Hormone changes and diabetes resolution after biliopancreatic diversion and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a comparative prospective study

BackgroundBiliopancreatic diversion (BPD) is the most effective bariatric procedure in terms of weight loss and remission of diabetes type 2 (T2DM), but it is accompanied by nutrient deficiencies. Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is a relatively new operation that has shown promising results concerning T2DM resolution and weight loss. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare prospectively the effects of BPD long limb (BPD) and laparoscopic SG on fasting, and glucose-stimulated insulin, glucagon, ghrelin, peptide YY (PYY), and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion and also on remission of T2DM, hypertension, and dyslipidemia in morbidly obese patients with T2DM.MethodsTwelve patients (body mass index [BMI] 57.6±9.9 kg/m²) underwent BPD and 12 (BMI 43.7±2.1 kg/m²) underwent SG. All patients had T2DM and underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) before and 1, 3, and 12 months after surgery.ResultsBMI decreased more after BPD, but percent excess weight loss (%EWL) was similar in both groups (P = .8) and T2DM resolved in all patients at 12 months. Insulin sensitivity improved more after BPD than after SG (P = .003). Blood pressure, total and LDL cholesterol decreased only after BPD (P<.001). Triglycerides decreased after either operation, but HDL increased only after SG (P<.001). Fasting ghrelin did not change after BPD (P = .2), but decreased markedly after SG (P<.001). GLP-1 and PYY responses during OGTT were dramatically enhanced after either procedure (P = .001).ConclusionsSG was comparable to BPD in T2DM resolution but inferior in improving dyslipidemia and blood pressure. SG and BPD enhanced markedly PYY and GLP-1 responses but only SG suppressed ghrelin levels.     

Postprandial hypertriglyceridemia predicts improvement in insulin resistance in obese patients after bariatric surgery

BackgroundMorbidly obese patients have associated diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and cardiovascular disease. Bariatric surgery improves these obesity-related co-morbidities, including insulin resistance. Evidence has shown that patients with morbid obesity have postprandial hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) and that this type of HTG is related to the degree of insulin resistance. Also, bariatric surgery produces a dramatic reduction in triglyceride levels. However, it is unknown whether patients with postprandial HTG have a different clinical evolution after bariatric surgery. The setting of our study was a university hospital.MethodsWe studied 57 morbidly obese patients who had mild or severe postprandial HTG after fat overload (<30 mg/dL or >90 mg/dL increase in triglycerides, respectively). All the patients underwent bariatric surgery. After surgery, the anthropometric and biochemical variables and the Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance were measured for 1 year at 0, 15, 30, 45, 90, 180, and 365 days after surgery.ResultsThe patients with more severe postprandial HTG had a greater percentage of change in the Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance at 30, 90, and 180 days after surgery than the patients with less severe postprandial HTG. Multiple regression analysis showed that the postprandial triglyceride levels predict the variation in the Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance index, more so than did traditional variables, such as anthropometric, inflammatory, or hormonal data.ConclusionThe postprandial HTG level might be the best predictor of improved insulin resistance in morbidly obese patients after bariatric surgery.     

Change in serum polyamine metabolome pattern after bariatric surgery in obese patients with metabolic syndrome

BackgroundRecent works have reported that bariatric surgery has remarkable effects on the metabolome, which might be potentially associated to the metabolic improvement of this procedure in patients with obesity. Serum polyamines, metabolites derived from amino acid metabolism, have been recently related to the metabolic status in obese individuals. However, the impact of bariatric surgery on the circulating levels of polyamines remains elusive.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of bariatric surgery on serum polyamine levels and to evaluate the association of changes in these molecules with metabolic improvement in patients with morbid obesity.SettingVirgen de la Victoria University Hospital, Malaga, Spain.MethodsThis study included 32 morbidly obese patients (weight index ≥40 kg/m²) with metabolic syndrome, who underwent sleeve gastrectomy. Serum levels of polyamines (putrescine, spermidine, and spermine), acetylpolyamines, and polyamine-related amino acids (arginine and ornithine) were assessed at baseline and 6 months after bariatric surgery, and were analyzed in an ultraperformance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry platform.ResultsOur metabolomic analysis revealed a significant rise in several metabolites related to the polyamine metabolism, such as putrescine and acetyl derivatives of spermidine and spermine in serum samples from morbidly obese patients after bariatric surgery. Changes in serum levels of both putrescine and acetylputrescine were associated to the resolution of metabolic syndrome after surgery.ConclusionOur study indicates that bariatric surgery affects the serum polyamine pattern and the resolution of metabolic syndrome after bariatric surgery is associated to specific changes in the serum polyamine metabolome.     

Conversion of gastric sleeve to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and biliopancreatic diversion/duodenal switch: safe and viable options

BackgroundSleeve gastrectomy (SG) remains the most performed bariatric surgery. As numbers of SG increase, so do the numbers of patients requiring conversion for insufficient weight loss or weight regain. However, the literature has cited complication rates as high as 30%for reoperative bariatric surgery.ObjectiveWith the recent inclusion of conversion surgery variables in the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) database, we compared the safety and efficacy of SG conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) versus biliopancreatic diversion and duodenal switch (BPD/DS).SettingMBSAQIP database.MethodsAnalysis of the 2020 MBSAQIP Participant Use Files revealed 6020 patientswho underwent SG conversion to RYGB (5348) and BPD/DS (672). We examined 30-day outcomes including death, anastomotic leak, readmission, any complication, dehydration, and weight loss.ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference in mortality (.12% versus 0%) or; complication rate (6.5% versus 5.1%) with SG conversion to RYGB or BPD/DS. There was a statistically significant difference in anastomotic leak (.5% versus 1.2%, P = .024).Interestingly, BPD/DS was less likely to require dehydration treatments (4.2% versus 2.2%, P = .009) and had fewer readmissions within 30 days (7.3% versus 5.4%, P = .043).ConclusionsComplication rates after conversion of SG to RYGB or BPD/DS may be significantly lower than previously reported and only slightly higher than after primary weight loss surgery. SG conversion to either RYGB or BPD/DS remain safe, viable options forpatients who had insufficient weight loss or regain, and BPD/DS may be the better option in the appropriate patient.     

Can bariatric surgery improve cardiovascular risk factors in the metabolically healthy but morbidly obese patient?

BackgroundBariatric surgery has been shown to be effective in resolving co-morbid conditions even in patients with a body mass index (BMI)<35 kg/m². A question arises regarding the metabolic benefits of bariatric surgery in metabolically healthy but morbidly obese (MHMO) patients, characterized by a low cardiometabolic risk. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of bariatric surgery on cardiometabolic risk factors among MHMO and metabolically unhealthy morbidly obese (MUMO) adults.MethodsA nonrandomized, prospective cohort study was conducted on 222 severely obese patients (BMI>40 kg/m²) undergoing either laparoscopic roux-en-Y gastric bypass or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Patients were classified as MHMO if only 1 or no cardiometabolic factors were present: high blood pressure, triglycerides, blood glucose (or use of medication for any of these conditions), decreased high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, and insulin resistance defined as homeostasis model assessment for insulin-resistance (HOMA-IR)> 3.29.ResultsForty-two (18.9%) patients fulfilled the criteria for MHMO. They were younger and more frequently female than MUMO patients. No differences between groups were observed for weight, BMI, waist and hip circumference, total and LDL-C. MHMO patients showed a significant decrease in blood pressure, plasma glucose, HOMA-IR, total cholesterol, LDL-C and triglycerides and an increase in HDL-C 1 year after bariatric surgery. Weight loss 1 year after bariatric surgery was similar in both groups.ConclusionEighteen percent of patients with morbid obesity fulfilled the criteria for MHMO. Although cardiovascular risk factors in these patients were within normal range, an improvement in all these factors was observed 1 year after bariatric surgery. Thus, from a metabolic point of view, MHMO patients benefited from bariatric surgery.     

Temporal changes in glucose and insulin homeostasis after biliopancreatic diversion and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding

BackgroundObesity surgery is associated with improvement in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Our aim was to examine the effects of biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) on the body mass index, fasting insulin level, glucose level, and insulin resistance in morbidly obese subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The setting was the Department of Surgery, Morriston Hospital (Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom).MethodsA total of 13 morbidly obese patients (7 BPD, 6 LAGB) underwent serial measurements of fasting glucose and insulin at baseline, immediately after surgery (days 1–7), and 1, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. The homeostasis model of assessment–insulin resistance was calculated.ResultsIn the BPD group, the glucose levels had normalized by day 3 (5.6 ± 1 mmol/L) and the difference was statistically significant at 6 and 12 months postoperatively (5 ± .7 and 4.4 ± .5 mmol/L, respectively). The insulin levels had improved from day 1, and the difference was statistically significant at days 2, 5, 6, and 7 (19 ± 9, 14.2 ± 7, 15.2 ± 8, and 17.4 ± 8 mU/L, respectively). All diabetes medications were stopped on the fourth postoperative day. In the LAGB group, no statistically significant changes were seen in the glucose levels. Statistically significant changes in insulin were seen on days 1 and 2 (19 ± 13 and 13 ± 6.5 mU/L, respectively). The homeostatic model of assessment–insulin resistance had improved in both groups (BPD, 1.6 ± 1.2, P < .01; and LAGB, 4.3 ± 1.4, P < .05).ConclusionBPD causes immediate remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Leptin might play an important role in the early improvement of insulin resistance in fasting states after BPD. In the LAGB group, glucose homeostasis improved, but the patients still required diabetes medications, although the dosages were reduced.     

Impact of accreditation in bariatric surgery

BackgroundSeveral studies have shown improved outcomes associated with accredited bariatric centers. The aim of our study was to examine the outcomes of bariatric surgery performed at accredited versus nonaccredited centers using a nationally representative database. Additionally, we aimed to determine if the presence of bariatric surgery accreditation could lead to improved outcomes for morbidly obese patients undergoing other general laparoscopic operations.MethodsUsing the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, for data between 2008 and 2010, clinical data of morbidly obese patients who underwent bariatric surgery, laparoscopic antireflux surgery, cholecystectomy, and colectomy were analyzed according to the hospital’s bariatric accreditation status.ResultsA total of 277,068 bariatric operations were performed during the 3-year period, with 88.4% of cases performed at accredited centers. In-hospital mortality was significantly lower at accredited compared to nonaccredited centers (.08% versus .19%, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that nonaccredited centers had higher risk-adjusted mortality for bariatric procedures compared to accredited centers (odds ratio [OR] 3.1, P<.01). Post hoc analysis showed improved mortality for patients who underwent gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy at accredited centers compared to nonaccredited centers (.09% versus .27%, respectively, P<.01). Patients with a high severity of illness who underwent bariatric surgery also had lower mortality rates when the surgery was performed at accredited versus nonaccredited centers (.17% versus .45%, respectively, P<.01). Multivariate analysis showed that morbidly obese patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (OR 2.4, P<.05) and antireflux surgery (OR 2.03, P<.01) at nonaccredited centers had higher rates of serious complications.ConclusionAccreditation in bariatric surgery was associated with more than a 3-fold reduction in risk-adjusted in-hospital mortality. Resources established for bariatric surgery accreditation may have the secondary benefit of improving outcomes for morbidly obese patients undergoing general laparoscopic operations.     

Impact of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy on gut microbiota: a metagenomic comparative analysis

BackgroundBariatric surgery is an effective therapeutic procedure for morbidly obese patients. The 2 most common interventions are sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB).ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to compare microbiome long-term microbiome after SG and LRYGB surgery in obese patients.SettingUniversity Hospital, France; University Hospital, United States; and University Hospital, Switzerland.MethodsEighty-nine and 108 patients who underwent SG and LRYGB, respectively, were recruited. Stools were collected before and 6 months after surgery. Microbial DNA was analyzed with shotgun metagenomic sequencing (SOLiD 5500 xl Wildfire). MSPminer, a novel innovative tool to characterize new in silico biological entities, was used to identify 715 Metagenomic Species Pan-genome. One hundred forty-eight functional modules were analyzed using GOmixer and KEGG database.ResultsBoth interventions resulted in a similar increase of Shannon’s diversity index and gene richness of gut microbiota, in parallel with weight loss, but the changes of microbial composition were different. LRYGB led to higher relative abundance of aero-tolerant bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and buccal species, such as Streptococcus and Veillonella spp. In contrast, anaerobes, such as Clostridium, were more abundant after SG, suggesting better conservation of anaerobic conditions in the gut. Enrichment of Akkermansia muciniphila was also observed after both surgeries. Function-level changes included higher potential for bacterial use of supplements, such as vitamin B12, B1, and iron upon LRYGB.ConclusionMicrobiota changes after bariatric surgery depend on the nature of the intervention. LRYGB induces greater taxonomic and functional changes in gut microbiota than SG. Possible long-term health consequences of these alterations remain to be established.     

Surgeon and hospital volume outcomes in bariatric surgery: a population-level study

BackgroundOutcomes after bariatric surgery are tied to surgical volume; however, this relationship is not clearly established for each procedure.ObjectivesTo evaluate the impact of surgeon/hospital volumes on morbidity after bariatric surgery and identify volume cutoffs.SettingMulti-centric population-level study, province of Quebec, Canada.MethodsWe studied a population-based cohort of all morbidly obese patients who underwent bariatric surgery in Quebec, Canada during 2006 to 2012. We evaluated only the most common procedures in North America, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Multilevel, cross-classified logistic regressions were used to test the effects of annual surgeon volume (SV) and hospital volume (HV) on a composite 90-day postoperative outcome. Receiver operator curve was used to identify volume thresholds.ResultsOverall, 821 patients had RYGB and 1802 underwent SG by 34 surgeons in 15 centers. For RYGB, 10-case increase in SV was associated with adjusted odds ratio of .82 (95% confidence interval: .71–.94). Similar increase in HV resulted in odds ratio of .86 (95% confidence interval: .77–.96). Annual SV threshold of 21 RYGBs and HV of 25 cases were identified (area under the curve = .60 and .61, respectively). For SV, being in the higher volume category translated into an absolute risk reduction of 12.5% for 90-day major morbidity. For SG, annual 10-case increase in SV and HV was not significantly associated with a decrease in 90-day postoperative morbidity.ConclusionSV and HV are significant independent predictors of 90-day major morbidity after RYGB. This study further supports establishing minimum surgical volume requirements for more complex anastomotic procedures like RYGB. However, the role of volume targets in SG remains unclear.     

Impact of Psychosocial Stress and Symptoms on Indication for Bariatric Surgery and Outcome in Morbidly Obese Patients

Background: Obese patients often suffer from physical and psychiatric co-morbidity. Bariatric surgery has been widely used to treat morbid obesity. The present study addresses the issues of the impact of psychosocial stress and symptoms on indication for and outcome of bariatric surgery. Methods: A sample of 131 morbidly obese patients applying for bariatric surgery underwent assessment via the Psychosocial Stress and Symptom Questionnaire (PSSQ). Patients were categorized as under little/no (below cut-off) or great (above cut-off) psychosocial stress. 2 years after their first assessment and 1 year after potential bariatric surgery, 119 patients (90.8% participation rate), 69 of whom were treated surgically, were followed up by a telephone interview asking for outcome variables such as BMI, employability, medication, doctor consultations, and physical/psychological well-being. Results: 86 patients (72.3%) scored above the cutoff in the PSSQ.There was no correlation between the result of the PSSQ and the surgeons' indication for bariatric surgery. 69 patients (58.0%) underwent bariatric surgery, of whom 48 had PSSQ scores above the cut-off. Individuals under great psychosocial stress experienced the same positive physical and psychological well-being after surgery as subjects under little or no stress. Psychosocially stressed patients (n = 38) who did not undergo surgery showed the worst outcome. Conclusion: Great psychosocial stress in morbidly obese subjects should not be a contraindication for bariatric surgery. However, those patients should receive pre- and post-surgical counseling, to reduce anxiety before surgery and increase compliance after surgery.     

Bariatric surgery: A safe and effective conduit to cardiac transplantation

BackgroundObesity and obesity-related co-morbidities, including advanced heart failure, are epidemic. Some of these patients will progress to require cardiac allografts as the only means of long-term survival. Unfortunately, without adequate weight loss, they may never be deemed acceptable transplant candidates. Often surgical weight loss may be the only effective and durable option for these complex patients. The objective of this study was to assess whether bariatric surgery is feasible and safe in patients with severe heart failure, which in turn, after adequate weight loss, would allow these patients to be listed for a heart transplant.MethodsFour patients who underwent bariatric procedures, such as laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG), for the purpose of attaining adequate weight loss with the goal to improve their eligibility for orthotopic heart transplants are presented.ResultsAll patients did well around the time of surgery, and 3 of the 4 progressed to receiving a heart transplant. The fourth patient will be listed pending attaining adequate weight loss.ConclusionBariatric surgery may be an important bridge to transplantation for morbidly obese patients with severe heart failure. With the appropriate infrastructure, bariatric surgery is a feasible and effective weight loss method in this population.     

Exocrine pancreatic function and dynamic of digestion after restrictive and malabsorptive bariatric surgery: a prospective,cross-sectional,and comparative study

BackgroundGastrointestinal anatomical changes after restrictive and malabsorptive bariatric surgery lead to important disturbances in the process of digestion and absorption of nutrients and could lead to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI).ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to evaluate and to compare pancreatic function and the dynamic of digestion and absorption of nutrients after restrictive and malabsorptive bariatric surgical procedures.SettingUniversity Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.MethodsA prospective, observational, cross-sectional, comparative study of patients after sleeve gastrectomy (SG), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) was carried out. Patients with obesity who did not undergo surgery were included as control group. Pancreatic function and the dynamic of digestion and absorption of nutrients were evaluated by the ¹³C-mixed triglyceride (¹³C-MTG) breath test. Six-hour ¹³C-cumulative recovery rate (¹³C-CRR), ¹³C exhalation peak, and 1-hour maximal ¹³C-CRR were calculated.ResultsOne-hundred five patients were included (mean age, 49.8 yr; 84 women). Six-hour ¹³C-CRR was significantly reduced after BPD/DS (P < .001) but not after SG and RYGB. EPI was present in 75% of patients after BPD/DS, 8.3% of patients after RYGB, and 4.3% of patients after SG. Compared with the control group who did not undergo surgery, digestion and absorption of nutrients tended to occur earlier after SG, whereas it was delayed after RYGB and mainly after BPD/DS (P < .001).ConclusionBariatric surgery significantly alters the dynamic of the digestive process. EPI is very common after BPD/DS, frequent after RYGB, and less frequent after SG. This information is clinically relevant since EPI is a treatable condition associated with symptoms, nutritional deficiencies, and complications.     

Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch Combined with Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding

Background: The authors investigated the usefulness of an approach combining biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) with duodenal switch (DS) and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) in morbidly obese patients. Methods: 258 morbidly obese patients underwent bariatric surgery. 80 underwent gastric bypass (GBP), with an 80-ml pouch, a 120-150-cm common channel and a 350-cm alimentary limb (Group 1). 178 underwent BPD combined with DS-LAGB (Group 2): an 80cm common channel and a 200-cm alimentary limb were created in 68 patients (Subgroup 2a); a 120-cm common channel and a 300-cm alimentary limb were created in 110 patients (Subgroup 2b). Quality of life was assessed using the Moorehead-Ardelt Quality of Life Questionnaire (MA-QLQ). Results: At 2 years, mean BMI and %EWL were 27.8 kg/m² and 77.4 (Group 1), 25.2 kg/m² and 99.6 (Subgroup 2a), and 27.6 kg/m² and 79.3 (Subgroup 2b), respectively. 4 GBP patients regained their weight 2 years after surgery. There was 1 death, not related to surgery in Subgroup 2b. Preoperative MA-QLQ scores were similar between groups; at 2 years, MA-QLQ scores were higher in Subgroups 2a and 2b compared to Group 1 (+2.49 and +2.59 vs +0.98, respectively). Conclusion: Combination bariatric surgery is a safe, effective and durable weight loss option for the treatment of morbid obesity.     

Sleeve gastrectomy and crural repair in obese patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease and/or hiatal hernia

BackgroundGastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with or without hiatal hernia (HH) is now recognized as an obesity-related co-morbidity. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass has been proved to be the most effective bariatric procedure for the treatment of morbidly obese patients with GERD and/or HH. In contrast, the indication for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) in these patients is still debated. Our objective was to report our experience with 97 patients who underwent SG and HH repair (HHR). The setting was a university hospital in Italy.MethodsFrom July 2009 to December 2011, 378 patients underwent a preoperative workup for SG. In 97 patients, SG was performed with HHR. The clinical outcome was evaluated considering GERD symptom resolution or improvement, interruption of antireflux medications, and radiographic evidence of HH recurrence.ResultsBefore surgery, symptomatic GERD was present in 60 patients (15.8%), and HH was diagnosed in 42 patients (11.1%). In 55 patients (14.5%), HH was diagnosed intraoperatively. The mean follow-up was 18 months. GERD remission occurred in 44 patients (73.3%). In the remaining 16 patients, antireflux medications were diminished, with complete control of symptoms in 5 patients. No HH recurrences developed. “De novo” GERD symptoms developed in 22.9% of the patients undergoing SG alone compared with 0% of patients undergoing SG plus HHR.ConclusionSG with HHR is feasible and safe, providing good management of GERD in obese patients with reflux symptoms. Small hiatal defects could be underdiagnosed at preoperative endoscopy and/or upper gastrointestinal contrast study. Thus, a careful examination of the crura is always recommended intraoperatively.     

The effect of bariatric surgery on gout: a comparative study

BackgroundObesity is a risk factor for the development of gout. An increased incidence of early gouty attacks after bariatric surgery has been reported, but the data is sparse. The effect of weight loss surgery on the behavior of gout beyond the immediate postoperative phase remains unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the pre- and postoperative frequency and features of gouty attacks in bariatric surgery patients.MethodsCharts were reviewed to identify patients who had gout before bariatric surgery. Demographic and gout-related parameters were recorded. The comparison group consisted of obese individuals with gout who underwent nonbariatric upper abdominal procedures.ResultsNinety-nine morbidly obese patients who underwent bariatric surgery had gout. The comparison group consisted of 56 patients. The incidence of early gouty attack in the first month after surgery was significantly higher in the bariatric group than the nonbariatric group (17.5% versus 1.8%, P = .003). In the bariatric group, 23.8% of patients had at least one gouty attack during the 12-month period before surgery, which dropped to 8.0% during postoperative months 1–13 (P = .005). There was no significant difference in the number of gouty attacks in the comparison group before and after surgery (18.2% versus 11.1%, P = .33). There was a significant reduction in uric acid levels 13-months after bariatric surgery compared with baseline values (9.1±2.0 versus 5.6±2.5 mg/dL, P = .007).ConclusionThe frequency of early postoperative gout attacks after bariatric surgery is significantly higher than that of patients undergoing other procedures. However, the incidence decreases significantly after the first postoperative month up to 1 year.     

Effect of bariatric surgery on glycemic profiles in multiethnic obese nondiabetic Asians

BackgroundThe effect of bariatric surgery on improvement and remission of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is well studied. The effect of surgery on glycemic profiles of obese, but nondiabetic individuals is unknown.ObjectivesWe aimed to study changes in glycemic indices in obese nondiabetics undergoing bariatric surgery and correlate fat mass loss with changes in glycemic profiles.SettingUniversity Hospital, Singapore.MethodsA prospective database of nonT2D patients who underwent bariatric surgery between April 2009 and December 2014 was analyzed. Changes in weight, fat mass, and glycemic profiles, including glycated hemoglobin, C-peptide levels, and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance were studied at 1- and 3-year follow-up.ResultsOne hundred thirty-three nondiabetics underwent bariatric surgery in the study period. Twenty-nine (21.8%) patients were found to have impaired fasting glycemia. We observed reductions in mean fat mass from 47.4 ± 12.2 kg preoperatively to 27.8 ± 11.6 kg at 1 year. Despite mean fat mass regain to 33.9 ± 19.6 kg at 3 years, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance improved from severe insulin resistant state of >5.00 (7.13 ± 11.5) preoperatively to normal ranges of <3.00 (1.55 ± .91) at 3 years.ConclusionBariatric surgery results in significant sustained weight loss in obese nondiabetics and normalizes glycated hemoglobin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance after surgery. It is a promising modality to prevent or delay the onset of T2D in obese nondiabetic patients. Further studies should be conducted in nondiabetics to assess the efficacy of bariatric surgery in prevention of T2D onset in the longer term.     

Outcome Following Bariatric Surgery in Super versus Morbidly Obese Patients: Does Weight Matter?

Background: Numerous investigators have attempted to identify prognostic indicators for successful outcome following bariatric surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine whether degree of obesity affects outcome in super obese [>225% ideal body weight (IBW)] versus morbidly obese patients (160-225% IBW) undergoing gastric restrictive/bypass procedures. Methods: Since 1984, 157 patients underwent either gastric bypass or vertical banded gastroplasty. Super obese (78) and morbidly obese (79) patients were followed prospectively, documenting outcome and complications. Results: Super obese patients reached maximum weight loss 3 years following bariatric surgery, exhibiting a decrease in body mass index (BMI) from 61 to 39 kg/m² and an average loss of 42% excess body weight (EBW). Morbidly obese patients had a decrease in BMI from 44 to 31 kg/m² and carried 39% EBW at 1 year. After their respective nadirs, each group began to regain the lost weight with the super obese exhibiting a current BMI of 45 kg/m² (61% EBW) versus 34 kg/m² (52% EBW) in the morbidly obese at 72 months cumulative follow-up. Currently, loss of 50% or more of EBW occurred in 53% of super obese patients versus 72% of morbidly obese (P < 0.01). Twenty-six percent of super obese patients returned to within 50% of ideal body weight (IBW) while 71% of morbidly obese were able to reach this goal (P < 0.01). Co-morbidities and complications related to surgery were similar in each group. Conclusions: Super obese patients have a greater absolute weight loss after bariatric surgery than do morbidly obese patients. Using commonly utilized measures of success based on weight, morbidly obese patients tend to have better outcomes following bariatric surgery.     

Survival and changes in comorbidities after bariatric surgery

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate survival rates and changes in weight-related comorbid conditions after bariatric surgery in a high-risk patient population as compared with a similar cohort of morbidly obese patients who did not undergo surgery. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Morbid obesity is increasingly becoming a major public health issue. Existing studies are limited in their ability to assess the risks and benefits of bariatric surgery because few studies compare surgical patients to a similar, morbidly obese, nonsurgical cohort, especially in high-risk populations like the elderly and disabled. METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis using Medicare fee-for-service patients from 2001 to 2004. Survival rates and diagnosed presence of 5 conditions commonly comorbid with morbid obesity were examined for morbidly obese patients who did and did not undergo bariatric surgery, with up to 2 years follow-up. RESULTS: Morbidly obese Medicare patients who underwent bariatric surgery had increased survival rates over the 2 years of this study when compared with a similar morbidly obese nonsurgical group (P < 0.001). For patients under the age of 65, this survival advantage started at 6 months postoperatively and for patients over age 65, at 11 months. The surgical group also experienced significant improvements in the diagnosed prevalence of 5 weight-related comorbid conditions (diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and coronary artery disease) relative to the nonsurgical cohort after 1 year postsurgery (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Bariatric surgery appears to increase survival even in the high-risk, Medicare population, both for individuals aged 65 and older and those disabled and under 65. In addition, the diagnosed prevalence of weight-related comorbid conditions declined after bariatric surgery relative to a control cohort of morbidly obese patients who did not undergo surgery.     

Comparison of Weight Loss and Body Composition Changes in Morbidly Obese Taiwanese Patients with Different Bariatric Surgeries: A 1-Year Follow-up Study

Background

This study investigated the impacts of two different bariatric surgeries on the body composition of morbidly obese patients in Taiwan. Also, the differences in body composition changes between genders were compared.

Methods

In total, 198 patients who underwent bariatric surgery were included, with 130 receiving a sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and 68 receiving adjusted gastric banding (AGB). The weight and body composition were measured by bioelectrical impedance. Follow-up examinations were performed at subsequent visits after surgery and at 1 year. Only 81 SG and 40 AGB patients continued follow-up for the entire 12 months.

Results

All patients experienced significant weight loss beginning from 3 months after surgery. Compared to patients with AGB, SG patients had a greater extent of body mass index (BMI) loss, whereas a greater muscle weight percentage increase was found compared to AGB patients. Female patients had a higher body fat mass and lower muscle weight percentage and BMI than did males. There were no differences in changes in BMI, or percentages of body fat and muscle mass between male and female patients for 12 months after surgery. However, the waist/hip ratio (WHR) decrement and percentage of excess weight loss (ExWL%) were significantly greater in female than male patients with both bariatric surgeries.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that although females had greater extents of WHR decrement and ExWL% than male patients with both surgical procedures, patients who received SG had higher BMI changes and body fat losses than SGB patients regardless of differences in the gender distribution.     

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.