Analysis of vitamin levels and deficiencies in bariatric surgery patients: a single-institutional analysis

BackgroundBariatric surgery patients are at risk for vitamin deficiencies.ObjectivesInvestigate the prevalence of deficiencies of vitamins A, B1, B12, D, and folate in sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) patients in a single institution.SettingAn academic medical center.MethodsRetrospective chart reviews of 468 bariatric surgery patients (358 SG and 110 RYGB) were analyzed for vitamin levels, calcium, and parathyroid hormone. Both preoperative and postoperative measurements were obtained.ResultsDeficiency of vitamin D was the most common, seen in 27% preoperatively. Postoperatively, RYGB patients had a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency than SG patients (11.5% RYGB versus 5.2% SG within the first postoperative year, and 20.3% RYGB versus 13.4% SG after 1 year). Elevated parathyroid hormone was observed in 45% of RYGB patients after 1 year postoperatively. Vitamin A deficiency was uncommon preoperatively (2.7% SG versus 1.7% RYGB), but increased after surgery (9.4% SG versus 15.9% RYGB within 1 year postoperatively, and 5.2% SG versus 7.7% RYGB after 1 year). Vitamin B1 deficiency was observed in 8.1% SG versus 1.7% RYGB patients preoperatively and increased during the first year postoperatively (SG 10.5% and RYGB 13.7%), but improved after 1 year (7.2% SG versus 5.9% RYGB). Less than 2% of Vitamin B12 deficiencies and no folate deficiencies occurred in both SG and RYGB patients.ConclusionsThe highest prevalence of vitamin B1 and A deficiencies were seen in the first year postoperatively. Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency were uncommon in our patients. Vitamin D deficiency improved after surgery, but elevated parathyroid hormone was common after RYGB.     

Safety of bariatric surgery in patients older than 65 years

BackgroundThe increase in life expectancy along with the obesity epidemic has led to an increase in the number of older patients undergoing bariatric surgery. There is conflicting evidence regarding the safety of performing bariatric procedures on older patients.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to compare the safety of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) for older patients (>65 yr).SettingNationwide analysis of accredited centers.MethodsThe Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program 2015 to 2017 database was used to identify nonrevisional laparoscopic RYGB and SG procedures. Comparisons were made based on patient age. Clinical outcomes included postoperative events and mortality.ResultsThere was a total 13,422 and 5395 matched pairs for SG and RYGB in comparing patients aged 18 years to those aged 65 and >65 years, respectively, and 5395 matched RYGB and SG procedures performed in patients >65 years. The complication rate was higher in older patients undergoing RYGB compared with SG (risk difference = 2.39%, 95% confidence interval: 1.57%–3.21%, P < .0001). When comparing older to younger patients, the older group had a higher complication rate for SG but not for RYGB (SG: risk difference = 1.01%, 95% confidence interval: .59%–1.43%, P < .0001, RYGB: risk difference = .59%, 95% confidence interval: ?.29% to 1.47%, P = .2003).ConclusionsOverall complication rates of bariatric surgery are low in patients >65 years. SG appears to have a favorable safety profile in this patient population compared with RYGB. The overall complication rate for RYGB is not significantly different between the older and younger groups.     

Hospital utilization 4 years after bariatric surgery: sleeve gastrectomy versus Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

BackgroundWhile sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has lower perioperative risk compared with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), long-term data about their differential impact on overall health are unclear. Hospital use after bariatric surgery is an important parameter for improving peri- and postoperative care.ObjectiveThis present study was aimed to compare SG and RYGB in terms of their effect on long-term hospital-based healthcare utilization.SettingMulticenter, statewide database.MethodsA retrospective cohort study of adult patients who underwent SG and RYGB between 2009 and 2011, with follow-up until 2015 and 2-year presurgery information. Propensity score–matched SG and RYGB groups were created using preoperative demographic characteristics, co-morbidities, and presurgery hospital use, measured by cumulative length of stay (LOS) and frequency of emergency department visits. Postsurgery yearly LOS, incidence of hospital visits, and the reason for the visit were compared. Primary outcomes included postoperative hospital visits during years 1 to 4 after bariatric surgery and cumulative LOS. Secondary outcomes included specific reasons for hospital use.ResultsThere were 3540 SG and 13,587 RYGB patients, whose mean (95% confidence interval [CI]) LOS was 1.3 (1.3–1.4), .9 (.8–1), 1 (.9–1.1), and 1.2 (1–1.3) days at years 1 through 4, respectively. Postoperative yearly LOS was similar between the 2 propensity-matched groups. The risk of hospitalizations (odd ratio .73, 95% CI .64–.84, P < .0001) and emergency department visits (odds ratio .84, 95% CI .75–.95, P = .005) was significantly lower for SG, during the first postoperative year. The reverse was seen at the fourth postoperative year, with higher risk of emergency department use after SG (odds ratio 1.16, 95% CI 1.01–1.33, P = .035).ConclusionPostoperative 4-year hospital utilization remains low for both SG and RYGB. The previously established lower early perioperative risk of SG was not appreciated for longer-term hospital use compared with RYGB.     

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.     

Development of a bariatric surgery specific risk assessment tool for perioperative myocardial infarction

BackgroundPerioperative myocardial infarction (PMI) is a feared complication after surgery. Bariatric surgery, due to its intraabdominal nature, is traditionally considered an intermediate risk procedure. However, there are limited data on MI rates and its predictors in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.ObjectivesTo enumerate the prevalence of PMI after bariatric surgery and develop a risk assessment tool.SettingBariatric surgery centers, United States.MethodsPatients undergoing bariatric surgery were identified from the MBSAQIP participant use file (PUF) 2016. Preoperative characteristics, which correlated with PMI were identified by multivariable regression analysis. PUF 2015 was used to validate the scoring tool developed from PUF 2016.ResultsWe identified 172,017 patients from PUF 2016. Event rate for MI within 30 days of the operation was .03%; with a mortality rate of 17.3% in patients with a PMI. Four variables correlated with PMI on regression, including history of a previous MI (odds ratio [OR] = 8.57, confidence interval [CI] = 3.4–21.0), preoperative renal insufficiency (OR = 3.83, CI = 1.2–11.4), hyperlipidemia (OR = 2.60, CI = 1.3–5.1), and age >50 (OR = 2.15, CI = 1.1–4.2). Each predicting variable was assigned a score and event rate for MI was assessed with increasing risk score in PUF 2015; the rate increased from 9.5 per 100,000 operations with a score of 0 to 3.2 per 100 with a score of 5.ConclusionThe prevalence of MI after bariatric surgery is lower than other intraabdominal surgeries. However, mortality with PMI is high. This scoring tool can be used by bariatric surgeons to identify patients who will benefit from focused perioperative cardiac workup.     

Single- or double-anastomosis duodenal switch versus Roux-en-Y gastric bypass as a revisional procedure for sleeve gastrectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundLaparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is one of the most commonly performed bariatric procedure worldwide. There is currently no consensus on which revisional procedure is best after an initial SG.ObjectivesTo compare the efficacy and safety between single-anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass (SADI) or biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) versus Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) as a revisional procedure for SG.SettingUniversity Hospital, Canada.MethodsMEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and PubMed were searched up to August 2018. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they compared SADI or BPD-DS with RYGB as a revisional bariatric procedure for SG. Primary outcome was absolute percentage of total weight loss. Secondary outcomes were length of stay, adverse events, and improvement or resolution of co-morbidities (diabetes, hypertension, or hypercholesterolemia). Pooled mean differences were calculated using random effects meta-analysis.ResultsSix retrospective cohort studies involving 377 patients met the inclusion criteria. The SADI/BPD-DS group achieved a significantly higher percentage of total weight loss compared with RYGB by 10.22% (95% confidence interval, ?17.46 to ?2.97; P = .006). However, there was significant baseline equivalence bias with 4 studies reporting higher initial body mass index (BMI) in the SADI/BPD-DS group. There were no significant differences in length of stay, adverse events, or improvement of co-morbidities between the 2 groups.ConclusionSADI, BPD-DS, and RYGB are safe and efficacious revisional surgeries for SG. Both SADI and RYGB are efficacious in lowering initial BMI but there is more evidence for excellent weight loss outcomes with the conversion to BPD-DS when the starting BMI is high. Further randomized trials are required for definitive conclusions.     

Surgeon factors are strongly correlated with who receives a sleeve gastrectomy versus a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

BackgroundSleeve gastrectomy (SG) has replaced Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) as the most common bariatric operation. While SG constitutes ～70% of all bariatric volume, we hypothesize that the distribution of SG versus RYGB varies widely at the level of the surgeon and that surgeon rather than patient factors are the primary driver of the procedure performed.ObjectivesTo determine the distribution of bariatric procedures performed at the surgeon level.SettingPopulation-level analysis using the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) for New York State (2004–2014).MethodsIdentified surgeons performing SG and RYGB using billing codes. Logistic regression performed to determine the impact of surgeon, patient, and hospital factors on receiving a RYGB.ResultsOf the 142 surgeons who perform >5 bariatric operations per year, 32 (22.5%) performed a SG in ≥95% of their bariatric cases in the year 2014. In logistic regression, diabetes (odds ratio [OR] 1.45; P < .001) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (OR 1.36; P < .001) were associated with receiving a RYGB. However, the most correlated factor was whether the surgeon had a RYGB case volume >66^th percentile in the preceding year (OR 33.8; P < .001). In pseudo-R² analysis, 83% of the power of the regression could be explained by surgeon factors alone.ConclusionsWhile the percentage of SG in this cohort closely matches the national average, there is wide variation at the surgeon level with a significant proportion predominantly performing a single procedure. Surgeon factors are more strongly correlated with procedure selection compared to patient or hospital factors.     

Early cardiac complications after bariatric surgery: does the type of procedure matter?

BackgroundMajor adverse cardiac events (MACE) can be a cause of postoperative mortality. This is specifically important in bariatric surgery due to obesity-related cardiovascular risk factors.ObjectiveTo assess postoperative cardiac adverse events after bariatric surgery and its independent predictors.SettingA retrospective analysis of 2011–2015 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project-National Inpatient Sample.MethodsData on patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) were retrieved. MACE was identified as a composite variable including myocardial infarction, acute ischemic heart disease without myocardial infarction, and acute heart failure. Dysrhythmia (excluding premature beats) was identified as a separate outcome. Multivariate regression analysis for MACE was performed using demographic factors, co-morbidities, and type of surgery.ResultsThe analysis included 108,432 patients (SG: 54.6%, RYGB: 45.4%). MACE was found in 116 patients (.1%), and dysrhythmia occurred in 3670 patients (3.4%). Median length of stay in patients with MACE was 4.5 versus 2 days in others (P < .001). There were 43 deaths overall, and 31 were in patients with MACE or dysrhythmia (P < .001). Age ≥ 50 years, male sex, congestive heart failure, chronic pulmonary disease, ischemic heart disease, history of pulmonary emboli, and fluid or electrolyte disorders were independent predictors of MACE based on multivariate analysis. Type of surgery (SG versus RYGB) was not an independent predictor for MACE (odds ratio 1.41, 95% confidence interval: .77–2.55).ConclusionsWhile cardiac complications are rare after bariatric surgery, their occurrence is associated with increased length of stay, hospital charges, and mortality. Older age, male sex, cardiopulmonary co-morbidities, and fluid or electrolyte disorders are predictive of MACE. RYGB does not increase the risk of MACE compared with SG.     

Bariatric surgery in the elderly: outcomes analysis of patients over 70 using the ACS-NSQIP database

BackgroundBariatric surgery offers patients with morbid obesity and related diseases short- and long-term benefits to their health and quality of life. Evidence-based medicine is integral in the evaluation of risk versus benefit; however, data are lacking for several high-risk patient populations, including the elderly.ObjectivesThis study assessed morbidity and mortality data for patients age ≥70 undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).SettingUniversity Hospital, Bronx, New York, United States using national database.MethodsWe used the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database for years 2005–2016 and identified patients who underwent primary SG or RYGB. Patients age ≥70 were assigned to the over age 70 (AGE70+) cohort and younger patients were assigned to the under age 70 (U70) cohort. Postoperative length of stay and 30-day morbidity and mortality were assessed.ResultsA total of 1498 patients age ≥70 underwent nonrevisional bariatric surgery, including 751 (50.1%) SG and 747 (49.9%) RYGB. AGE70+ was associated with increased mortality and increased rates of cardiac, pulmonary, renal, and cerebrovascular morbidity. AGE70+ patients had longer mean length of stay, and were more likely to require transfusion and return to operative room. When stratified by procedure, rates of organ-space surgical site infection, acute renal failure, urinary tract infection, myocardial infarction, deep vein thrombosis/thrombophlebitis, and septic shock were significantly increased in AGE70+ patients undergoing RYGB but not SG. Impaired functional status was associated with increased rates of morbidity and mortality for AGE70+ patients and for U70 patients, although the small number of patients within each category limited statistical analysis.ConclusionsEvaluation of risk versus benefit is performed on a case-by-case basis, but evidence-based medicine is critical in empowering surgeons and patients to make informed decisions. The overall rate of morbidity and mortality for AGE70+ patients undergoing bariatric surgery was increased relative to U70 patients. Rates of several adverse events, including acute renal failure and myocardial infarction, were increased in AGE70+ patients undergoing RYGB but not SG, suggesting that SG may be the preferred procedure for elderly patients with organ-specific risk factors. The increased rates of morbidity and mortality observed for patients with impaired functional status supports consideration of functional status when evaluating preoperative risk.     

Prevalence and impact of acid-related symptoms and diarrhea in patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass,sleeve gastrectomy,and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch

BackgroundGastrointestinal symptoms are common in the obese population.ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence and importance of acid-related symptoms and diarrhea in 3 different types of bariatric operations: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), sleeve gastrectomy (SG), and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS).SettingNational data from Sweden.MethodsA total of 58,823 primary bariatric procedures (RYGB: 87.5%, SG: 11.7%, and BPD/DS: .7%) performed from 2007 to 2017 were identified in the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry. Associations between acid-related symptoms and diarrhea, both defined by continuous use of pharmacologic treatment, and predefined outcomes were studied in a multivariate model, adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, and year of surgery.ResultsAt baseline, acid-related symptoms were most common in RYGB (9.9%), while diarrhea was rare. In general, symptomatic patients were older, had more co-morbidities, and scored lower on quality of life compared with the remaining patients. In the multivariate analysis, RYGB patients with acid-related symptoms had reduced risk of prolonged operative time and length of stay, while postoperative complications and reoperations increased by 24% and 36%, respectively. In SG, both symptoms were associated with prolonged operative time and a doubled risk for complications. Symptomatic patients had reduced improvement in quality of life, while no association with the weight result was seen. Postoperatively, acid-related symptoms decreased in RYGB, while doubling in SG. Diarrhea increased 2- and 6-fold in RYGB and BPD/DS, respectively.ConclusionThe 2 gastrointestinal symptoms were associated with increased operative risks and reduced improvement in quality of life. Postoperatively, the respective anatomic alternations affected both gastrointestinal symptoms.     

Gastrointestinal symptoms before and after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a longitudinal assessment

BackgroundRoux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is an effective treatment for morbid obesity, but many patients have increased gastrointestinal symptoms.ObjectivesTo evaluate gastrointestinal symptoms and food intolerance before and after RYGB over time in a large cohort of morbidly obese patients.SettingA high-volume bariatric center of excellence.MethodsA prospective cohort study was performed in patients who underwent RYGB between September 2014 and July 2015, with 2-year follow-up. Consecutive patients screened for bariatric surgery answered the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) and a food intolerance questionnaire before RYGB and 2 years after surgery. The prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms before and after surgery and the association between patient characteristics and postoperative gastrointestinal symptoms were assessed.ResultsFollow-up was 86.2% (n = 168) for patients undergoing primary RYGB and 93.3% (n = 28) for revisional RYGB. The total mean GSRS score increased from 1.69 to 2.31 after surgery (P < .001), as did 13 of 16 of the individual scores. Preoperative GSRS score is associated with postoperative symptom severity (B = .343, P < .001). Food intolerance was present in 16.1% of patients before primary RYGB, increasing to 69.6% after surgery (P < .001). Patients who underwent revisional RYGB had a symptom severity and prevalence of food intolerance comparable with that among patients with primary RYGB, even though they had more symptoms before revisional surgery.ConclusionsTwo years after surgery, patients who underwent primary RYGB have increased gastrointestinal symptoms and food intolerance compared with the preoperative state. It is important that clinicians are aware of this and inform patients before surgery.     

Effect of single anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy on glucose tolerance test: comparison with other bariatric procedures

BackgroundNo data have been reported regarding the risk of hyperinsulinemic response and reactive hypoglycemia after single anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S). Furthermore, comparative studies with other bariatric procedures are lacking.ObjectivesTo compare response to oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in patients who underwent SADI-S, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), sleeve gastrectomy (SG), and biliopancreatic diversion (BPD).SettingFondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome.MethodsConsenting, nondiabetic patients matched for age, sex, and preoperative body mass index, who underwent SADI-S, RYGB, SG, and BPD, were recruited. A 75 g OGTT was performed pre and postoperatively. Plasma insulin and glucose (pGlu–mg/dL) were measured at baseline, and at +30, +60, +90, +120, +150, and +180 minutes. Severe hypoglycemia was defined as pGlu concentration <55 mg/dL.ResultsThirty-five patients were recruited: 9 SADI-S, 11 RYGB, 7 SG, and 8 BPD. Comparing preoperative and postoperative responses to OGTT, all procedures improved the glycemic control with better early results after SADI-S and BPD compared with RYGB and SG. No patients showed severe hypoglycemia. Significantly more patients who underwent RYGB and SG showed asymptomatic pGlu <70 mg/dL during OGTT compared with SADI-S and BPD (63.6% and 57.1% vs 22.2% and 12.5%, respectively, P < .05).ConclusionsSimilar to BPD, SADI-S seems to be associated to insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis improvement, together with a reduced risk of hyperinsulinemia and, consequently, to hypoglycemia, often associated with RYGB and SG.     

Chronic abdominal pain and quality of life after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy – a cross-cohort analysis of two prospective longitudinal observational studies

BackgroundChronic abdominal pain (CAP) after bariatric surgery is not extensively explored and may impact the postoperative outcomes.ObjectiveTo compare the prevalence of patient-reported chronic abdominal pain (CAP) after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Secondarily, we compared other abdominal and psychological symptoms and quality of life (QoL). Preoperative predictors of postoperative CAP were also explored.SettingTertiary referral centers for bariatric surgery in Norway.MethodsAnalyses of 2 separate prospective longitudinal cohort studies evaluating CAP, abdominal and psychological symptoms and QoL before and 2 years after RYGB and SG.ResultsFollow-ups were attended by 416 patients (85.8%), 300/416 (72.1%) were females and 209/416 (50.2%) were RYGB procedures. At follow-up, the mean age was 44.9 (10.0) years, BMI 29.5 (5.4) kg/m², and total weight loss 31.6 (10.3) %. The prevalence of CAP was 28/236 (11.9%) before and 60/209 (28.7%) after RYGB (P < .001) and 32/223 (14.3%) before and 50/186 (26.9%) after SG (P < .001). Gastrointestinal symptom rating scale scores showed greater deterioration of diarrhea and indigestion after RYGB and reflux after SG. The improvement in depression symptoms was greater after SG, as well as several QoL scores improved more after SG. Patients with CAP after RYGB experienced deterioration in several QoL scores, while these scores improved in patients with CAP after SG. Preoperative hypertension, bothersome reflux symptoms, and CAP predicted postoperative CAP.ConclusionsThe prevalence of CAP increased comparably after RYGB and SG, with worsening of gastroesophageal reflux after SG and greater deterioration of diarrhea and indigestion after RYGB. In patients with CAP at follow-up, several QoL scores improved more after SG than RYGB.     

The relationship between food insecurity and binge and night eating symptoms in prebariatric surgery patients is mediated by depressive symptoms

BackgroundEleven percent of households in the United States experience food insecurity, which is a lack of access to adequate, desirable food for a healthy lifestyle. Although food insecurity is associated with increased risk of obesity and nonadherence to dietary management of chronic diseases such as diabetes, the correlates of food insecurity have not yet been studied in a bariatric surgery population.ObjectivesTo replicate, in a bariatric sample, previous findings that food insecurity is related to eating pathology and to test the hypothesis that this relationship is mediated by depressive symptoms.SettingUniversity hospital, United States.MethodsTwo hundred forty bariatric surgery candidates responded to self-report measures of food insecurity and mood, night-eating, and binge-eating symptoms. The sample was 74% female and 71% white, with a mean age of 41.09 (11.84) years. Based on responses to the United States Department of Agriculture Adult Food Security Survey Model, 15.8% were categorized as food insecure and 25.8% as marginally food secure. Multiple regression models with bootstrapping for confidence interval estimates were used to explore mediation hypotheses.ResultsFood insecurity was positively associated with symptoms of night eating and binge eating, and these relationships were cross-sectionally mediated by depressive symptoms.ConclusionsFood insecure bariatric candidates may be at increased risk of poorer postoperative outcomes because of lack of access to needed food and the detrimental mental health impact of this lack of access.     

Factors influencing long-term weight loss after bariatric surgery

BackgroundBariatric surgery provides sustained weight loss and improves comorbidities. However, long term data has shown that patients gradually regain weight after 1 year. Several factors have been associated with poor weight loss after bariatric surgery.ObjectiveOur goal is to investigate factors associated with poor weight loss following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).SettingMilitary academic medical center.MethodsRetrospective review of 247 patients who underwent laparoscopic SG or RYGB between 2010–2012 at Eisenhower Army Medical Center and followed for 5 years postoperatively. Factors of age, type of surgery, sex, hypertension, depression, and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are analyzed in univariate and multivariate analysis with percent total weight loss (%TWL) and Body Mass Index (BMI) change as primary endpoints measured at 3 and 5 years.ResultsAverage BMI change are maximized at 1 year and decreased at 3 and 5 years post-surgery. Age, diabetes, hypertension and type of surgery significantly influenced weight loss at 3 and 5 years on univariate analysis. However, patients with diabetes, hypertension and sleeve gastrectomy were significantly older than comparable control group. Multivariable analysis showed that age and type of surgery, not diabetes or hypertension, were associated with poor %TWL and BMI change at 3 and 5 years.ConclusionWhile presence of hypertension and diabetes initially appeared to be associated with weight recidivism, their impacts were negligible on multivariable analysis. However, age and sleeve gastrectomy are independent risk factors. Our data can be used to counsel patients on expected weight loss after bariatric surgery.     

Effects of bariatric surgery on obese polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundBariatric surgery has been widely used for the treatment of obesity and its related metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes (T2D), hypertension, and sleep apnea syndrome. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive endocrine metabolic disease; however, little attention has been paid to the efficacy of bariatric surgery on PCOS.ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of bariatric surgery on obese PCOS patients.SettingA systematic review and meta-analysis at a university hospital.MethodsOnline databases were searched for all studies reporting the efficacy of bariatric surgery for obese patients with PCOS up to October 2018.ResultsA total of 9 studies with 234 obese PCOS patients were included in this article. The results of meta-analysis showed that after bariatric surgery, there was a significant reduction of the incidence of abnormal menstruation (relative risk [RR] .23; 95% confidence interval [CI] .13–.43; P < .00001) and hirsutism (RR .47; 95% CI .28–.79; P = .004). Bariatric surgery can also cause a decrease in the serum total testosterone level (mean difference [MD] = –25.82; 95% CI –30.06 to –21.58; P < .00001), serum free testosterone level (MD = –4.10; 95% CI –6.97 to –1.23; P = .005), and body mass index (MD = –14.51; 95% CI –17.88 to –11.14; P < .00001). It also showed a significant effect on T2D (RR .09; 95% CI .03–.32; P = .0002) and hypertension (RR .21; 95% CI .05–.98; P = .05) in obese patients with PCOS.ConclusionsBariatric surgery can reduce the incidence of abnormal menstruation, improve hyperandrogenism and its clinical manifestations, and decrease the body mass index, prevalence of T2D, and hypertension in obese patients with PCOS.     

Safety of concomitant cholecystectomy with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass: a MBSAQIP analysis

BackgroundGallstone disease occurs more commonly in the obese population and is often diagnosed during the preoperative evaluation for bariatric surgery.ObjectivesThis study analyzed outcomes of laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG), with and without cholecystectomy (LC), using data from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program.SettingPatients reported to Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program participating centers in the United States and Canada in 2015.MethodsAll cases of LGB and SG, with and without LC, were analyzed. A 1:1 propensity-matched cohort was created for both SG and LGB, with and without concomitant LC. Multivariate logistic regression stratified by procedure was used to identify predictors of major complications after SG and LGB, using concomitant LC as a predictor. We also constructed a model for surgical site infections (SSIs) for SG group.ResultsOf 98,292 sleeve operations, 2046 (2%) had concomitant LC. Of 44,427 bypass operations, 1426 (3%) had concomitant LC. For the sleeve group, concomitant LC increased operative time by an average of 27 minutes but did not affect length of stay, mortality, or major complications. Concomitant LC was associated with increased SSI (1% versus .4%) and need for reoperation (1.6% versus .7%) in univariate models. After adjusting for other predictors, concomitant LC was associated with increased risk for SSI (odds ratio 2.5, confidence interval 1.0–5.9, P = .04). For the bypass group, concomitant LC increased operative time by an average of 28 minutes to the operation, and postoperative length of stay averaged ～5 hours longer (2.4 versus 2.2 d, P = .03). Thirty-day complications were similar between the groups. On multivariate analysis, concomitant LC was not a significant risk factor for major complications. Only operative time was an independent factor for major complications.ConclusionsConcomitant LC with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass did not affect mortality or risk of major complication. For sleeve patients, concomitant LC was associated with a .6% increased risk (.4% to 1.0%) of SSI. Concomitant LC with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass is safe when indicated for gallstone disease.     

Bariatric surgery before and after kidney transplantation: long-term weight loss and allograft outcomes

BackgroundSevere obesity is frequently a barrier to kidney transplantation, and kidney transplant recipients often have significant weight gain following transplantation.ObjectivesThe goals of this study were to evaluate the long-term risks and benefits of bariatric surgery before and after kidney transplantation.SettingUniversity Hospital, United States.MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study of 43 patients who had pretransplantation bariatric surgery and 21 patients who had posttransplantation bariatric surgery from 1994 to 2017 with propensity-score matching to identify matched controls using national registry data.ResultsBody mass index at the time of transplantation was similar in patients who underwent bariatric surgery before versus after transplantation (32 versus 34 kg/m², P = .172). There was no significant difference in body mass index in the 5 years after bariatric surgery among patients who underwent bariatric surgery before versus after kidney transplantation (36 versus 32 kg/m², P = 0.814). Compared with matched controls, bariatric surgery before (n = 38) and after (n = 18) kidney transplantation was associated with a decreased risk of allograft failure (hazard ratio .31 [95% confidence interval .29–0.33] and .85 [95% confidence interval .85–.86] for pre- and posttransplant, respectively) and mortality (hazard ratio .57 [95% confidence interval .53–.61] and .80 [95% confidence interval .79–.82] for pre- and posttransplant, respectively).ConclusionsBariatric surgery before and after kidney transplantation results in similar maintenance of weight loss and improved long-term allograft survival compared with matched controls. Bariatric surgery appears to be a safe and reasonable approach to weight loss both before and after transplantation.