The Change in the Dumping Syndrome Concept

[Postoperative management]

Bariatric surgery results in significant weight loss, reduction or even remission of obesity-associated comorbidities, reduced mortality, and improved quality of life in many patients; however, obesity is a chronic disease, thus follow-up care is required after bariatric surgery. Furthermore, specific issues, such as micronutrient deficiencies and subsequent complications, can arise both in the short-term and the long-term. Abdominal pain after bariatric surgery must always be regarded as a serious symptom. A further focus should be on the diagnosis and treatment of dumping syndrome. Patients with type 2 diabetes should be regularly screened for recurrent hyperglycemia as well as specific sequelae, even though blood glucose levels may be substantially improved or normalized. In addition to centers with multidisciplinary teams, primary care and, in particular, general practitioners will play an increasingly more important role in the follow-up care after bariatric surgery.

Severity of post-Roux-en-Y gastric bypass dumping syndrome and weight loss outcomes: is there any correlation?

PURPOSE

The present research was conducted to evaluate the effect of the severity of dumping syndrome (DS) on weight loss outcomes after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in patients with class III obesity.

METHODS

The present retrospective cohort study used the dumping symptom rating scale (DSRS) to evaluate the severity of DS and its correlation with weight loss outcomes in 207 patients 1 year after their RYGB. The patients were assigned to group A with mild-to-moderate DS or group B with severe DS.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 42.18 ± 10.46 years and their mean preoperative BMI 42.74 ± 5.59 kg/m2. The total weight loss percentage (%TWL) in group B was insignificantly higher than that in group A, but besides that was not significantly different in the two groups.

CONCLUSION

The present findings suggested insignificant relationships between the presence and severity of DS after RYGB and adequate postoperative weight loss.

Bulimia nervosa in obese patients qualified for bariatric surgery - clinical picture, background and treatment

Eating is a basic human physiological need which is necessary to keep the body alive. Eating disorders are diagnosed when eating (or not eating) and associated body weight gain anxiety become the main interest of an individual and all other spheres of life depend on it. Bulimia nervosa is a psychiatric disorder which is more and more commonly diagnosed in patients suffering from obesity and in patients after surgical treatment of obesity. In patients eligible for bariatric surgery this disorder should be diagnosed appropriately early and treated successfully before the procedure, because bulimia nervosa does not regress spontaneously. When untreated, it may last for years, reducing the efficacy of a surgical treatment of obesity, or even lead to complications that are health- and life-threatening for patients.

Current treatments for obesity

Obesity is a major health and economic crisis facing the modern world. It is associated with excess mortality and morbidity and is directly linked to common conditions such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease and sleep apnoea. The management of obesity and its associated complications has evolved in recent years, with a shift towards more definitive strategies such as bariatric surgery. This review encompasses the dietary, pharmacological and surgical strategies currently available for the management of obesity.

Laparoscopic One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass: Technique, Results, and Long-Term Follow-Up in 1200 Patients

BACKGROUND

Excellent results have been reported with mini-gastric bypass. We adopted and modified the one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) concept. Herein is our approach, results, and long-term follow-up (FU).

METHODS

Initial 1200 patients submitted to laparoscopic OAGB between 2002 and 2008 were analyzed after a 6-12-year FU. Mean age was 43 years (12-74) and body mass index (BMI) 46 kg/m2 (33-86). There were 697 (58 %) without previous or simultaneous abdominal operations, 273 (23 %) with previous, 203 (17 %) with simultaneous, and 27 (2 %) performed as revisions.

RESULTS

Mean operating time (min) was as follows: (a) primary procedure, 86 (45-180); (b) with other operations, 112 (95-230); and (c) revisions, 180 (130-240). Intraoperative complications led to 4 (0.3 %) conversions. Complications prompted operations in 16 (1.3 %) and were solved conservatively in 12 (1 %). Long-term complications occurred in 12 (1 %). There were 2 (0.16 %) deaths. Thirty-day and late readmission rates were 0.8 and 1 %. Cumulative FU was 87 and 70 % at 6 and 12 years. The highest mean percent excess weight loss was 88 % (at 2 years), then 77 and 70 %, 6 and 12 years postoperatively. Mean BMI (kg/m2) decreased from 46 to 26.6 and was 28.5 and 29.9 at those time frames. Remission or improvement of comorbidities was achieved in most patients. The quality of life index was satisfactory in all parameters from 6 months onwards.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic OAGB is safe and effective. It reduces difficulty, operating time, and early and late complications of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Long-term weight loss, resolution of comorbidities, and degree of satisfaction are similar to results obtained with more aggressive and complex techniques. It is currently a robust and powerful alternative in bariatric surgery.

Practical Recommendations of the Obesity Management Task Force of the European Association for the Study of Obesity for the Post-Bariatric Surgery Medical Management

Bariatric surgery is today the most effective long-term therapy for the management of patients with severe obesity, and its use is recommended by the relevant guidelines of the management of obesity in adults. Bariatric surgery is in general safe and effective, but it can cause new clinical problems and is associated with specific diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic needs. For clinicians, the acquisition of special knowledge and skills is required in order to deliver appropriate and effective care to the post-bariatric patient. In the present recommendations, the basic notions needed to provide first-level adequate medical care to post-bariatric patients are summarised. Basic information about nutrition, management of co-morbidities, pregnancy, psychological issues as well as weight regain prevention and management is derived from current evidences and existing guidelines. A short list of clinical practical recommendations is included for each item. It remains clear that referral to a bariatric multidisciplinary centre, preferably the one performing the original procedure, should be considered in case of more complex clinical situations.

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Effect of Gastric Bypass Surgery on Plasma Lipid Levels

BACKGROUND

Obesity-related dyslipidaemia comprises hypercholesterolaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, low HDL-cholesterol and normal to raised LDL-cholesterol levels. 40% of morbidly obese surgical patients have dyslipidaemia. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery has many beneficial metabolic effects, but the full impact on plasma lipids has not been clearly defined.

METHODS

A systematic review of electronic databases (Ovid; Medline; PubMed; Embase) between 1960 and March 2012 was performed using search terms including the following: obesity surgery, bariatric surgery, gastric bypass, cholesterol, lipids, triglycerides and non-esterified fatty acids. A total of 2442 manuscripts were screened. Papers with paired plasma lipid levels around RYGB surgery were included. Exclusions included the following: editorials, dual publications, n < 10, resulting in 75 papers of relevance. A meta-analysis was performed of the effect of RYGB surgery upon plasma lipids at different time points up to 4 years following surgery, using a random effects model.

RESULTS

Paired data were available for 7815 subjects around RYGB surgery for morbid obesity with a baseline BMI 48 kg/m(2) (n = 2331). There was a reduction in plasma total cholesterol and LDL-C from 1 month up to 4 years post-RYGB (p < 0.00001, p < 0.00001). Following RYGB, HDL-C increased from 1 year onwards (p < 0.00001), and triglyceride levels were reduced postoperatively from 3 months up to 4 years (p < 0.00001). NEFA levels were increased at 1 month postoperatively (p = 0.003), but from 3 months onwards did not differ from preoperative levels (p = 0.07).

CONCLUSIONS

RYGB surgery reverses the dyslipidaemia of obesity. These findings support the use of RYGB in the management of high cardiovascular risk lipid profiles in morbid obesity.

Mechanism Underlying the Weight Loss and Complications of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. Review

Various bariatric surgical procedures are effective at improving health in patients with obesity associated co-morbidities, but the aim of this review is to specifically describe the mechanisms through which Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery enables weight loss for obese patients using observations from both human and animal studies. Perhaps most but not all clinicians would agree that the beneficial effects outweigh the harm of RYGB; however, the mechanisms for both the beneficial and deleterious (for example postprandial hypoglycaemia, vitamin deficiency and bone loss) effects are ill understood. The exaggerated release of the satiety gut hormones, such as GLP-1 and PYY, with their central and peripheral effects on food intake has given new insight into the physiological changes that happen after surgery. The initial enthusiasm after the discovery of the role of the gut hormones following RYGB may need to be tempered as the magnitude of the effects of these hormonal responses on weight loss may have been overestimated. The physiological changes after RYGB are unlikely to be due to a single hormone, or single mechanism, but most likely involve complex gut-brain signalling. Understanding the mechanisms involved with the beneficial and deleterious effects of RYGB will speed up the development of effective, cheaper and safer surgical and non-surgical treatments for obesity.

Post-Gastric Bypass Hypoglycemia

Obesity is a major public health problem worldwide. Obesity-related illnesses, such as coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, stroke, sleep apnea, and several forms of cancer (endometrial, breast, and colon), contribute to a significant number of deaths in the USA. Bariatric surgery, including the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) procedure, has demonstrated significant improvements in obesity and obesity-related co-morbidities and is becoming more popular as the number of obese individuals rises. Despite the reported benefits of bariatric surgery, there are potential complications that physicians need to be aware of as the number of patients undergoing these procedures continues to increase. One challenging and potentially life-threatening complication that to date is not well understood is post-RYGB surgery hypoglycemia (PGBH). In this review, we will present the definition, historical perspective, diagnostic approach, currently available treatment options, and anecdotal assessment and treatment algorithm for this disorder.

PROPOSAL OF A REVISIONAL SURGERY TO TREAT NON-INSULINOMA HYPERINSULINEMIC HYPOGLICEMIA POSTGASTRIC BYPASS

Background :

Hyperinsulinemic hypoglicemia with severe neuroglycopenic symptoms has been identified as a late and rare complication in patients submitted to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. However, the potential gravity of its manifestations requires effective treatment of this condition. The absence of treatment makes it necessary to develop more effective clinical or surgical methods.

Aim :

To present one surgical option to revisional surgery in the treatment of hyperinsulinemic hypoglicemia

Methods :

The procedure consists in reconstituting alimentary transit through the duodenum and proximal jejunum, while keeping the restrictive part of the gastric bypass. As an additional strategy to maintain weight loss, is realized gastric fundus resection, aiming to suppress ghrelin production more effectively.

Results :

It was used in three patients with successful results in one year of follow-up.

Conclusion :

The procedure to reconstruct the food transit through the duodenum and proximal jejunum, keeping the restrictive component of gastric bypass in the treatment of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia showed good initial results and validated its application in other cases with this indication.

Incretin effects, gastric emptying and insulin responses to low oral glucose loads in patients after gastric bypass and lean and obese controls

BACKGROUND

After laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB), many patients suffer from dumping syndrome. Oral glucose tolerance tests are usually carried out with 50-75 g of glucose. The aim of this study was to examine whether minimal glucose loads of 10 g and 25 g induce a reliable secretion of satiation peptides without dumping symptoms after LRYGB. In addition, lean and obese controls were examined.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of low oral glucose loads on incretin release and gastric emptying.

SETTING

All surgical procedures were performed by the same surgeon (RP) at the St. Claraspital Basel in Switzerland. Oral glucose challenges were carried out at the University Hospital of Basel (Phase 1 Research Unit).

METHODS

Eight patients 10±.4 weeks after LRYGB (PostOP; body mass index [BMI]: 38.6 kg/m²±1.7) as well as 12 lean controls (LC; BMI: 21.8 kg/m²±.6) and 12 obese controls (OC; BMI 38.7 kg/m²±1.3) received 10 g and 25 g of oral glucose. We examined clinical signs of dumping syndrome; plasma glucose, insulin, glucagon-like peptide 1, glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide, and peptide tyrosine tyrosine concentrations; and gastric emptying with a ¹³ C-sodium acetate breath test.

RESULTS

No signs of dumping were seen in PostOP. Compared with OC, LC showed lower fasting glucose, insulin, and C-peptide, and lower homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) and AUC-180 for insulin and C-peptide. In PostOP, fasting insulin, HOMA and AUC-180 for insulin was lower and no difference was found in fasting C-peptide or AUC-180 for C-peptide compared to OC. There was no significant difference in fasting glucose, insulin, C-peptide, HOMA and AUC-180 for insulin in PostOP compared to LC, but AUC-180 for C-peptide was higher in PostOP. AUC-60 for gut hormones was similar in OC and LC and higher in PostOP compared to OC or LC. gastric emptying was slower in LC and OC compared with PostOP.

CONCLUSION

After LRYGB, 25 g oral glucose is well tolerated and leads to reliable secretion of gut hormones. Fasting glucose, insulin and C-peptide are normalized, while glucagon-like peptide 1, glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide and peptide tyrosine tyrosine are overcorrected. Pouch emptying is accelerated after LRYGB.

Recognition and management of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia after bariatric surgery

Hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia with neuroglycopenia is an increasingly recognized complication of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) due to the changes in gut hormonal milieu. Physicians should be aware of this complication to ensure timely and effective treatment of post-RYGB patients, who present to them with hypoglycemic symptoms. Possible causes of hypoglycemia in these patients include late dumping syndrome, nesidioblastosis and rarely insulinoma. Systematic evaluation including history, biochemical analysis, and diagnostic testing might help in distinguishing among these diagnoses. Continuous glucose monitoring is also a valuable tool, revealing the episodes in the natural environment and can also be used to monitor treatment success. Treatment should begin with strict low carbohydrate diet, followed by medication therapy. Therapy with diazoxide, acarbose, calcium channel blockers and octreotide have been proven to be beneficial, but the response apparently is highly variable. When other treatment options fail, surgical options can be considered.

"Dual-remission" after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery: Glycemic variability cannot always be improved in Chinese obese patients with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Glycemic variability after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) has not been adequately examined in Chinese obese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate glucose variability after RYGB by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and then evaluate the remission rate based on the complete diabetes remission criteria combined with normal ranges of CGM for the Chinese population, which we defined as "dual-remission."

SETTING

The study was done at our academic university-affiliated hospital.

METHODS

Over a 3-day period, CGM was performed on 43 Chinese obese T2D patients combined with a mixed-meal test before and 1 year after RYGB. Mean amplitude of glucose excursions (MAGE), standard deviations (SD), and the time that patients' blood glucose levels were≥7.0 mmol/L,≥7.8 mmol/L,≥11.1 mmol/L, and≤3.9 mmol/L within 24 hours was analyzed. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors of "dual-remission."

RESULTS

Complete diabetes remission was achieved in 27 patients (62.8%) 1 year after RYGB. However, MAGE didn't change in the group, and only 18.6% patients met "dual-remission." Compared with patients in the complete remission group, patients in the dual-remission group had a shorter duration of diabetes, younger age, lower glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level, and no insulin usage at baseline. Correlation analysis showed MAGE after RYGB was positively correlated with diabetes duration (r = .43, P<.01). Multiple logistic regressions indicated a shorter duration was associated with a higher possibility to achieve dual-remission after adjusting for age, gender, HbA1c, and insulin therapy.

CONCLUSION

Glucose variability can't be effectively improved in most Chinese obese diabetic patients after RYGB. Shorter diabetes duration was associated with higher possibility to achieve "dual-remission."

Eating Disorders and Problematic Eating Behaviours Before and After Bariatric Surgery: Characterization, Assessment and Association with Treatment Outcomes

Accumulating evidence suggests that bariatric surgery candidates are likely to present with eating disorders (EDs) and/or problematic eating behaviours (EBs), and research suggests that these problems may persist or develop after bariatric surgery. While there is growing evidence indicating that EDs and EBs may impact bariatric surgery outcomes, the definitions and assessment methods used lack consensus, and findings have been mixed. The aims of this paper were (1) to summarize the existing literature on pre‐operative and post‐operative EDs and problematic EBs; (2) to discuss the terms, definitions and assessment measures used across studies; and (3) to consider the extent to which the presence of these problems impact surgery outcomes. We highlight the importance of investigators utilizing consistent definitions and assessment methodologies across studies. © 2015 The Authors. European Eating Disorders Review published by Eating Disorders Association and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Food intolerances and associated symptoms in patients undergoing Fobi-Capella technique without gastric ring

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery is considered the only effective method to treat refractory obesity, and especially for those in which clinical treatment was not successful. However, the appearance of food intolerances and clinical manifestations are quite common.

AIM

To identify food intolerances and associated them to symptoms in patients undergoing Fobi-Capella technique without gastric ring.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study of adult patients who had more than one year after surgery. Demographic, anthropometric, weight and preoperative height data were investigated. Nutritional status was classified according to the criteria established by the World Health Organization. It was considered food intolerance the presence of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloating after eating a particular food.

RESULTS

The sample consisted of 61 patients who attended the nutritional consultation of which 26 (42.6%) had food intolerance, mostly related to red meat (n=12; 34.3%) during the first six months of operation; there was a significant difference between the periods between 0 and 6 months, and 7 to 12 (p=0.02). Among the symptoms reported by patients, nausea was the most recurrent until the 6th month, but without significant differences between the two periods (p=0.06).

CONCLUSION

The Fobi-Capella procedure without gastric ring promoted high frequency of intolerance to meat in general, especially for the red, chicken and fish, on this sequence; nausea was the most frequent symptom. These data suggest the need for adequate nutritional monitoring throughout the postoperative period.

Treatment of acute, severe epigastric/chest pain in a patient with stomach cancer following gastrectomy: A case report

The treatment of acute chest pain can be a challenge in palliative care. Firstly, because acute chest pain is a symptom of a paucity of diseases, which makes diagnosis difficult and time consuming, while there is also a time constraint, due to the extreme suffering of the patient. Secondly, the condition of a patient with advanced cancer disease and co-morbidities does not always allow for required diagnostic procedures. The present report describes a case of acute, severe epigastric/chest pain in a patient with dynamic disease progression, who was receiving palliative care. This study also demonstrates that the pathophysiology of pain in a terminal patient may determine the treatment strategy. The patient in the present case was a 41-year-old male, who had previously undergone gastrectomy for stomach cancer, followed by postoperative chemotherapy. The patient was treated with palliative chemotherapy for metastases to the lungs, liver and lymph nodes, which led to the development of iatrogenic peripheral neuropathy. The patient was subsequently admitted to the Palliative Medicine In-patient Unit of the University Hospital of Lord’s Transfiguration (Poznan, Poland) with the complaint of acute epigastric and chest pain. An electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, chest and abdomen computerized tomography scan, esophagoduodenoscopy and laboratory analyses were performed to determine the source of the pain. The patient was treated with morphine sulfate, metoclopramide, midazolam, diazepam, acetaminophen, ketamine, hyoscine butylbromide, propofol, dexamethasone and amoxycillin, and received parenteral nutrition. As the source of pain remained unclear, a second esophagoduodenoscopy was performed to determine a diagnosis, resulting in pain relief. Thus, in the present case, esophagoduodenoscopy was diagnostic and therapeutic. Furthermore, although the treatment of acute chest pain may be a challenge in palliative care, the present study indicates that pain treatment should be adjusted to anatomical, pathophysiological and pharmacological factors, and may pose risks due to the unavoidable parenteral co-administration of multiple agents with strong therapeutic effects.

Endocrine and metabolic complications after bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery is the most effective therapeutic option for obese patients; however, it carries substantial risks, including procedure-related complications, malabsorption, and hormonal disturbance. Recent years have seen an increase in the bariatric surgeries performed utilizing either an independent or a combination of restrictive and malabsorptive procedures. We review some complications of bariatric procedures more specifically, hypoglycemia and osteoporosis, the recommended preoperative assessment and then regular follow up, and the therapeutic options. Surgeon, internist, and the patient must be aware of the multiple risks of this kind of surgery and the needed assessment and follow up.

A brief history of the surgery for obesity to the present, with an overview of nutritional implications

Massive obesity results in serious diseases, which are a major public health problem. Surgery is frequently the only means to achieve and sustain significant weight loss. This historical overview is aimed at providing knowledge and appreciation of this surgery to scientists in other complex areas of nutrition. The development of these operations is provided, including their potential nutritional sequelae. Because type 2 diabetes frequently improves or resolves postoperatively, related operations are being investigated in patients with lower weights.

The ambivalence of losing weight after bariatric surgery

This study is grounded in a phenomenological lifeworld perspective. It aims at providing rich descriptions of lived experience of the process of losing weight after obesity surgery. Two women participated in in-depth interviews four times each during the first postoperative year. Based on the women's experiences, a meaning structure--the ambivalence of losing weight after obesity surgery--was identified across the women's processes of change. This consisted of five core themes: movement and activity--freedom but new demands and old restraints; eating habits and digestion--the complexity of change; appearance--smaller, but looser; social relations--stability and change; and being oneself--vulnerability and self-assurance. These core themes changed over time in terms of dominance. The experience of ambivalence is discussed according to a phenomenological perspective of the body as lived experience.

Dumping syndrome following gastric bypass: validation of the dumping symptom rating scale

There is a lack of prevalent data for dumping syndrome (DS) and methods discriminating between different symptoms of the DS. A self-assessment questionnaire, the Dumping Symptom Rating Scale (DSRS), was developed. The aim was to measure the severity and frequency of nine dumping symptoms and to evaluate the construct validity of the DSRS. Pre- and 1 and 2 years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, 47 adults and 82 adolescents completed the DSRS. Cognitive interview was performed. Reliability and construct validity were tested. Effect sizes (ES) of changes were calculated. Patients found the questionnaire relevant. A high proportion of the respondents reported no symptoms affecting them negatively at all (floor effects). However, 12 % stated, quite severe, severe, or very severe problems regarding fatigue after meal and half of them were so tired that they needed to lie down. Nearly 7 % reported quite severe, severe, or very severe problems dominated by nausea and 6 % dominated by fainting esteem. The internal consistency reliability was adequate for both severity (0.81-0.86) and frequency (0.76-0.84) scales. ES were small, since some subjects experienced symptoms already preoperatively. Although most patients reported no or mild dumping symptoms 1 and 2 years after gastric bypass surgery, around 12 % had persistent symptoms, in particular, postprandial fatigue, and needed to lie down. Another 7 % had problems with nausea and 6 % had problems with fainting esteem. The DSRS is a reliable screening tool to identify these patients.

Morbid obesity-the new pandemic: medical and surgical management, and implications for the practicing gastroenterologist

The gastroenterologist, whether in academic or clinical practice, must face the reality that an increasingly large percentage of adult patients are morbidly obese. Morbid obesity is associated with significant morbidity and mortality including enhanced morbidity from cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, hepatobiliary and colonic diseases. Most of these associated diseases are actually preventable. Based on the 1991 NIH consensus conference criteria, for most patients with a body mass index (BMI=weight in kilograms divided by the height in meters squared) of 40 or more, or for patients with a BMI of 35 or more and significant health complications, surgery may be the only reliable option. Currently in the United States, over 250,000 bariatric surgical procedures are being performed annually. The practicing gastroenterologist in every community, large and small, must be familiar with the various surgical procedures together with their associated anatomic changes. These changes may dramatically increase the prevalence of nutritional deficiencies and profoundly alter the clinical and endoscopic approaches to diagnosis and management.

Laparoscopic reconversion of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass to original anatomy: technique and preliminary outcomes

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is one of the most common bariatric procedures performed. Dumping syndrome, intolerance to RYGB-induced restriction, and weight loss issues are possible problems bariatric surgeons are confronted with. This study reports the feasibility, safety, and outcomes of laparoscopic reconversion of RYGB to original anatomy (OA) as treatment of these complications.

METHODS

Between January 2005 and April 2008, eight patients benefited from laparoscopic reconversion of RYGB to OA. Reason was dumping syndrome without postprandial hypoglycemia (three), intolerance to RYGB-induced restriction (three), too much (one) and too little weight loss (one). Mean weight and body mass index (BMI) at RYGB were 104.7±19.3 kg and 38.7±6 kg/m(2), respectively. Four patients suffered of obesity co-morbidities. Mean time between RYGB and reconversion was 21±18.8 months. Mean weight, BMI, and % excess weight loss at reconversion was 66.8±21.7 kg, 20.1±7 kg/m(2), and 23.7±55%, respectively. The procedure involved dismantling both gastrojejunostomy and jejunojejunostomy, reanastomosing gastric pouch to gastric remnant, and proximal alimentary limb end to distal biliary limb end.

RESULTS

Mean operative time was 132.2±29.5 min. There were no conversions to open surgery and no early complications. Gastrogastrostomy was performed manually (four) and by linear stapler (four), and jejunojejunostomy by linear stapler (eight). Mean hospital stay was 7.7±3.5 days. After a mean follow-up of 18.3±9.2 months, two patients continued to further lose weight, two patients maintained the same weight, and four patients presented weight regain. Gastroesophageal reflux disease appeared in three patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic reconversion of RYGB to OA is feasible and safe. Dumping syndrome and intolerance to RYGB-induced restriction are resolved. The anatomy remains one of the aspects besides nutritional and psychological factors in cases of reconversion for weight issues.

Management of the metabolic/bariatric surgery patient

There is currently a global pandemic of obesity and obesity-engendered comorbidities; in particular, certain major chronic metabolic diseases (eg, type 2 diabetes) which markedly reduce life expectancy and quality of life. This review is predicated on the fact that management of the obese patient is a primary concern of all physicians and health care providers, and that metabolic/bariatric surgery is a highly successful therapeutic option for this disease.

Gastric motility physiology and surgical intervention

Disordered gastric motility represents a spectrum of dysfunction ranging from delayed gastric emptying to abnormally rapid gastric transit, commonly referred to as the "dumping syndrome." Both extremes of gastric motility disorders can arise from similar pathologic processes, and produce remarkably identical symptoms. This fact underscores the need to attain a precise diagnosis to ensure the institution of optimal therapy. Disordered gastric motility is primarily managed with dietary modification followed by pharmacotherapy, as traditional surgical interventions tend to be fraught with complications. However, continued improvements in minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic modalities promise novel options for earlier and more effective treatment.

Third International Summit: Current status of sleeve gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has been performed for morbid obesity in the past 10 years. LSG was originally intended as a first-stage procedure in high-risk patients but has become a stand-alone operation for many bariatric surgeons. Ongoing review is necessary regarding the durability of the weight loss, complications, and need for second-stage operations.

METHODS

The first International Summit for LSG was held in October 2007, the second in March 2009, and this third in December 2010. There were presentations by experts, and, to provide a consensus, a questionnaire was completed by 88 attendees who had >1 year (mean 3.6 ± 1.5, range 1-8) of experience with LSG.

RESULTS

The results of the questionnaire were based on 19,605 LSGs performed within 3.6 ± 1.5 years (228.8 ± 275.0 LSGs/surgeon). LSG had been intended as the sole operation in 86.4% of the cases; in these, a second-second stage became necessary in 2.2%. LSG was completed laparoscopically in 99.7% of the cases. The mean percentage of excess weight loss at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years was 62.7%, 64.7%, 64.0%, 57.3%, and 60.0%, respectively. The bougie size was 28-60F (mean 36F, 70% blunt tip). Resection began 1.5-7.0 cm (mean 4.8) proximal to the pylorus. Of the surgeons, 67.1% reinforced the staple line, 57% with buttress material and 43% with oversewing. The respondents excised an estimated 92.9% ± 8.0% (median 95.0%) of fundus (i.e., a tiny portion is maintained lateral to the angle of His). A drain is left by 57.6%, usually closed suction. High leaks occurred in 1.3% of cases (range 0-10%); lower leaks occurred in .5%. Intraluminal bleeding occurred in 2.0% of cases. The mortality rate was .1% ± .3%.

CONCLUSION

According to the questionnaire, presentations, and debates, the weight loss and improvement in diabetes appear to be better than with laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding and on par with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. High leaks are infrequent but problematic.

Hypoglycemia complicating bariatric surgery: incidence and mechanisms

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To discuss the clinical scope and frequency of hypoglycemia following bariatric surgery, and possible mechanisms mediating this potentially life-threatening complication.

RECENT FINDINGS

Consequent to the rise in severe obesity, bariatric surgery is being performed with ever increasing frequency. Although data continue to accumulate supporting the myriad metabolic and other health benefits of bariatric surgery, there are also concerns regarding the mounting reports of severe hypoglycemia. The problem is particularly significant following gastric bypass, with the first concerns raised in 2005 following a case series reported from the Mayo Clinic. A Swedish nationwide cohort study recently estimated the frequency of this complication suggesting it was less than 1%. Hypotheses regarding the mechanism(s) by which hypoglycemia arise following gastric bypass range from beta cell expansion to altered beta cell function as well as nonbeta cell factors.

SUMMARY

Regardless of the incidence, the severity of hypoglycemia for select patients following gastric bypass necessitates that we strive to gain a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms. With such knowledge, those patients at greater risk for this complication might be identified preoperatively, and decisions regarding their surgical management optimized to reduce this risk.

Update: metabolic and cardiovascular consequences of bariatric surgery

Obesity is a disease state with polygenic inheritance, the phenotypic penetrance of which has been greatly expanded by the attributes of modern civilization. More than two-thirds of obese persons have comorbidities, many of which are characteristic of cardiometabolic risk syndrome (CMRS) in addition to other life-quality-reducing complaints. The CMRS is associated with increased cardiovascular events and mortality. Individuals with a body mass index greater than 35 infrequently achieve or maintain weight loss adequate to resolve these metabolic and anatomic issues by lifestyle or pharmacologic strategies. Data suggest that some of these patients may be better served by bariatric surgery.

"My quality of life is worse compared to my earlier life": Living with chronic problems after weight loss surgery

Weight loss surgery is commonly regarded as improving individuals' health and social life, and resulting in a happier and more active life for those defined as "morbidly obese." However, some researchers have started to doubt whether these positive outcomes apply to everyone and this article explores this doubt further. More specifically, we focus on the experiences of women whose life situation became worse after weight loss surgery. The material draws on qualitative interviews of five Norwegian women undergoing the irreversible gastric bypass procedure. Our findings illustrate that the women lived seemingly "normal" lives prior to the surgery with few signs of illness. Worries about future illness as well as social stigma because of their body shape motivated them to undergo weight loss surgery. After the surgery, however, their situation was profoundly changed and their lives were dramatically restricted. Chronic pain, loss of energy, as well as feelings of shame and failure for having these problems not only limited their social lives but it also made them less physically active. In addition, they had difficulties taking care of their children, and functioning satisfactorily at work. Accordingly, the women gradually felt more "disabled," regarding themselves as "outsiders" whose problems needed to be kept private. The results highlight some "subtle" consequences of weight loss surgery, particularly the shame and stigma experienced by those whose lives became dramatically worse. Living in a society where negative impacts of weight loss surgery are more or less neglected in research as well as in the public debate the women seemed to suffer in silence. Their problems were clearly present and felt in the body but not talked about and shared with others.

The bariatric surgery patient: a growing role for registered dietitians

Between 1998 and 2004, the total number of bariatric procedures increased almost 10-fold, from 13,386 procedures in 1998 to 121,055 in 2004. Current estimates suggest the number of bariatric operations will exceed 220,000 in 2010. Bariatric surgery encompasses several surgical techniques classified as restrictive or malabsorptive, based on the main mechanism of weight loss. Clinical studies and meta-analyses show that bariatric surgery decreases morbidity and mortality when compared with nonsurgical treatments. A successful long-term outcome of bariatric surgery is dependent on the patient's commitment to a lifetime of dietary and lifestyle changes. The registered dietitian (RD) is an important member of the bariatric team and provides critical instructions to help patients adhere to the dietary changes consistent with surgery. Referencing current literature, this article outlines the indications, contraindications, and types of bariatric surgery. The role of the RD for preoperative and postoperative nutrition assessment and medical nutrition therapy is highlighted. Management of long-term nutrition issues is also reviewed. The current recommendations include a multivitamin/mineral supplement plus vitamin B-12, calcium, vitamin D-3, iron, and folic acid. Given the increasing prevalence of obesity and bariatric surgery procedures, caring for patients who have undergone surgery will be an expanding role for the RD. Close postoperative follow-up and careful monitoring will improve the odds for successful surgical outcomes, and RDs play a very important part in this process.

From bariatric to metabolic surgery in non-obese subjects: time for some caution

Severe obesity is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and both resolve with weight loss after bariatric operations. Intestinal hormones have been identified which are stimulated by rapid nutrient delivery to the lower small bowel after certain weight-loss operations. These incretins stimulate secretion and hypertrophy of the pancreatic beta cells. Surgical procedures are now being performed to treat diabetes in adults of lesser weight, and the importance of ruling out latent autoimmune diabetes in the adult (a variety of type 1) is suggested, before experimenting with these procedures.