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.     

Long-term outcomes of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy as a primary bariatric procedure

BackgroundLaparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has been established as a reliable bariatric procedure, but questions have emerged regarding its long-term results. Our aim is to report the long-term outcomes of LSG as a primary bariatric procedure.MethodsRetrospective analysis of patients submitted to LSG between 2005 and 2007 in our institution. Long-term outcomes at 5 years were analyzed in terms of body mass index (BMI), excess weight loss (EWL) and co-morbidities resolution. Surgical success was defined as %EWL>50%. Also, we compared long-term results according to preoperative BMI, using Mann-Whitney test.ResultsA total of 161 LSG were analyzed, and 114 patients (70.8%) were women. The median age was 36 years old (range 16–65), median preoperative BMI was 34.9 kg/m² (interquartile range [IQR], 33.3–37.5). A total of 112 patients (70%) completed 5 years of follow-up. At the fifth year, median BMI and %EWL was 28.5 kg/m² (IQR: 25.8–31.9) and 62.9% (IQR: 45.3–89.6), respectively, with a surgical success of 73.2% of followed patients. According to preoperative BMI, surgical success was achieved in 80% of patients with BMI<35 kg/m², 75% of BMI 35–40 kg/m², and 52.6% of BMI>40 kg/m², with significant lower %EWL in patients with BMI>40 kg/m² (P = .001 and .004). Dyslipidemia and insulin resistance resolution was 80.7% and 84.7%, respectively. A total of 26.7% of patients reported new-onset gastroesophageal reflux symptoms at 5 years.ConclusionLSG as a primary procedure is a reliable surgery. We observed positive long-term outcomes of %EWL and co-morbidities resolution. In our series, best results are seen in patients with preoperative BMI<40 kg/m².     

Influence of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on weight loss after bariatric surgery: a 24-month follow-up

BackgroundBariatric surgery is currently the most effective long-term treatment for severe obesity. However, interindividual variation in surgery outcome has been observed, and research suggests a moderating effect of several factors including baseline co-morbidities (e.g., type 2 diabetes [T2D] and genetic factors). No data are currently available on the interaction between T2D and variants in brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its effect on weight loss after surgery.ObjectivesTo examine the role of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism (rs6265) and the influence of T2D and their interaction on weight loss after bariatric surgery in a cohort of patients with severe obesity.SettingUniversity hospital in Spain.MethodsThe present study evaluated a cohort of 158 patients with obesity submitted to bariatric surgery (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy) followed up for 24 months (loss to follow-up: 0%). During the postoperative period, percentage of excess body mass index loss (%EBMIL), percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL), and total weight loss (%TWL) were evaluated.ResultsLongitudinal analyses showed a suggestive effect of BDNF genotype on the %EWL (P = .056) and indicated that individuals carrying the methionine (Met) allele may experience a better outcome after bariatric surgery than those with the valine/valine (Val/Val) genotype. We found a negative effect of a T2D diagnosis at baseline on %EBMIL (P = .004). Additionally, we found an interaction between BDNF genotype and T2D on %EWL and %EBMIL (P = .027 and P = .0004, respectively), whereby individuals with the Met allele without T2D displayed a greater %EWL and greater %EBMIL at 12 months and 24 months than their counterparts with T2D or patients with the Val/Val genotype with or without T2D.ConclusionOur data showed an association between the Met variant and greater weight loss after bariatric surgery in patients without T2D. The presence of T2D seems to counteract this positive effect.     

International multicenter study of safety and effectiveness of Swedish Adjustable Gastric Band in 1-, 3-, and 5-year follow-up cohorts

BackgroundNo long-term, international, multicenter studies of the effectiveness and safety of the SAGB in morbid obesity have been previously published. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of the Swedish Adjustable Gastric Band (SAGB) at 6 bariatric centers in Australia, Europe, and Brazil, with ≤5 years of follow-up; the effect on patient covariates; and changes in co-morbidity.MethodsA 2-phase study design was used, involving both retrospective and prospective data. SAGB was implanted by way of the pars flaccida 1, 3, and 5 years previously. The retrospective phase entailed a review of the records. The prospective phase included a subset of eligible patients who agreed to undergo additional clinical assessments. The percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL), patient level predictors, change in co-morbidities, and complications were analyzed.ResultsA total of 481 patients in 3 mutually exclusive follow-up cohorts (1 yr, n = 200; 3 yr, n = 184; 5 yr, n = 97) participated in the present study. Of these 481 patients, 339 (1 yr, n = 139; 3 yr, n = 131; 5 yr, n = 69) underwent prospective evaluations. The mean %EWL was 43.5% ± 21.8%, 57.7% ± 25.9%, and 49.8% ± 27.6% and the mean change in body mass index was ?7.64, ?10.75, and ?9.52 in the 1-, 3-, and 5-year cohorts, respectively (P <.001). Gender and age did not predict the %EWL; however, a greater preoperative body mass index was inversely related to the %EWL. Longer postimplantation times were associated with greater improvement in co-morbidities and with greater frequencies of reoperation. Fewer than 15% of the patients in the 5-year cohort had undergone band removal and 10% required band revisions. No fatal or life-threatening complications occurred.ConclusionSAGB is safe and effective in inducing weight loss and improvement of co-morbidities in morbidly obese patients at international bariatric centers at 1, 3, and 5 years postoperatively.     

Development of De Novo Diabetes in Long-Term Follow-up After Bariatric Surgery

Introduction

While bariatric surgery leads to significant prevention and improvement of type 2 diabetes, patients may rarely develop diabetes after bariatric surgery. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and the characteristic of new-onset diabetes after bariatric surgery over a 17-year period at our institution.

Methods

Non-diabetic patients who underwent bariatric surgery at a single academic center (1997–2013) and had a postoperative glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥?6.5%, fasting blood glucose (FBG) ≥?126 mg/dl, or positive glucose tolerance test were identified and studied.

Results

Out of 2263 non-diabetic patients at the time of bariatric surgery, 11 patients had new-onset diabetes in the median follow-up time of 9 years (interquartile range [IQR], 4–12). Bariatric procedures performed were Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (n?=?7), adjustable gastric banding (n?=?3), and sleeve gastrectomy (n?=?1). The median interval between surgery and diagnosis of diabetes was 6 years (IQR, 2–9). At the last follow-up, the median HbA1c and FBG values were 6.3% (IQR, 6.1–6.5) and 95 mg/dl (IQR, 85–122), respectively. Possible etiologic factors leading to diabetes were weight regain to baseline (n?=?6, 55%), steroid-induced after renal transplantation (n?=?1), pancreatic insufficiency after pancreatitis (n?=?1), and unknown (n?=?3).

Conclusion

De novo diabetes after bariatric surgery is rare with an incidence of 0.4% based on our cohort. Weight regain was common (>?50%) in patients who developed new-onset diabetes suggesting recurrent severe obesity as a potential etiologic factor. All patients had good glycemic control (HbA1c ≤?7%) in the long-term postoperative follow-up.

     

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

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

Buyer’s remorse: what predicts post-decision dissonance after bariatric surgery?

BackgroundBariatric surgery continues to be the most effective long-term treatment for obesity and its associated co-morbidities. Despite the benefits, not all patients may repeat the decision to undergo bariatric surgery based on their postoperative experience (postdecision dissonance).ObjectivesIn this study, we explore the predictors of postdecision dissonance following bariatric surgery.SettingAccredited bariatric center at an academic medical center.MethodsPatients at an accredited Bariatric Center who underwent bariatric surgery between 2011 and 2017 were surveyed to determine factors predictive of postdecision dissonance, as well as expectations, well-being, and overall satisfaction.ResultsA total of 591 patients were sent surveys, of whom 184 (31.1%) responded. Of the 184 responders, 20 (10.9%) patients would not choose to undergo bariatric surgery if they had it do to over again (postdecision dissonance). There was no difference in the time since surgery, age, sex, or type of bariatric surgery among groups. Dissonant patients were less likely to be married and privately insured. Dissonant patients were more likely to feel they had inadequate preoperative education on postoperative expectations (P < .001). These patients also had significantly greater postoperative weight regain, failed weight loss expectations, depression, and dissatisfied body image.ConclusionPostdecision dissonance is driven in part by a patient’s perceived inadequacy of preoperative preparation for postoperative outcomes coupled with postoperative weight regain, depression, dissatisfied body image, and failed weight loss expectations. This highlights the importance of preoperative counseling on managing expectations and outcomes after surgery, as well as the need for continued postoperative engagement with a bariatric program to address weight regain and provide mental health support.     

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.     

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

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

Influence of post–Roux-en-Y gastric bypass weight recidivism on insulin resistance: a 3-year follow-up

BackgroundAlthough some early metabolic benefits provided by bariatric surgery are known to occur regardless of weight loss, the impact of mid- to long-term weight recidivism after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on metabolic outcomes is not profoundly understood.ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of weight recidivism on insulin resistance among nondiabetic individuals with morbid obesity after RYGB during a 3-year follow-up.SettingPublic tertiary university hospital.MethodsThis is a cohort study based on a prospectively collected database of a public tertiary university hospital, which enrolled individuals with morbid obesity who underwent RYGB and were followed-up for 3 years. Weight loss was classified into the following 3 categories: (1) no weight regain; (2) expected regain (regain ≤20% of the maximum weight loss); and (3) obesity recidivism (regain >20% of the maximum weight loss). Homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) values were compared over time.ResultsOf 100 patients, 20% presented obesity recidivism and 52% an expected regain after 3 years of surgery; 28% showed no regain. The recidivism group presented a significant increase in HOMA 3 years after surgery (P = .02). The recidivism group presented a significantly higher HOMA 3 years after surgery than the observed in the other groups (P < .001), as well as a significantly higher percentage of HOMA variation throughout the follow-up (P = .02).ConclusionWeight recidivism after RYGB was significantly associated with a worsening of insulin resistance among nondiabetic individuals with morbid obesity. Thus, weight loss seems to play a significant role in the maintenance of the early metabolic improvement achieved after RYGB.     

Behavioral Predictors of Weight Regain after Bariatric Surgery

Background

After bariatric surgery, a lifelong threat of weight regain remains. Behavior influences are believed to play a modulating role in this problem. Accordingly, we sought to identify these predictors in patients with extreme obesity after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).

Methods

In a large tertiary hospital with an established bariatric program, including a multidisciplinary outpatient center specializing in bariatric medicine, with two bariatric surgeons, we mailed a survey to 1,117 patients after RYGB. Of these, 203 (24.8%) were completed, returned, and suitable for analysis. Respondents were excluded if they were less than 1 year after RYGB. Baseline demographic history, preoperative Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Brief Symptom Inventory-18 scores were abstracted from the subjects’ medical records; pre- and postoperative well-being scores were compared.

Results

Of the study population, mean age was 50.6?±?9.8 years, 147 (85%) were female, and 42 (18%) were male. Preoperative weight was 134.1?±?23.6 kg (295?±?52 lb) and 170.0?±?29.1 kg (374.0?±?64.0 lb) for females and males, respectively, p?<?0.0001. The mean follow-up after bariatric surgery was 28.1?±?18.9 months. Overall, the mean pre- versus postoperative well-being scores improved from 3.7 to 4.2, on a five-point Likert scale, p?=?0.001. A total of 160 of the 203 respondents (79%) reported some weight regain from the nadir. Of those who reported weight regain, 30 (15%) experienced significant regain defined as an increase of ≥15% from the nadir. Independent predictors of significant weight regain were increased food urges (odds ratios (OR)?=?5.10, 95% CI 1.83–14.29, p?=?0.002), severely decreased postoperative well-being (OR?=?21.5, 95% CI 2.50–183.10, p?<?0.0001), and concerns over alcohol or drug use (OR?=?12.74, 95% CI 1.73–93.80, p?=?0.01). Higher BDI scores were associated with lesser risk of significant weight regain (OR?=?0.94 for each unit increase, 95% CI 0.91– 0.98, p?=?0.001). Subjects who engaged in self-monitoring were less likely to regain any weight following bariatric surgery (OR?=?0.54, 95% CI 0.30–0.98, p?=?0.01). Although the frequency of postoperative follow-up visits was inversely related to weight regain, this variable was not statistically significant in the multivariate model.

Conclusions

Predictors of significant postoperative weight regain after bariatric surgery include indicators of baseline increased food urges, decreased well-being, and concerns over addictive behaviors. Postoperative self-monitoring behaviors are strongly associated with freedom from regain. These data suggest that weight regain can be anticipated, in part, during the preoperative evaluation and potentially reduced with self-monitoring strategies after RYGB.     

High estimated prevalence of bariatric surgery in young adults treated for pediatric obesity

BackgroundDespite the modest effects of behavioral treatment on obesity in adolescence, bariatric surgery is rarely performed. Obesity often persists from childhood to adulthood, but it is not known how many individuals proceed with bariatric surgery in young adulthood.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine what proportion of individuals who received pediatric behavioral obesity treatment subsequently underwent bariatric surgery in early adulthood, and to identify predictors thereof.SettingNational registries, Sweden.MethodsIn this prospective cohort study, the Swedish Childhood Obesity Treatment Register was linked to several national registers.ResultsThe childhood obesity cohort included 6502 (45% females) with a median age at follow-up of 21.7 years (interquartile range [IQR] 5.2). Of these, 8.2% underwent bariatric surgery at a median age of 20.9 years (IQR 4.2). The estimated cumulative incidence of bariatric surgery at age 30 was 21.5%. Obesity-related co-morbidities were identified in 31.7% before bariatric surgery in the childhood obesity cohort. Predictors of bariatric surgery were female sex, high body mass index standard deviation score (BMI SDS) at the start and end of treatment, poor treatment response, as well as own or parental cardiometabolic disease.ConclusionsMore than a fifth are estimated to undergo bariatric surgery in early adulthood, despite having received pediatric behavioral obesity treatment. Our results indicate that for many children, behavioral treatment is insufficient in reducing obesity and preventing obesity-related co-morbidity. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that more effective treatment of adolescents with severe obesity, including more rigorous behavioral support and pharmacologic treatment, but also more frequent use of bariatric surgery, would benefit this group of patients.     

Early postoperative complications after gastric bypass revisional surgery in patients with previous sleeve gastrectomy versus primary gastric bypass

BackgroundRevisional bariatric surgery (RS) is indicated if there is weight regain or insufficient weight loss, no improvement or reappearance of co-morbidities, or previous bariatric surgery complications. It has been associated with higher postoperative morbidity.ObjectiveTo evaluate the early postoperative complications (<30 d) of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass RS (RYGB-RS) after primary sleeve gastrectomy (SG-1) compared with primary RYGB (RYGB-1) at a bariatric surgery referral center.SettingDepartment of General and Digestive Surgery of General Universitary Hospital of Alicante, Spain.MethodsRetrospective cohort study comparing RYGB-RS after SG-1 and RYGB-1 between January 2008 and March 2021. Postoperative complications, hospital stay, mortality, and readmissions were analyzed.ResultsSix hundred and twenty-eight RYGB surgeries (48 RYGB-RS, 580 RYGB-1) were studied. The mean age of patients undergoing RYGB-RS was 50 years, compared with 46 years in the RYGB-1 group (P = .017). Mean initial body mass index was 44.2 kg/m² (RYGB-RS) versus 47.6 kg/m² (RYGB-1; P = .004). Cardiovascular risk factors were higher in the RYGB-1 group (P < .05). Indications for RS were weight regain or insufficient weight loss (72.9%), weight regain or insufficient weight loss plus gastroesophageal reflux disease (14.6%), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (12.5%). There were no differences in the frequency of complications (RYGB-RS 22.9% vs RYGB-1 20.5%) or in their severity (Clavien–Dindo ≥IIIa; RYGB-RS 10.4% vs RYGB-1 6.4%; P > .05). There were no differences in emergency room visits (RYGB-RS at 12.5% vs RYGB-1 at 14.9%) or in readmissions (RYGB-RS at 12.5% vs RYGB-1 at 9.4%).ConclusionNo differences were observed between primary RYGB and revisional RYGB in early morbidity, mortality, emergencies, or readmissions. Revisional bariatric surgery is a safe procedure at referral centers and must be done by expert hands.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Bariatric surgery in patients with pulmonary hypertension

Background

Data regarding the outcomes of bariatric surgery in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) is limited. The aim of this study was to review our experience on bariatric surgery in patients with PH.

Is age a real or perceived discriminator for bariatric surgery? A long-term analysis of bariatric surgery in the elderly

BackgroundBariatric surgery is the most effective treatment of obesity. There are few studies evaluating long-term outcomes in elderly patients.ObjectivesOur study was designed to evaluate the safety and long-term outcomes of bariatric surgery in the elderly compared with a contemporary medically managed cohort.SettingUniversity hospital.MethodsThree hundred thirty-seven patients age ≥60 who underwent a sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass between January 2007 and April 2017 were identified (ElderSurg) and compared with a matched cohort of medically managed elderly patients with obesity (ElderNonSurg).ResultsThirty-two patients underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, 190 underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and 115 underwent open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The cohort was a mean of 64.4-years old, 75.4% female, mean preoperative body mass index was 46.9, and 62.6% had type 2 diabetes. During a median follow-up period of 56.2 months (confidence interval 49.5–62.9), mean percent excess weight loss (EWL) at nadir was 72.1 ± 24.7% and EWL at 36 months or beyond was 60.9 ± 27.6%. On regression analysis, diabetes, body mass index, and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy were negatively associated with EWL at all time periods (P < .05). Mean %EWL was greater for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass compared with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (61.7 versus 41.2; P = .039). Diabetes remission rate was 45.8%. There was a statistically significant decrease in the risk of death in ElderSurg (hazard ratio .584, 95% confidence interval .362–.941) compared with ElderNonSurg.ConclusionsOur study supports that bariatric surgery is safe in elderly patients with effective long-term control of obesity, diabetes, and with improved overall survival.     

Retrospective comparative study of the effectiveness of bariatric surgery on 3-year outcomes in the real-world clinical setting

BackgroundBariatric surgery has shown an improvement in obesity and obesity-related disease in many clinical trials and single center studies. However, real-world data, including data from non-centers of excellence, is sparse.ObjectivesTo provide clinical outcomes of patients who underwent bariatric surgery in real-world clinical setting.SettingAcademic Institution.MethodsAdults with obesity undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), sleeve gastrectomy (SG), and a control group (CG) between 2007 and 2019 were identified. The CG represented patients with a previous visit to a bariatric surgeon without a subsequent surgery. Cohorts were matched on age, gender, ethnicity, baseline body mass index (BMI), and presence of diabetes and hypertension. Groups were compared in terms of co-morbidities, weight loss, and chronic conditions for three years.ResultsA total of 61 313 patients were identified. From these, 14 916 RYGB and 20 867 SG patients were matched to the CG (n = 16 562). The median BMI loss three years after surgery was 28.7% (interquartile range [IQR] 20.8%–36.2%) and 20.5% (IQR 13.5%–28.6%) for RYGB and SG groups, respectively. The CG had a median BMI loss of 6.7% with IQR of 20.4% decrease to 1.78% gain. At three years postoperatively, HbA1C decreased by 13% for RYGB and 5.9% for the SG group. The probabilities of remission from diabetes, hypertension, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly higher among patients who had surgery compared to the CG. For both RYGB and SG, the estimated probabilities of remission were similar.ConclusionThis study shows that bariatric surgery performed in the real-world clinical setting is an effective therapy for various expressions of the metabolic syndrome with results that are comparable to randomized control trials.     

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.