Long-term outcomes of bariatric surgery in patients with bi-allelic mutations in the POMC,LEPR, and MC4R genes

BackgroundGene mutations in the leptin-melanocortin signaling cascade lead to hyperphagia and severe early onset obesity. In most cases, multimodal conservative treatment (increased physical activity, reduced caloric intake) is not successful to stabilize body weight and control hyperphagia.ObjectivesTo examine bariatric surgery as a therapeutic option for patients with genetic obesity.SettingThree major academic, specialized medical centers.MethodsIn 3 clinical centers, we retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of bariatric surgery performed in 8 patients with monogenic forms of obesity with bi-allelic variants in the genes LEPR (n = 5), POMC (n = 2), and MC4R (n = 1).ResultsIn this group of patients with monogenic obesity, initial bariatric surgery was performed at a median age of 19 years (interquartile range [IQR], 16–23.8 yr). All patients initially experienced weight loss after each bariatric surgery, which was followed by substantial weight regain. In total, bariatric surgery led to a median maximum reduction of body weight of ?21.5 kg (IQR, ?36.3 to ?2.9 kg), median percent excess weight loss (%EWL) of ?47.5 %EWL (IQR, ?57.6 to ?28.9 %EWL). This body weight reduction was followed by median weight regain of 24.1 kg (IQR: 10.0 to 42.0 kg), leading to a final weight change of ?24.2 % EWL (IQR: ?37.6 to ?5.4 %EWL) after a maximum duration of 19 years post surgery. In one patient, bariatric surgery was accompanied by significant complications, including vitamin deficiencies and hernia development.ConclusionThe indication for bariatric surgery in patients with monogenic obesity based on bi-allelic gene mutations and its benefit/risk balance has to be evaluated very cautiously by specialized centers. Furthermore, to avoid an unsuccessful operation, preoperative genetic testing of patients with a history of early onset obesity might be essential, even more since novel pharmacological treatment options are expected.     

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

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

Reporting of weight loss outcomes in bariatric surgery following introduction of 2015 ASMBS guidelines

BackgroundHeterogeneity in reporting weight loss (WL) outcomes within the bariatric surgery literature limits synthesis and meta-analysis. In 2015, the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) published reporting guidelines to achieve consistency in the literature.ObjectivesWe aimed to assess the effect of the ASMBS guidelines in the bariatric surgery literature.MethodsNine PubMed-indexed bariatric surgery journals were screened for articles published in the first 6 months of 2015 and 2021. Of 1807 articles, 105 and 158 articles in 2015 and 2021, respectively, reported primarily on WL outcomes following surgery.ResultsOverall ASMBS compliance increased from 5% to 20%, P < .05. Initial weight and body mass index (BMI) was reported in all studies, but specification of this as the immediate preoperative weight reduced from 15% to 6%, P < .05. The percent total WL (%TWL) increased from 17% to 61%, P < .05. Change in the BMI (DBMI) remained 41%. The percent excess BMI or WL (%EBMIL or %EWL) did not significantly change from 76% to 69%, P = .203. In 2021, 2 of the 9 journals gave guidance on reporting WL in their instructions to authors. Thirty percent (42/142) of articles did not comply with the journals’ WL reporting guidance. The number of unique WL outcomes used increased from 45 to 54.ConclusionsSignificant heterogeneity in reporting WL outcomes remains, hindering robust meta-analysis of articles. Use of referral weight instead of preoperative weight can inflate WL in those with mandated preoperative WL, clarifying initial weight is needed. Use of nonstandard measures of WL remains high.     

Laparoscopic gastric plication in morbidly obese adolescents: a prospective study

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

Role of the FKBP5 polymorphism rs1360780, age,sex, and type of surgery in weight loss after bariatric surgery: a follow-up study

BackgroundEmerging evidence suggests that the FK506 binding protein 51 (FKBP5/FKBP51), encoded by the FKBP5 gene, influences weight and metabolic regulation. The T allele of a functional polymorphism in FKBP5 (rs1360780), has been associated with the expression of FKBP51 and weight loss after bariatric surgery.ObjectiveTo examine the role of the FKBP5 rs1360780 polymorphism in relation to age, sex, and type of surgery in weight loss after bariatric surgery in patients with severe obesity.SettingUniversity Hospital in SpainMethodsA cohort of 151 obese patients submitted to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (62.3%) and sleeve gastrectomy (37.7%) were followed-up during 24-months (t_24m; loss to follow-up: 0%). During the postoperative period body mass index (BMI) and percentage of excess and total weight loss were evaluated.ResultsThe BMI analysis showed an effect of the interaction FKBP5 genotype by sex (P = .0004) and a tendency to the interaction genotype by surgery (P = .048), so that men carrying the T allele had higher BMI at t_24m than those without the T allele, and T-allele carriers that underwent sleeve gastrectomy had higher BMI at t_24m than the noncarriers. Additionally, we found an interaction between FKBP5 and age for the percentage of excess weight loss and BMI (P = .0005 and P = 1.5e−7, respectively), whereby individuals >48 years with the T allele displayed significant differences for the analyzed variables at t_24m compared with the homozygotes for the alternate C allele showing lower weight loss.ConclusionFKBP5 rs1360780 genotype has specific effects on weight loss outcomes after bariatric surgery depending on sex, age, and type of surgery, suggesting worse results in older males carrying the T allele who have undergone sleeve gastrectomy.     

Predictors of Weight Loss are Different in Men and Women After Sleeve Gastrectomy

Background

Weight loss following bariatric surgery varies according to patient factors before the intervention. However, whether predictors of weight loss differ between men and women is, to our knowledge, unknown. We therefore aimed to investigate baseline predictors for overall weight loss and identify potential sex-specific baseline predictors in bariatric surgery patients.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, 160 patients (117 women and 43 men) who underwent sleeve gastrectomy were followed up for 2 years. Weight loss was defined as percent excess body mass index loss (%EBMIL). To investigate whether %EBMIL differed between men and women, we included all two-way interactions with sex by incorporating the product term sex and predictors using multiple linear regression analysis.

Results

The overall mean ± standard deviation of %EBMIL after 2 years was 78.3?±?23.5. Predictors for lower %EBMIL in a regression model with no interactions were female sex (P?=?0.003), higher body mass index before surgery (P?=?0.001), and nonsmoking (P?=?0.029). When examining sex-specific predictors for %EBMIL, higher age (P?=?0.027) and not having diabetes (P?=?0.007) predicted lower %EBMIL in men. In women, unemployment (P?=?0.006) and anxiety and/or depression (P?=?0.009) predicted lower %EBMIL.

Conclusions

This study suggests that weight loss and predictors for weight loss 2 years after sleeve gastrectomy are sex-specific. These findings may be useful for the surgical strategy used to treat these patients.     

The male patient with obesity undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery: changes in testosterone levels correlate with weight loss after one-anastomosis gastric bypass and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

BackgroundMale obesity secondary hypogonadism (MOSH) is a common disease among men with obesity and can be associated with metabolic syndrome and a variety of metabolic problems ultimately leading to androgen deficiency. Metabolic and bariatric surgery is a well-established treatment option associated with significant weight loss and reduction in metabolic co-morbidities.ObjectivesTo evaluate the impact of surgery on plasma levels of sexual hormones and their effect on weight loss comparing 2 surgical methods (one-anastomosis gastric bypass [OAGB] and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass [RYGB]) in male patients with obesity.SettingUniversity hospital, Austria.MethodsPatients undergoing OAGB and RYGB between 2012 and 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. Follow-up in this study was up to 24 months. Systemic levels of sexual hormones (luteinizing hormone [LH]), follicle stimulating hormone [FSH], total testosterone [TT], sexual hormone binding globin [SHBG], 17 beta-estradiol [17bE], androstenedione [AS]) were retrieved at each visit. A linear mixed model was used to assess the correlation between changes in testosterone levels and percent excess weight loss (%EWL).ResultsIn 30.8% of all patients, MOSH was present preoperatively. A significant increase of TT was observed postoperatively that led to a complete resolution of hypogonadism within the period observed. Bioavailable testosterone (bTT) and FSH levels significantly increased each month of follow-up after surgery (all P < .01). Levels of 17bE did not change significantly after surgery. The overall change of TT, comparing preoperative and 1-year postoperative TT levels (ΔTT), significantly correlated with %EWL. Changes in TT levels were not affected by the choice of surgical method.ConclusionsSerum plasma testosterone levels rise significantly after metabolic and bariatric surgery in male patients. The change of testosterone levels seems to play a role in continued weight loss after surgery. This is true irrespective of the surgical method used.     

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.     

Predictors of remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus after laparoscopic gastric banding and bypass

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with obesity and results in considerable morbidity and mortality. Our objectives were to evaluate the effect of laparoscopic bariatric surgery on the control of T2DM in morbidly obese patients in a U.K. population and to determine the predictors of T2DM remission after bariatric surgery. The study was performed at teaching university hospitals and affiliated private hospitals.

Methods

Of 487 patients who underwent laparoscopic bariatric procedures from 2002 to 2007, 74 patients (15.2%) had established T2DM. The results are presented as the mean values. Multivariate analysis was used to identify the factors predictive of remission of T2DM after bariatric surgery.

Results

The body mass index before laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGB; n = 48) and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB; n = 26) were comparable (52 versus 51 kg/m², P = .508). At a mean follow-up of 16.9 months, 41% had remission and 59% had experienced improvement in T2DM. Although the duration of follow-up was significantly longer for the patients who had undergone LAGB than for those who had undergone LGB (23 versus 13.4 months, P = .001), the percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) was significantly greater after LGB than after LAGB (59.4% versus 48.8%, P = .031), with an associated greater remission rate of T2DM (50% versus 24%, P = .034). Multivariate analysis revealed a greater %EWL and younger age to be independent predictors of postoperative remission of T2DM, and LGB, longer follow-up, and female gender were independent predictors of a greater %EWL.

Conclusion

The %EWL was the only predictor of remission of T2DM that was influenced by the choice of bariatric procedure. In our study, LGB offered greater weight loss and a chance of remission of T2DM compared with LAGB and within 2 years of surgery.     

Laparoscopic Greater Curvature Plication (LGCP) for Treatment of Morbid Obesity in a Series of 244 Patients

Background

Laparoscopic greater curvature plication (LGCP) is a new metabolic/bariatric surgical procedure that requires no resection, bypass, or implantable device. We report LGCP outcomes in 244 morbidly obese patients.

Methods

Between 2010 and 2011, patients underwent LGCP. Body mass index (BMI, kilogram per square meter) evolution, excess BMI loss (%EBMIL), excess weight loss (%EWL), complications, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) changes were recorded. Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess weight change at 6, 12, and 18?months. Subgroup analyses were conducted to provide benchmark outcomes at 6?months. Logistic regression was used to identify characteristics predictive of suboptimal weight loss.

Results

Mean baseline BMI (±SD) was 41.4?±?5.5 (80.7?% women, mean age 46.1?±?11.0?years, 68 [27.9?%] patients had T2DM). Mean operative time was 70.6?min; mean hospitalization, 36?h (24?C72). Sixty-eight patients (27.9?%) experienced postoperative nausea and/or vomiting that was controlled within 36?h. There was no mortality. Major complication rate was 1.2?% (n?=?3). Repeated-measures ANOVA indicated significant weight loss across time points (p?n?=?105), BMI, %EBMIL, and %EWL were 36.1?±?4.7, 34.8?±?17.3, and 31.8?±?15.9. Preoperative BMI was the only predictor of weight loss. Patients with BMI <40 lost more weight than those ??40, although by 9?months, differences were no longer significant. In patients with preoperative BMI <40, 18-month %EWL approached 50?% and %EBMIL exceeded 50?%. At 6?months, 96.9?% of patients?? T2DM was significantly improved/resolved.

Conclusions

Over the short term, LGCP results in effective weight loss and significant T2DM reduction with a very low rate of complications.     

Does patient compliance with preoperative bariatric office visits affect postoperative excess weight loss?

BackgroundThe amount of excess weight loss (EWL) achieved after bariatric surgery has varied considerably. Reliable preoperative predictors of the postoperative %EWL do not exist. Patient compliance with the physician recommendations has generally been believed to be important for long-term success after bariatric surgery, especially after gastric banding. We hypothesized that poor preoperative patient compliance with office visits, a likely indicator of overall compliance, would be associated with lower %EWL after bariatric surgery at a teaching hospital in the United States.MethodsWe performed an institutional review board-approved review of prospectively collected data from all patients undergoing bariatric surgery from 2007 to 2009. The patients were categorized into 2 groups: those who had missed <25% of all preoperative appointments at our bariatric center and those who had missed >25%. The average %EWL at 12 months between the 2 groups was compared using the unpaired t test separately for the gastric bypass and gastric banding patients.ResultsThe gastric band patients with >25% missed appointments had lost 23% EWL at 12 months compared with 32% EWL for the gastric band patients who had missed <25% of their appointments (P = .01). No difference was found in the %EWL for the gastric bypass patients according to the missed preoperative appointments. The postoperative compliance was significantly poorer than preoperatively.ConclusionThe patients with a greater percentage of missed preoperative appointments had a lower postoperative %EWL at 1 year after gastric banding but not after gastric bypass. This information could prove useful during patient selection or when counseling patients about the type of bariatric surgery to pursue.     

Relationship between depression,weight, and patient satisfaction 2 years after bariatric surgery

BackgroundFindings regarding longer term symptoms of depression and the impact of depression on outcomes such as weight loss and patient satisfaction, are mixed or lacking.ObjectivesThis study sought to understand the relationship between depression, weight loss, and patient satisfaction in the two years after bariatric surgery.SettingThis study used data from a multi-institutional, statewide quality improvement collaborative of 45 different bariatric surgery sites.MethodsParticipants included patients (N = 1991) who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG) between 2015–2018. Participants self-reported symptoms of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-8 [PHQ-8]), satisfaction with surgery, and weight presurgery and 1 year and 2 years postsurgery.ResultsCompared to presurgery, fewer patients’ PHQ-8 scores indicated clinically significant depression (PHQ-8≥10) at 1 year (P < .001; 14.3% versus 5.1%) and 2 years postsurgery (P < .0001; 8.7%). There was a significant increase in the prevalence of clinical depression from the first to second year postsurgery (P < .0001; 5.1% versus 8.7%). Higher PHQ-8 at baseline was related to less weight loss (%Total Weight Loss [%TWL] and %Excess Weight Loss [%EWL]) at 1 year postsurgery (P < .001), with a trend toward statistical significance at 2 years (P = .06). Postoperative depression was related to lower %TWL and %EWL, and less reduction in body mass index (BMI) at 1 year (P < .001) and 2 years (P < .0001). Baseline and postoperative depression were associated with lower patient satisfaction at both postoperative time points.ConclusionsThis study suggests improvements in depression up to 2 years postbariatric surgery, although it appears that the prevalence of depression increases after the first year. Depression, both pre- and postbariatric surgery, may impact weight loss and patient satisfaction.     

Sensitivity and Specificity of 50% Excess Weight Loss (50%EWL) and Twelve Other Bariatric Criteria for Weight Loss Success

Background

Criteria for bariatric weight loss success are numerous. Most of them are arbitrary. None of them is evidence-based. Our objective was to determine their sensitivity and specificity.

Methods

Thirteen common bariatric weight loss criteria were compared to a benchmark reflecting the gold standard in bariatric surgery. We used an elaborate baseline BMI-independent weight loss percentile chart, based on retrospective data after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB), performed between 2007 and 2017. Percentile curves p31.6 (patients’ expectation), p25 (interquartile range), p15.9 (1 standard deviation (SD) below median), and p10.9 (surgeons’ goal) were used as possible cutoff for success to determine true or false positive and negative results beyond 1 year.

Results

We operated 4497 primary LRYGB patients, with mean follow-up 22 (±?1 SD 19; range 0–109) months, 3031 patients with last result ≥?1 year, 518?≥?5 years. For all four cutoff percentile curves for success, specificities were low (2–72%) for criteria <?35 body mass index (BMI), ≥?25percentage excess BMI loss (%EBMIL), ≥?50%EBMIL, ≥?15 percentage total weight loss (%TWL), ≥?20%TWL, ≥?25 percentage excess weight loss (%EWL), and high (83–96%) for <?30 BMI. No criterion had >?80% specificity and sensitivity for a cutoff above p15.9. For p15.9, they were both >?80% for criteria ≥?10 BMI reduction and ≥?50%EWL, both >?90% for ≥?25%TWL and ≥?35 percentage alterable weight loss (%AWL). All criteria had high sensitivities for all cutoff percentile curves (87–100%), except <?30 BMI (65–78%).

Conclusions

For the first time, common bariatric criteria for weight loss success were systematically validated. Most criteria recognized success very well (high sensitivities), but ≥?15%TWL, ≥?20%TWL, <?35BMI, ≥?25%EWL, ≥?25%EBMIL, and ≥?50%EBMIL left too many poor responders unnoticed (low specificities). Bariatric weight loss success is best assessed by comparing results to percentile curve 1 SD below median (p15.9) in a bariatric baseline BMI-independent weight loss percentile chart. Criteria ≥?35%AWL and ≥?25%TWL came close to that curve, both with >?90% sensitivity and specificity. Among others, criterion ≥?50%EBMIL did not.

     

The effect of socioeconomic and individual factors on acceptance levels of bariatric surgery among Chinese patients

BackgroundThe prevalence of obesity has been increasing over the past years in China. Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment that has been gradually accepted by obese patients. This study explored the effect of different factors on the acceptance levels of bariatric surgery.MethodsA total of 186 obese patients (body mass index [BMI]≥32 kg/m²) answered a questionnaire, including questions about their marital status, income level, education level, health insurance, and obesity-associated co-morbidities; 84 of these patients underwent bariatric surgery. The data was analyzed using the χ² test.ResultsUnivariate analyses found that age, BMI, gluttonous behavior, income level, health insurance, medications, and weight loss expectations were correlated with the acceptance of bariatric surgery. Multivariate analyses found that BMI (P = .034) and weight loss expectations (P = .001) were positively correlated with the acceptance of bariatric surgery. Patients with gluttonous behavior accepted bariatric surgery (P = .003). However, income levels (P<.001) and health insurance (P = .001) were negatively correlated with the acceptance of bariatric surgery.ConclusionObesity was more prevalent in families of low social status and income levels; this group requires medical assistance, and education is still necessary for obese individuals of high social status and income levels.     

Long-term BAROS scores and independent obesity-related co-morbidity predictors of failure after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

BackgroundLong-term (>5 yr) studies assessing outcomes after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) using the Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System (BAROS) are limited. Evidence of predictors of failure long-term after LRYGB is also lacking.ObjectivesTo compare BAROS scores at 5 and 10 years post LRYGB and to establish whether individual obesity-related co-morbidities are associated with suboptimal outcomes at these time points.SettingSingle bariatric unit.MethodsBAROS scores were analyzed in patients who were 5 years (group A) and 10 years (group B) post LRYGB. Obesity-related co-morbidities as predictors of failure of surgery (defined by % excess weight loss [%EWL] <50% or BAROS total score ≤1) were examined. Intergroup comparative analysis of outcomes and logistic regression modeling to determine predictors of weight loss failure were conducted.ResultsA total of 88 patients were 5 years post LRYGB (group A), and 91 patients were 10 years post LRYGB (group B). A total of 52.3% (46/88) in group A and 54.9% (50/91) in group B had failure of weight loss defined by %EWL <50%. There were no significant differences in percentage of total weight loss, %EWL, or BAROS scores between the 2 groups (21.8% versus 22.0%, P = .897; 48.5% versus 47.1%, P = .993; and 3.7 versus 3.3, P = .332, respectively). No individual obesity-related co-morbidity at time of surgery was associated with suboptimal outcomes (%EWL <50% or BAROS total score ≤1) at 5 years or 10 years after LRYGB.ConclusionsLong-term outcomes assessed by the BAROS score appear sustainable between 5 and 10 years after LRYGB surgery, and weight loss achieved at 5 years is maintained at 10 years. Preoperative presence of specific obesity-related co-morbidities was not associated with failure of surgery long-term.     

Equivalent Weight Loss with Marked Metabolic Benefit Observed in a Matched Cohort with and Without Type 2 Diabetes 12?Months Following Gastric Bypass Surgery

Background

Bariatric surgery results in dramatic weight loss and improves metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). However, previous studies have noted that morbidly obese patients with T2DM experience less weight loss benefits than non-diabetic patients following bariatric surgery. We sought to determine longitudinal effects of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) on percent excess body mass index (BMI) loss (%EBMIL) and clinical metabolic syndrome parameters in patients with T2DM compared with appropriately matched cohort without T2DM.

Methods

Retrospective cohort analysis of T2DM patients (n?=?126) to non-T2DM patients (n?=?126) matched on age (M?=?48.1?±?9.5), sex (81?% female), race (81?% Caucasian), and pre-surgical BMI (M?=?49.3?±?9.5). Lipids, glucose, hemoglobin A1c, blood pressure, co-morbidities of obesity, medications for co-morbidities, and T2DM medications were collected at baseline, 6?months and 12?months post-surgery. %EBMIL was collected at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12?months post-surgery. One-way analyses of variance with effect sizes estimates were conducted to compare the two groups.

Results

As expected, T2DM subjects had significantly greater pre-surgical HbA1c, blood glucose, blood pressure, and lipid parameters at baseline vs. non-T2DM (all p values of<0.05). At 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12?months after LRYRB, both groups had similar reduction in %EBMIL (p?>?0.10). At 6?months, there was a significant reduction in HbA1c, blood glucose, and lipid in the T2DM cohort compared with pre-surgical levels (p?<?0.0001). At 12?months, these values were not different to that of the non-T2DM subjects (p?>?0.10).

Conclusions

When matched on appropriate factors associated with weight loss outcomes, severely obese patients with T2DM have similar post-LRYGB weight loss outcomes in the first 12?months following surgery compared with non-T2DM patients. Furthermore, T2DM surgical patients achieved significant improvement in metabolic syndrome components.     

Reporting Results After Bariatric Surgery: Reproducibility of Predicted Body Mass Index

Background  

There is a controversy about the best way to report results after bariatric surgery. Several indices have been proposed over the years such as percentage of total weight loss (%TWL), percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL), and percentage of excess body mass index loss (%EBMIL). More recently, it has been suggested to individualize the body mass index (BMI) goal to be achieved by the patients (predicted BMI—PBMI). The objective was to assess the reproducibility of this PBMI in our service.     

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with obesity undergoing bariatric care

BackgroundPatients with obesity are at increased risk of developing severe COVID-19. The pandemic has caused delays in preoperative preparation, progression, and completion of bariatric surgeries.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on bariatric surgery patients and assess their concern of COVID-19 as they continue the preoperative process.SettingPhiladelphia, PennsylvaniaMethodsA questionnaire was administered to patients to assess the impact of COVID-19 on their weight loss goals, physical activity, and diet. Time points assessed were initial bariatric consultation (T1), as well as the beginning (T2), and the end (T3) of lockdown restrictions in the region.ResultsSeventy-four participants were invited and 50 completed the survey, for a response rate of 67.6%. The average age of participants was 44.1 years. Two-thirds of patients reported significant concern that COVID-19 would affect their weight loss goals. Patients reported significant improvements in their diet from T1 to T2 (P < .01). However, at T3, some patients returned to behaviors held at T1, with snacking behaviors significantly increasing between T2 and T3 (P < .01). Physical activity decreased in 60% of patients between T2 to T3. The vast majority (90%) wanted to have their surgery as soon as possible; 56% reported low levels of concern for COVID-19 infection.ConclusionBariatric patients were highly motivated to proceed with bariatric surgery despite the risks imposed by the pandemic.     

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.     

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

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