, 6 weeks after SG, and 6 months after surgery.ResultsAt 6 weeks after SG, plasma ET-1 levels increased by 24%; however, after 6 months, there was a 27% decrease compared with presurgery. Average weight loss in this cohort was 11.3% ± 2.4% body weight after 6 weeks and 21.4% ± 5.7% body weight after 6 months. Interestingly, we observed an inverse relationship between baseline plasma ET-1 and percent body weight loss (R² = .49, P = .01) and change in body mass index 6 months (R² = .45, P = .011) post bariatric surgery.ConclusionsOur results indicate that SG reduces plasma ET-1 levels, a possible mechanism for improved metabolic risk in these patients. These data also suggest that ET-1 may serve as a predictor of weight loss after bariatric surgery.     

Laparoscopic gastric plication in morbidly obese adolescents: a prospective study

BackgroundThe prevalence of obesity has increased rapidly among adolescents. Bariatric surgery is associated with significant weight loss and improvement in obesity related co-morbidities, but may be associated with serious complications. Therefore, attempts on finding a safe and effective bariatric procedure for adolescents are ongoing. The objective of this study was to evaluate safety and efficacy of laparoscopic gastric plication (LGP) on adolescents.MethodA prospective study was performed on adolescents who underwent LGP from 2007–2013. Measured parameters included the percentage of excess weight (%EWL), percentage of body mass index loss (%BMIL), obesity related co-morbidities, operative time, and length of hospitalization and complications.ResultsLGP was performed in 12 adolescents (9 female and 3 male). Mean (SD) age of the patients was 13.8±1 year. Mean preoperative weight and BMI were 112.4±19.7 kg and 46.0±4 kg/m², respectively. Mean (SD) %EWL and %EBMIL were 68.2±9.9% and 79.0±9.0%, respectively after 2 years. All medical co-morbidities were improved after LGP. There were no deaths. One patient required replication 4 days postoperatively due to obstruction at the site of the last knot. No other major complications were observed. No patient required rehospitalization.ConclusionLGP has the potential of being an ideal weight loss surgery for adolescents, resulting in excellent weight loss and minimal psychological disruption. It is associated with a minimal risk of leakage, bleeding, and nutritional deficiency. However, large well-designed studies with long-term follow-up are needed.     

Comparison of weight loss and body composition changes with four surgical procedures

BackgroundA paucity of information is available on the comparative body composition changes after bariatric procedures. The present study reports on the body mass index (BMI) and body composition changes after 4 procedures by a single group.MethodsAt the initial consultation, the weight and body composition of the patients undergoing 4 different bariatric procedures were measured by bioimpedance (Tanita 310). Follow-up examinations were performed at 1 year and at subsequent visits after surgery. Analysis of variance was used to compare the postprocedure BMI and body composition. Analysis of covariance was used to adjust for baseline differences.ResultsA total of 101 gastric bypass (GB) patients were evaluated at 19.1 ± 10.6 months, 49 biliopancreatic diversion with the duodenal switch (BPD/DS) patients at 27.5 ± 16.3 months, 41 adjustable gastric band (AGB) patients at 21.4 ± 9.2 months, and 30 sleeve gastrectomy (SG) patients at 16.7 ± 5.6 months (P <.0001). No differences were found in patient age or gender among the 4 groups. The mean preoperative BMI was significantly different among the 4 groups (P <.0001): 61.4 kg/m², 53.2, 46.7, and 44.3 kg/m² for the SG, BPD/DS, GB, and AGB group, respectively. The postoperative BMI adjusted for baseline differences was 27.8 (difference 23.6 ± 8.3), 32.5 (difference 15.6 ± 5.0), 37.2 (difference 18.2 ± 8.2), and 39.5 kg/m² (difference 7.5 ± 4.3) for the BPD/DS, GB, SG, and AGB groups, respectively (P <.0001). The percentage of excess weight loss was 84%, 70%, 49%, and 38% for the BPD/DS, GB, SG, and AGB groups, respectively (P <.0001). The postoperative percentage of body fat adjusted for baseline differences was 25.7% (23.9% ± 7.0%) 32.7% (16.1% ± 10.5%) 37.7% (16.7% ± 5.6%), and 42% (6.0% ± 6.8%) for the BPD/DS, GB, SG, and AGB groups, respectively (P <.0001). The lean body mass changes were reciprocal.ConclusionAlthough the BPD/DS procedure reduced the BMI the most effectively and promoted fat loss, all the procedures produced weight loss. The AGB procedure resulted in less body fat loss within 21.5 months than SG within 16.7 months. Longer term observation is indicated.     

Feasibility and technique of laparoscopic conversion of adjustable gastric banding to sleeve gastrectomy

BackgroundTo evaluate the feasibility, safety, and short-term efficacy of the conversion of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) because of inadequate weight loss.MethodsThe inclusion criteria were an inadequate percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL), defined as <30% at ≥1 year after LAGB. From August 2002 to October 2007, 27 patients (17 women and 10 men) had undergone removal of their LAGB and conversion to LSG. The average age at LSG was 43.6 ± 11.4 years (range 25–66). Before LAGB, the mean weight and body mass index was 129.8 ± 21.9 kg (range 95–178) and 45 ± 8.1 kg/m² (range 35–64), respectively. The average interval between LAGB and LSG was 51.2 ± 30.1 months (range 22–132). Before conversion, the mean weight, body mass index, and %EWL was 117.9 ± 27.3 kg (range 63–170), 39 ± 9.6 kg/m² (range 24–61), and 18.1% ± 18.3%, respectively. Of the 27 patients, 12 had 19 obesity-related co-morbidities, including arterial hypertension in 7, type 2 diabetes mellitus in 2, degenerative joint disease in 7, and sleep apnea in 3.ResultsThe mean operative time was 120.6 ± 32.4 minutes (range 65–195). No conversion to open surgery was required, and no patient died. The postoperative complications included a subphrenic hematoma that required laparoscopic drainage; no postoperative leaks developed. The mean hospital stay was 3.2 ± 1.4 days (range 2–8). After a mean follow-up of 18.6 ± 14.8 months (range 1–59) for 23 patients (4 patients were lost to follow-up), the mean weight, body mass index, and weight loss was 100.7 ± 23.5 kg (range 61–152), 34.6 ± 8.7 kg/m² (range 21–50.4), and 23 ± 12.4 kg (range 2–55), respectively. The patients had had an additional 16.7% EWL after LSG for a total average %EWL of 34.8% ± 21.8% (P <.05). Of the 12 patients with obesity-related co-morbidities, 5 had had resolution, including arterial hypertension in 1, type 2 diabetes mellitus in 1, degenerative joint disease in 2, and sleep apnea in 2.ConclusionThe results of this study support the safety of LSG in the case of an inadequate %EWL after LAGB. However, the degree of weight loss and co-morbidity resolution is of concern.