Long-term weight loss outcomes after banded Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a prospective 10-year follow-up study

Objective

To evaluate the weight loss outcomes of banded Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) during a 10-year follow-up.

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.     

Is sleeve gastrectomy overcriticized? A single-center Indian experience with 5-year follow-up results

BackgroundBariatric surgery has seen a sharp rise in numbers worldwide in the last decade. Being a popular procedure, sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has been widely studied over the years for its efficacy, potential for weight regain, metabolic impact, and de novo gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).ObjectivesTo evaluate clinical outcomes of laparoscopic SG after 5 years of follow-up in terms of weight loss, co-morbidity resolution, and GERD.SettingThe study was performed in a center of excellence in bariatric surgery in India.MethodsAll patients who underwent laparoscopic SG from January 2012 to April 2013 were included in the study. Their demographic, preoperative, and postoperative data were prospectively maintained in Microsoft Excel and analyzed statistically.ResultsTwo hundred eighteen patients underwent SG in 2012–2013. Patients had a preoperative body mass index of 45.8 ± 9.5 kg/m² (mean ± standard deviation) and excess weight of 54.1 ± 25.6 kg. Percent excess weight loss was 87.6% ± 28.9% at 1 year, 77.2% ± 29.3% at 3 years, and 69.1% ± 27.8% at 5 years. Percent total weight loss at 1 year was 35.5% ± 7.6%, 31.4% ± 9.1% at 3 years, and 29.2% ± 9.8% at 5 years. At 5 years, 11 of 25 (44%) showed complete diabetic remission and 5 of 25 (20%) showed partial remission. De novo GERD was seen in 24 of 153 (15.7%) patients.ConclusionOur study reflects good outcomes after SG in terms of weight loss and diabetes resolution at 5-year follow-up, though GERD remains a matter of concern.     

The Dutch bariatric weight loss chart: A multicenter tool to assess weight outcome up to 7 years after sleeve gastrectomy and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Background

Current methods for weight loss assessment after bariatric surgery do not meet the high standards required to accurately judge patient outcome in a fair and evidence-based way.

The association between patient attendance to a perioperative group-based lifestyle program and weight loss after bariatric surgery

BackgroundTo enable maximal and sustainable weight loss after bariatric surgery, bariatric lifestyle programs through multidisciplinary support are advised.ObjectivesTo assess the association between patient attendance to a perioperative group-based bariatric lifestyle program (GBLP) and weight loss up to 48 months postoperatively.SettingA multicenter retrospective cohort study in the Netherlands.MethodsPatients who underwent primary laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG) attended a GBLP in 2016 consisting of 18 sessions. A linear mixed model was used to assess the association between the patient attendance rate to the GBLP and total weight loss (%TWL). Independent predictors for the patient attendance rate and adequate %TWL were analyzed.ResultsA total of 3015 patients were included. Percentage of patients lost to follow-up was 5% at 1 year, 25% at 2 years, 34% at 3 years, and 42% at 4 years follow-up. Average TWL was 33% at 12 months after surgery, 33% at 24 months, 31% at 36 months, and 31% at 48 months. A small but significant adjusted positive association between the attendance rate and %TWL at 3 months until 36 months postoperatively was found (Beta between .03–.07), which disappeared at 48 months after surgery. Independent factors associated with a low attendance rate were younger age, male sex, and SG. Independent factors negatively associated with %TWL were male sex, SG, and diabetes.ConclusionA higher patient attendance to GBLP sessions is associated with a small but significant increase in postoperative weight loss up to 3, but not 4 years after surgery.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Patients undergoing intragastric balloon achieve approximately 50% of their target weight loss in the first month postoperatively: an MBSAQIP analysis

BackgroundIntragastric balloon (IGB) placement can provide a mean percent total weight loss (%TWL) of 10.2% at 6-month follow-up.ObjectivesWe aimed to evaluate 30-day outcomes and safety of patients undergoing IGB placement.SettingMetabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program.MethodsThe 2016 to 2017 Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program was queried for adult patients who underwent primary IGB placement. Demographic characteristics and preoperative risk factors were collected. Postoperative outcomes included %TWL, percent excess weight loss, and complications rates and causes. Subset analysis was done for outcomes comparison between surgeons or gastroenterologists performing the procedure. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 25.0.ResultsA total of 1221 patients were included. The majority was female (81.9%), Caucasian (81.2%), with a mean age of 48 ± 11.3 years and a mean preoperative body mass index of 34.9 ± 11.2 kg/m². Of patients, 98.8% were discharged within 24 hours of the procedure. Two patients were admitted to the intensive care unit, and 7.2% received postoperative treatment for dehydration. Reoperation and readmission rates were 1.1% and 7.2%, respectively, mainly due to nausea, vomiting, and poor nutritional status (n = 22). The intervention rate was 6.2%. Patients in this cohort achieved a mean %TWL of 6.2% (standard deviation, 5.52%) and mean TWL of 6.8 kg within 30 days postoperatively (n = 147; 24–30 d).ConclusionsOur data show patients met approximately 50% of their target weight loss 30 days after IGB placement. Nausea, vomiting, and poor nutrition status were the most common complications within 30 days of the procedure. Long-term follow-up is necessary to determine if these patients are able to sustain their weight loss and for how long.     

Revision operation to one-anastomosis gastric bypass for failed sleeve gastrectomy

BackgroundThere are few publications on revising sleeve gastrectomy (SG) to one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB).ObjectiveThis study was undertaken to determine outcomes in terms of weight loss and resolution of co-morbidities in patients who had SG revised to OAGB.SettingsA high-volume university–affiliated bariatric surgery center in India.MethodInformation was collected from patients identified in a prospectively maintained database of patients who had a revision from SG to OAGB. An analysis of outcomes in terms of weight loss and maintenance with up to 3-years follow-up is reported.ResultsThirty-two patients were revised from SG to OAGB. Of the 32 revised patients, 9 (28%) had type 2 diabetes, 15 (47%) had hypertension, and 2 (6%) had sleep apnea at the time of the initial SG. At the time of revision only 2 of 32 (6.25%) had type 2 diabetes, 3 (9.4%) had hypertension, and none had sleep apnea. The average initial weight in this study before SG was 118 kg and body mass index was 44.04 kg/m². The average weight at the nadir and at revision was 92.1 and 103.5 kg, respectively. Average weight was 93.5, 94.3, and 100.6 kg (P < .002) at 1-, 2-, and 3-year follow-up, respectively. There was reoccurrence of type 2 diabetes in 1 patient at 3 years after revision due to weight regain. There were no complications in this study.ConclusionIn this study, revision of SG to OAGB because of inadequate weight loss or significant weight regain was safe and effective at 2-year follow-up; however, there was a tendency toward weight regain at 3 years. Multicenter studies with larger series of patients and longer-term follow-up after SG revision to OAGB are needed.     

Total weight loss after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is influenced by preoperative weight loss: can we predict the outcome?

BackgroundPreoperative weight loss (WL) is associated with higher postoperative WL at 1- to 2-year follow-up in patients who undergo laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB).ObjectiveTo evaluate the possible association between preoperative and postoperative WL at 3-year follow-up and identify risk factors for insufficient WL.SettingA single-center prospective cohort study in the Netherlands.MethodsPatients undergoing primary LRYGB and laparoscopic conversion from band to bypass (redo LRYGB) were instructed to lose weight preoperatively. Follow-up data were collected 1, 2, and 3 years postoperatively. WL was described as percentage total weight loss (%TWL) and percentage excess body mass index (BMI) loss. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group A lost any amount of weight; group B did not lose any weight or gained weight preoperatively.ResultsGroup A consisted of 230 patients (median preoperative %TWL, 4.8%), and group B consisted of 46 patients (median preoperative %TWL, −1.3%). Median BMI at intake was 44.1 kg/m². Baseline characteristics were similar. The %TWL and BMI for group A and B in the patients who underwent primary LRYGB at 1, 2, and 3 years was 32.2% (BMI, 28.6 kg/m²) versus 23.9% (BMI, 32.2 kg/m²), 31.8% (BMI, 28.9 kg/m²) versus 25.2% (BMI, 31.9 kg/m²), and 33.3% (BMI, 29.7 kg/m²) versus 21.9% (BMI, 34 kg/m²), respectively, all P < .05. In patients who underwent redo LRYGB no clinically significant differences in postoperative BMI were found.ConclusionsPreoperative WL in primary patients who undergo LRYGB can be useful to identify those at risk of inadequate postoperative WL. In patients who undergo redo LRYGB different risk factors should be considered for prediction of inadequate postoperative WL.     

High-rate of long-term revision surgery due to weight regain after Laparoscopic Gastric Greater Curvature Plication (LGGCP)

PurposeTo present the long-term clinical outcomes of laparoscopic gastric greater curvature plication (LGGCP) in terms of weight loss and revision surgery rate.Material and methodsThis single-center study involved a retrospective analysis of patients that underwent revision surgery after LGGCP due to weight regain. Demographic and anthropometric data, comorbidities, operation time, hospital stays, mortalities, and immediate and long-term postoperative complications were analyzed. Postoperative Body Mass Index (BMI), %total weight loss (TWL), and complications were collected during follow-up.ResultsOf the 75 patients that underwent LGGCP at our hospital from March 2013 to February 2016, 13 (13/75, 17.3%) underwent revision surgery. All patients except one opted for sleeve gastrectomy. The mean interval between LGGCP and revision surgery was 71.0 ± 12.0 months (range, 54.8–93.6), and mean body weight, BMI, and TWL at revision were 89.2 ± 11.3 kg, 33.9 ± 4.2 kg/m², and 4.7 ± 9.3%, respectively. The main reason for revision was weight regain. Additional problems were chronic intermittent GERD (4/13, 30.8%), dyspepsia (4/13,30.8%), and chronic relapsing melena (1/13, 7.7%). Two patients experienced immediate postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo II and III). At one year after revision surgery, the mean body weight, BMI, and additional %TWL from revision surgery were 63.0 ± 5.3 kg, 24.0 ± 2.9 kg/m², and 28.7 ± 8.0%, respectively. One of four patients (1/4, 25%) that complained of GERD before revision surgery, was still on PPI medication at 1 year after revision surgery.ConclusionAlthough LGGCP showed initial acceptable weight loss outcomes, long term (>5 years) follow-up showed that LGGCP is associated with a high rate of revision surgery (17.3%) due to weight regain.     

Sleeve gastrectomy as a rescue of failed gastric banding: comparison of 1- and 2-step approaches

BackgroundSeries comparing gastric banding (GB) removal and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) when procedures are performed as a 1- or a 2-step approach are contradictory in their outcomes. No series comparing these approaches with midterm weight loss is available.ObjectivesCompare the outcomes and weight loss of SG performed as 1- and 2-step approaches as a revisional procedure for GB failure.SettingUniversity Hospital, France, public practice.MethodsBetween February 2006 and January 2017, all patients undergoing SG with a previous history of implementation of GB (n = 358) were included in this 2-center, retrospective, observational study. Revisional surgery was proposed in patients with insufficient excess weight loss (excess weight loss ≤50%) or weight regain after GB. A 1-step (1-step group, n = 270) or 2-step (2-step group, n = 88) approach was decided depending on patient’s choice and/or surgeon’s preference. The primary efficacy endpoint was the comparison of weight loss in the 1- and 2-step groups at the 2-year follow-up. The secondary efficacy endpoints were short-term outcomes (overall mortality and morbidity at postoperative day 30, specific morbidity, reoperation, length of hospital stay, and readmission).ResultsIn the 1-step group, the mean preoperative body mass index before SG was 40.5 kg/m² (27.0–69.0), while in the 2-step group, the mean preoperative body mass index was 43.5 kg/m² (31.5–61.7). Mean operating time was 109 minutes (50–240) in the 1-step group and 78.7 minutes (40–175) in the 2-step group (P = .22). In the 1-step group, 6 conversions to laparotomy occurred, while in the 2-step group, 2 conversions to laparotomy occurred (P = .75). One death (.2%, in the 2-step group) and 39 complications (30 in the 1-step group [11.1%] and 9 in the 2-step group [10.2%]) also occurred. The mean length of hospital stay was 6.2 days in the 1-step group and 4.1 days in the 2-step group. At 2-year follow-up, mean body mass index was 32.4 kg/m² in the 1-step group and 33.2 kg/m² in the 2-step group (P = .15), representing excess weight losses of 61.9 and 50.1 (P = .05), respectively. The rates of revisional surgery were .7% and 2.2%, respectively.ConclusionsSG after previous GB is efficient with similar outcomes depending on the 1- or 2-step approach. The 1-step approach seems to have increased weight loss compared with the 2-step approach.     

One-year weight loss after primary or revisional Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for failed adjustable gastric banding

BackgroundAdjustable gastric banding has been widely used in Europe, but recently gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass [RYGB]) has become the procedure of choice. With a gastric banding failure rate of nearly 40% at 5 years, the need for revisional surgery is increasing. The effect of a failed previous bariatric surgery on the weight loss curve after RYGB is still a controversial issue.MethodsA total of 259 patients underwent RYGB from 2003 to 2007, 58 after failed gastric banding and 201 as primary surgery. All the procedures were laparoscopically performed by the same surgeon at a single institution. The postoperative course and the percentage of excess weight loss were compared between the 2 groups.ResultsThe 2 groups were similar in age and initial body mass index (46.3 ± 7.2 kg/m² for revision versus 47.7 ± 6.7 kg/m² for primary RYGB). In contrast, the prerevision body mass index was 43.2 ± 7.0 kg/m². Revisional RYGB required a significantly longer operative time (128.3 ± 25.9 minutes versus 89.0 ± 14.7 minutes, P <.0001) and the morbidity was greater (8.6% versus 5.5%), but no patient died in the postoperative period after revision. As determined from the initial body mass index, the 1-year percentage of excess weight loss was comparable between the 2 groups (66.1% ± 26.8% and 70.4% ± 18.9%).ConclusionWhen RYGB is performed after an adjustable gastric band failure to restore weight loss or because of a complication, the weight loss curve is similar to that after primary RYGB. Therefore, the strategy of adjustable gastric banding first is an option that does not seem to preclude satisfactory weight loss after revision to RYGB.     

Number of weight loss attempts and maximum weight loss before Roux-en-Y laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery are not predictive of postoperative weight loss

BackgroundMany insurance companies have mandated that bariatric surgery candidates already satisfying the National Institutes of Health criteria make an additional attempt at medically supervised weight loss. The objective of this study was to determine whether a correlation exists between the number of weight loss attempts (WLAs) or maximal preoperative weight loss (MWL) and the percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) surgery.MethodsThe WLAs and MWL data were collected by bariatric medical record review. The postoperative %EWL was obtained by retrospective review of a prospectively enrolled bariatric database. Patients whose records contained 1 year of follow-up data and either the WLAs or MWL were included in the study. The data were analyzed using Pearson correlations and odds ratios.ResultsFrom September 2001 to 2006, 530 patients underwent LRYGB. Of these, 384 met the study criteria (82.6% were women). The mean WLAs was 4.3 ± 1.8. The mean MWL was 46.6 ± 31.2 lb (21.2 ± 14.2 kg). At surgery, the mean patient age was 43.3 ± 9.3 years, and the mean body mass index was 48.0 ± 5.9 kg/m². At 1 year after LRYGB, the mean body mass index was 30.2 ± 5.0 kg/m², and the mean %EWL was 72.3% ± 15.3%. Statistical analysis revealed no correlations between the %EWL at 1 year after LRYGB and the WLAs (R² = .011) or MWL (R² = .005).ConclusionNeither the WLAs nor the MWL correlated with the %EWL at 1 year after LRYGB. Our results showed no evidence that the WLAs or MWL before surgery correlates with the %EWL in patients undergoing LRYGB.     

Conversion of gastric sleeve to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: overall outcomes and predictors of below-average weight loss

BackgroundConversion of sleeve gastrectomy (SG) to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) has been utilized to promote further weight loss, but results are variable in available literature.ObjectivesTo evaluate outcomes of SG to RYGB conversion for weight loss and to identify predictors of below-average weight loss.SettingUniversity-affiliated hospital, United States.MethodsChart review was performed of our patients who underwent SG to RYGB conversion from November 1, 2013, to November 1, 2020. Primary outcomes were below-average percent excess weight loss (%EWL) at 1 and 2 years. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for preconversion demographics to evaluate their relationship to the primary outcome.ResultsSixty-two patients underwent conversion from SG to RYGB with weight loss as a goal. One-year data was available for 47 patients. The average %EWL at 1 year was 41.5%. Twenty-six patients had below-average %EWL at 1 year. Interval to conversion <2 years (OR = 4.41, 95% CI [1.28,15.17], P = .019) and preconversion body mass index (BMI) >40 (OR = 4.00, 95% CI [1.17,13.73], P = .028) were statistically significant predictors of below-average 1-year %EWL. Two-year data was available for 36 patients. The average %EWL at 2 years was 30.8%. Seventeen patients had below-average %EWL at 2 years. Evaluated demographics were not statistically significant predictors of below-average 2-year %EWL.ConclusionsFollowing SG to RYGB conversion, %EWL outcomes are lower at 1 year (41.5%) and 2 years (30.8%) than reported values for primary RYGB. Interval to conversion <2 years and preconversion BMI >40 are predictors of below-average 1-year weight loss after conversion.     

Five-year outcome after gastric bypass for morbid obesity in a Norwegian cohort

BackgroundFew long-term reports with high rates of follow-up are available after gastric bypass. We report changes in weight, co-morbidity, cardiovascular risk, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) 5 years after gastric bypass.MethodsPatients who had gastric bypass (2004–2006) were included. Prospective data were reviewed. Long-term complications, cardiovascular risk factors, and HRQoL were evaluated, and the 10-year risk for coronary heart disease was estimated (Framingham risk score). Outcomes were compared in patients with body mass index (BMI)<50 and ≥50 kg/m².ResultsA total of 184 of 203 patients (91%) met to follow-up. The mean±SD preoperative BMI was 46±5 kg/m², and the mean±SD age was 38±9 years; 75% were women. Thirty-two percent of the patients had a BMI ≥50 kg/m², and 30% had type 2 diabetes. Follow-up was 63±5 months. After 5 years, total weight loss was 27%±11%. Remission of type 2 diabetes had occurred in 67%. The prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidemia, sleep apnea, and metabolic syndrome had decreased. HRQoL was improved. The Framingham risk score was reduced (5.6% versus 4.6%; P = .021). Sixty-one patients (33%) had long-term complications, most commonly chronic abdominal pain (10%). BMI was 33±5 and 37±7 kg/m² in patients with preoperative BMI<50 and ≥50 kg/m², but changes in metabolic, cardiovascular risk profile and HRQoL were broadly similar.ConclusionsBeneficial effects on weight loss, cardiovascular risk, and HRQoL were documented 5 years after gastric bypass in morbidly and super-obese patients.     

Bariatric surgery in patients with left ventricular assist devices: a safe and effective method of weight loss as a gateway to heart transplantation

BackgroundSevere cardiac disease often warrants intervention to improve cardiac function, such as mechanical support via a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). While this is an effective way of improving myocardial activity, it works synergistically with weight loss.SettingAcademic hospital.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate bariatric surgery as an alternative means of weight loss to improve cardiac status.MethodsSix patients with LVADs underwent sleeve gastrectomies (SG) over a 5-year study period (2014–2018). Patient characteristics, cardiac history, operative outcomes, and follow-up was evaluated by univariate analyses.ResultsMedian age at operation was 49.8 years (range, 24–58 yr) with average weight at surgery of 126.6 kg. Average body mass index at time of SG was 41.4 kg/m². Median hospital length of stay was 8.5 days (range, 4–13 d), with postoperative length of stay of 5.5 days (3–7 d). Total follow-up was 29 months (range, 7–51 mo). Postoperative readmission occurred in 2 patients (33%) without significant adverse outcomes. Four patients (67%) were listed for transplant, 3 within 1 year of LSG. Three patients (50%) underwent orthotopic heart transplant. All patients experienced improved cardiac co-morbidities after SG.ConclusionWe demonstrate that weight loss surgery as a bridge to transplantation for patients with implanted LVADs can be performed in young and middle-aged adults. Although it is limited by sample size, the reported results add to the existing literature highlighting the potential success of bariatric surgery in high-risk patient populations to achieve weight loss goals, impact cardiac co-morbidities, and improve overall quality of life.     

Twenty years’ experience of laparoscopic 1-anastomosis gastric bypass: surgical risk and long-term results

BackgroundLaparoscopic 1- (single-) anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) was developed as a simplified technique of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), but super long-term data are lacking.ObjectivesTo evaluate the risks and long-term results of OAGB over a period of 20 years.SettingTertiary teaching hospital.MethodsA total of 2223 patients underwent OAGB from 2001 to 2020; the mean age was 35.3 ± 11.4 years (range, 14–71 yr), 70.2% were female, and the mean body mass index was 40.2 ± 11.9 kg/m². All data were kept in a prospective bariatric database. Patients were divided into 4 groups, based on the 5-year period in which their surgery was performed, and a retrospective analysis was conducted.ResultsThe means for operating time, intraoperative blood loss, and length of hospital stay after OAGB were 131.9 ± 40.1 minutes, 38.5 ± 30.7 mL, and 4.5 ± 4.0 days, respectively. There were 27 patients (1.2%) with 30-day postoperative major complications overall, but the group rate decreased to .4% in the last 5-year period. At postoperative years 5, 10, and 15, the percentages of total weight loss were 31.9%, 29.6%, and 29.5%, respectively, and the percentages of excess weight loss were 77.2%, 68.4%, and 65.5%, respectively. Among 739 patients (33.2%) with type 2 diabetes (T2D), the rates of complete remission (glycated hemoglobin < 60%) at 5, 10, and 15 years were 67.3%, 73.8%, and 66.7%, respectively. The weight loss and antimetabolic effects were similar in each 5-year period, but a significant malnutrition effect was observed. A total of 113 (5.1%) patients needed revision surgery at follow-up, due to malnutrition (n = 51), weight regain (n = 24), acid or bile reflux (n = 22), marginal ulcer (n = 8), ileus (n = 3), and other causes (n = 5). At 15 years, the overall revision rate was 11.9% (27/226), and 80% of the patients were very satisfied with their procedures.ConclusionOur results showed that OAGB is a safe and durable primary bariatric procedure, with sustained weight loss and a high resolution of T2D up to 20 years post surgery in Taiwan, although malnutrition is a major side effect.