Quality of life and bariatric surgery: a systematic review of short- and long-term results and comparison with community norms

DELTO Study: Delphi Consensus on Long-Term Textbook Outcome After Metabolic Bariatric Surgery

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to create a comprehensive Core Outcome Set (COS) for assessing the long-term outcome (≥ 5 years) after Metabolic Bariatric Surgery (MBS), through the use of the Delphi method.

METHODS

The study utilized a three-phase approach. In Phase 1, a long list of items was identified through a literature review and expert input, forming the basis for an online Delphi survey. In Phase 2, Dutch healthcare professionals involved in MBS care, defined as having at least 1 year of experience in routine follow-up or managing issues arising during follow-up, rated the importance of these items over three Delphi rounds using a 5-point Likert scale. Participants had the option to suggest additional items. Consensus was defined as 75% agreement among panelists. In Phase 3, the final COS was validated at a national conference.

RESULTS

Thirty-one professionals participated in the first Delphi round. Of these, 28 (90%) completed the second round, and 24 (77%) completed the third round. The final COS, validated by 18 healthcare professionals, included various domains: short-term textbook outcome, weight loss, remission of comorbidities, quality of life, micronutrient deficiencies, lifestyle, psychopathology, long-term complications, and preoperative indication.

CONCLUSIONS

The final COS offers a multidimensional approach to evaluate long-term outcomes after MBS. This COS is expected to enhance the measurement and benchmarking of MBS care, providing a more holistic view of patient outcomes.

The impact of weight loss after bariatric surgeries on the patient's body image, quality of life, and self-esteem

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this web-based study is to analyze the attributes of bariatric surgery cases ensuing health implications. Additionally, the study seeks to delve into the factors influencing post-bariatric psychological evaluations and the impact of various bariatric surgeries on weight loss and psycho-social assessment scores for patients who had undergone bariatric surgeries within a specific bariatric surgery center in Egypt between January 2017 and January 2024.

METHODS

An analytical cross-sectional study recruited 411 adults who had undergone different bariatric procedures by the same surgical team. We collected the data using a validated self-administered questionnaire that included the Body Image Scale (BIS), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), the quality-of-life score (QOLS), and the modified General Patient Satisfaction Score after Bariatric Surgeries (GSABS).

RESULTS

The most commonly performed bariatric surgery was sleeve gastrectomy (SG), accounting for 82.7% of the procedures. The majority of the patients (78%) were female, with a mean age of 35.8. Among the participants, 32.4% reported experiencing complications, and 21.2% of those individuals were still experiencing complications at the time of assessment. The BIS had a mean score of 16.54 ± 6.27, indicating an average body image perception. The RSES yielded a mean score of 20.11 ± 4.63, indicating average self-esteem, while the GSABS had a mean score of 8.08 ± 2.39, indicating an overall average level of patient satisfaction. No statistically significant differences were found between the various types of bariatric surgeries in terms of total body weight loss percentage, excess body weight loss percentage, or the timing of the intervention. However, increased time intervals from surgeries noted a significant reduction in the BIS.

CONCLUSION

The majority of patients who underwent SG and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgeries exhibited high GSABS scores. SG patients also had high BIS scores. However, all other interventions showed normal GSABS and BIS scores. All types of surgeries resulted in normal RSES and QOLS. Furthermore, the BIS score increases with the intervention's recentness, but it significantly decreases after the second-year post-surgery. Conversely, the older the timing of the intervention, the higher the RSES score after surgery.

Provision and outcomes of publicly funded bariatric surgery in a metropolitan versus a provincial population of New Zealand

BACKGROUND

Obesity is an important health problem worldwide. The prevalence of obesity in Aotearoa New Zealand (AoNZ) is the third highest amongst OECD countries. Previous studies have demonstrated inequity in the provision of bariatric and metabolic surgery (BMS) across AoNZ, but detailed data regarding patients and surgical outcomes is lacking. The aim of this study is to examine the rates and outcomes of BMS between patients domiciled in a metropolitan versus provincial area in AoNZ.

METHODS

A 5-year retrospective observational cohort study of all patients who received BMS domiciled in a metropolitan or a provincial area in the Northern region of AoNZ was performed. Interrogation of patient electronic medical records and clinical notes was performed to collect the required baseline characteristics, secondary outcome measure data and confirm domicile.

RESULTS

The rate of BMS was 6.1 times higher in the population with class III obesity domiciled in the metropolitan versus the provincial population. Patients in the metropolitan area were less obese, had lower rates of diabetes and had a wider range of procedures performed. Māori were underrepresented in both cohorts. There was a higher resolution of diabetes in the provincial patients.

CONCLUSION

This study has highlighted significant differences in the rate, type and outcomes of BMS between a metropolitan and provincial area in the Northern region of AoNZ. This represents a significant health inequity. Changes in national and regional policies are needed to ensure equitable care for patients with obesity in AoNZ.

Cultural Translation and Validation of the Bariatric Quality of Life Index to European Portuguese

INTRODUCTION

Obesity is a chronic noncommunicable disease, defined by a body mass index over 30 kg/m2. Its impact is not restricted to its association with higher risks of mortality and morbidity from other noncommunicable diseases, but also with a decrease in quality of life (QoL). There are several tools to assess QoL, from generic health-related tools to obesity-related specific ones. However, to assess QoL in patients undergoing bariatric surgery, only the Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System was available, which presented some significant problems. Therefore, the Bariatric Quality of Life (BQL) Index was developed. The aim of this study was the validation and cultural adaptation of the BQL Index for European Portuguese.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted, with the presentation of two questionnaires to the participants: BQL Index and EQ-5D-3L (European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions and 3 Level) Index. Direct translation followed reviewing, back-translation, comparison, and pilot testing were performed. Retest was done six months after the baseline. The following psychometric properties were assessed: convergent validity using the Spearman r correlation coefficient between BQL Index and EQ-5D-3L Index; internal consistency based on Cronbach alpha coefficient; and reproducibility between test and retest through Spearman r correlation coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

RESULTS

A total of 260 participants were included, the mean age was 45 ± 10 years old, the mean body mass index was 44 ± 6.5 kg/m2 and 78% were females. The most frequent obesity-related comorbidities were osteoarticular disease (69%), anxiety/depression (60%), and hypertension (54%). The most common eating patterns were volume eater (67%) and sweet eater (62%). Quality of Life scores were 41.3 ± 9.3 for the BQL Index, 0.35 ± 0.19 for the EQ-5D-3L Index and 55.7 ± 19.8 for the EQ-5D-3L VAS. The translation yielded good convergent validity (r = 0.62), good internal consistency (alpha = 0.94), and good reproducibility (r = 0.62 and ICC = 0.79).

CONCLUSION

Our translation exhibited good parametric properties, with validity within the original BQL values, higher internal consistency, and good reproducibility.

Clinical outcomes and adverse events of bariatric surgery in adults with severe obesity in Scotland: the SCOTS observational cohort study

Background

Bariatric surgery is a common procedure worldwide for the treatment of severe obesity and associated comorbid conditions but there is a lack of evidence as to medium-term safety and effectiveness outcomes in a United Kingdom setting.

Objective

To establish the clinical outcomes and adverse events of different bariatric surgical procedures, their impact on quality of life and the effect on comorbidities.

Design

Prospective observational cohort study.

Setting

National Health Service secondary care and private practice in Scotland, United Kingdom.

Participants

Adults (age >16 years) undergoing their first bariatric surgery procedure.

Main outcome measures

Change in weight, hospital length of stay, readmission and reoperation rate, mortality, diabetes outcomes (HbA1c, medications), quality of life, anxiety, depression.

Data sources

Patient-reported outcome measures, hospital records, national electronic health records (Scottish Morbidity Record 01, Scottish Care Information Diabetes, National Records Scotland, Prescription Information System).

Results

Between December 2013 and February 2017, 548 eligible patients were approached and 445 participants were enrolled in the study. Of those, 335 had bariatric surgery and 1 withdrew from the study. Mean age was 46.0 (9.2) years, 74.7% were female and the median body mass index was 46.4 (42.4; 52.0) kg/m2. Weight was available for 128 participants at 3 years: mean change was -19.0% (±14.1) from the operation and -24.2% (±12.8) from the start of the preoperative weight-management programme. One hundred and thirty-nine (41.4%) participants were readmitted to hospital in the same or subsequent 35 months post surgery, 18 (5.4% of the operated cohort) had a reoperation or procedure considered to be related to bariatric surgery gastrointestinal complications or revisions. Fewer than five participants (<2%) died during follow-up. HbA1c was available for 93/182 and diabetes medications for 139/182 participants who had type 2 diabetes prior to surgery; HbA1c mean change was -5.72 (±16.71) (p = 0.001) mmol/mol and 65.5% required no diabetes medications (p < 0.001) at 3 years post surgery. Physical quality of life, available for 101/335 participants, improved in the 3 years post surgery, mean change in Rand 12-item Short Form Survey physical component score 8.32 (±8.95) (p < 0.001); however, there was no change in the prevalence of anxiety or depression.

Limitations

Due to low numbers of bariatric surgery procedures in Scotland, recruitment was stopped before achieving the intended 2000 participants and follow-up was reduced from 10 years to 3 years.

Conclusions

Bariatric surgery is a safe and effective treatment for obesity. Patients in Scotland, UK, appear to be older and have higher body mass than international comparators, which may be due to the small number of procedures performed.

Future work

Intervention studies are required to identify the optimal pre- and post surgery pathway to maximise safety and cost-effectiveness.

Study registration

This study is registered as ISRCTN47072588.

Funding details

This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme (NIHR award ref: 10/42/02) and is published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 28, No. 7. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.

Distinct adaptations of endocrine and cognitive functions may contribute to high variability in long-term weight loss outcome after bariatric surgery

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery has been widely recognized as the most efficient long-term treatment method in severe obesity, yet therapy success shows considerable interindividual variability. Postoperative metabolic adaptations, including improved gut hormone secretion (GLP-1, PYY and ghrelin), and restored executive function may play an explanatory role in weight loss, yet causes for poor success in individual patients remain unknown. This study investigates gut-hormonal and cognitive characteristics in extreme weight loss responders to bariatric surgery.

METHODS

Patients (n=47) with high or low excessive weight loss (EWL) at least 2 years after Roux-en-Y-gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy were allocated into good responders (GR, EWL 82.4 ± 11.6%) and poor responders (PR, EWL 24.0 ± SD 12.8%) to study differences in postprandial secretion of GLP-1, PYY, ghrelin and in working memory (WM).

RESULTS

Mean BMI was 47.1 ± 6.2 kg/m² in PR (n=21) and 28.9 ± 3.1 kg/m² in GR (n=26, p < 0.001). Fasted GLP-1 and PYY were comparable for GR and PR (p > 0.2) and increased strongly after a standardized test meal (300 kcal liquid meal) with a peak at 15 to 30 minutes. The increase was stronger in GR compared to PR (GLP-1, PYY: Time x Group p < 0.05). Plasma ghrelin levels already differed between groups at fasted state, showing significantly higher levels for GR (p < 0.05). Postprandially, ghrelin secretion was suppressed in both groups, but suppression was higher in GR (Time x Group p < 0.05). GR showed significantly higher WM scores than PR (p < 0.05). Postprandial ghrelin (iAUC), but not GLP-1 or PYY plasma levels, significantly mediated the relationship between EWL and a WM subscore (IS score, CI = 0.07 - 1.68), but not WM main score (MIS score, CI = -0.07 - 1.54), in mediation analyses.

CONCLUSION

Excess weight loss success after bariatric surgical procedures is associated with distinct profiles of gut-hormones at fasted and postprandial state, and differences in working memory. Better working memory performance in GR might be mediated by higher postprandial reduction in ghrelin plasma levels. Future studies need to integrate longitudinal data, larger samples and more sensitive cognitive tests.

Effect of Prolonged and Substantial Weight Loss on Incident Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background. Overweight and obesity are associated with atrial fibrillation (AF), and bariatric surgery (BS), able to induce sustained and prolonged weight loss, might represent the ideal treatment in the prevention of AF. Previous studies could not definitely establish a role for weight loss and BS in preventing incident AF so far. During the last few years, several studies on the effect of bariatric surgery on cardiovascular diseases have been published, and we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the role of weight loss through BS in the prevention of incident AF in obesity. Methods. This meta-analysis followed the PRISMA guideline. Eligible studies were controlled trials evaluating the appearance of atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing weight loss through BS as compared with patients receiving medical treatment. Quality of studies was assessed according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale, and risk-of-bias was evaluated employing the Egger's test. All analyses were run by a random-effects model according to Hartung and Knapp and sensitivity analyses were performed. Heterogeneity was assessed through Q and I² statistics for each comparison, and potential publication bias was formally investigated. Results. Ten studies were included in the meta-analysis, and the overall result was statistically significant [OR = 0.665 (0.475-0.929), p = 0.017], with significant heterogeneity (Q = 48.98, p < 0.001; I² = 81.6%), but with no publication bias. In sensitivity analyses, the amount of weight loss, percentage of patients with diabetes and value of the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale, were all associated with significance of effect. Since age was different in one study, a sensitivity analysis was performed by excluding this study; OR was similar [OR = 0.608 (0.454-0.814), p < 0.001]; heterogeneity was reduced but still significant (Q = 35.74, p < 0.001, I² = 77.6%) and again no publication bias was detected. Conclusions. Bariatric surgery as compared to medical treatment is associated with reduced appearance of incident AF.

Quality of Life in Obese Patients from a Multidisciplinary Bariatric Consultation: A Cross-Sectional Study Comparing to a Non-Bariatric Population and to the General Population

Obesity is a chronic disease defined by a body mass index of ≥30 kg/m², which can result in a decrease in quality of life (QoL). Our study aim was to assess the QoL of an obese population of bariatric surgery (BS) candidates, and to compare it to both that of a non-bariatric obese population (C) and that of the general population. This was a cross-sectional study using: (1) the EQ-5D-3L instrument: comparing BS with the C population and with the Portuguese general population; and (2) the Bariatric Quality of Life (BQL) Index: comparing the two groups of obese patients. We included 228 BS and 68 C obese patients. BS patients had higher BMI (44 ± 6 kg/m² vs. 41 ± 6.5 kg/m²; p < 0.001), higher waist circumference (130 ± 13 cm vs. 123 ± 17 cm; p = 0.03), and higher total body fat mass (49.9 ± 6.7% vs. 45 ± 6.7%; p < 0.001). QoL as evaluated by EQ-5D-3L was similar, but the BQL index showed lower QoL in BS patients (40.9 ± 8.9 vs. 44.2 ± 11.2; p = 0.01). Compared to the Portuguese general population, BS patients had lower QoL (VAS: 55 ± 19 vs. 74.9; p < 0.001; index: 0.33 ± 0.2 vs. 0.76; p < 0.001). Despite higher adiposity in the BS group, QoL was similar between the groups by EQ-5D-3L. Nevertheless, there was a decrease in the QoL for the BS patients as determined using the BQL, a tool with higher sensitivity to bariatric patients.

Quality of Life after Bariatric Surgery-A Systematic Review

Background: Most studies analyzing the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) after bariatric treatment ceased at five years post-surgery or even earlier, and it is unclear whether the HRQOL benefit persists for a longer time. This paper reviews sparse evidence regarding HRQOL in patients who underwent bariatric surgery at least nine years prior. Materials and Methods: A of PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar between 2007–2021 was carried out for the studies investigating HRQOL as an outcome measure in patients after bariatric surgery of any type and having at least a 9-year follow-up. Inconsistent reporting of weight loss or postgraduate study results unrelated to QoL were not included in the study. The study used the PICO procedure. Results: The review of 18 identified publications demonstrated that bariatric treatment seems to provide a persistent benefit in terms of HRQOL, especially its physical component score. Due to psychological predispositions, some patients appear to be less likely to benefit from bariatric treatment, whether in terms of HRQOL or bodyweight reduction. Inconsistent and imprecise studies may limit the evidence included in a review. Conclusions: The early identification of such patients and providing them with holistic care, including psychological intervention, would likely further improve the outcomes of bariatric treatment.

Changes in Physical Activity Patterns Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

With the outbreak of the Corona Virus Disease 19 (Covid-19) in late 2019, governments increasingly imposed containment strategies, including social distancing as well as restricted population movement, potentially having negative impacts on mental and physical health. A growing number of studies have examined the impact of the pandemic on different facets of physical activity (PA); an overview combining these (mixed) results, however, is missing. Thus, the objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate whether and to which extent PA changed from before to during the Covid-19 pandemic, taking age, gender, and measurement method into account. The literature search was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Results of the main characteristics were descriptively synthesized and analyzed in a meta-analysis quantifying effects of the pandemic on PA divided by age groups, with additional subgroup analyses of the characteristics age, gender, and measurement method being narratively synthesized. Overall, 57 studies with a total sample size of 119,094 participants (N between 10 and 60,560 subjects) from 14 countries worldwide with participants aged between four and 93 years were included. Thirty-two studies revealed a significant decline in PA, whereas only five studies found a significant increase in PA during the Covid-19 pandemic. Fourteen studies revealed mixed results. PA decreased in all age groups, independent of gender. Most self-reported and all device-based measurement methods showed a reduction in PA. However, effects were not found to be significant in all age groups. Nevertheless, the declining trend should be noted and governments should strive to enable PA within periods of pandemic restrictions, or promote alternatives such as digital training to avoid negative health consequences within the population.

Impacts of bariatric surgery in health outcomes and health care costs in Brazil: Interrupted time series analysis of multi-panel data

Background

The increasing burden of obesity generates significant socioeconomic impacts for individuals, populations, and national health systems worldwide. The literature on impacts and cost-effectiveness of obesity-related interventions for prevention and treatment of moderate to severe obesity indicate that bariatric surgery presents high costs associated with high effectiveness in improving health status referring to certain outcomes; however, there is a lack of robust evidence at an individual-level estimation of its impacts on multiple health outcomes related to obesity comorbidities.

Methods

The study encompasses a single-centre retrospective longitudinal analysis of patient-level data using micro-costing technique to estimate direct health care costs with cost-effectiveness for multiple health outcomes pre-and post-bariatric surgery. Data from 114 patients who had bariatric surgery at the Hospital of Clinics of the University of Sao Paulo during 2018 were investigated through interrupted time-series analysis with generalised estimating equations and marginal effects, including information on patients' characteristics, lifestyle, anthropometric measures, hemodynamic measures, biochemical exams, and utilisation of health care resources during screening (180 days before) and follow-up (180 days after) of bariatric surgery.

Results

The preliminary statistical analysis showed that health outcomes presented improvement, except cholesterol and VLDL, and overall direct health care costs increased after the intervention. However, interrupted time series analysis showed that the rise in health care costs is attributable to the high cost of bariatric surgery, followed by a statistically significant decrease in post-intervention health care costs. Changes in health outcomes were also statistically significant in general, except in cholesterol and LDL, leading to significant improvements in patients' health status after the intervention.

Conclusions

Trends multiple health outcomes showed statistically significant improvements in patients' health status post-intervention compared to trends pre-intervention, resulting in reduced direct health care costs and the burden of obesity.

Is the RAND-36 an Adequate Patient-reported Outcome Measure to Assess Health-related Quality of Life in Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery?

PURPOSE

The RAND-36 is the most frequently used patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in bariatric surgery. However, the RAND-36 has never been adequately validated in bariatric surgery. The purpose of this study was to validate the RAND-36 in Dutch patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

To validate the RAND-36, the following measurement properties were assessed in bariatric surgery patients: validity (the degree to which the RAND-36 measures what it purports to measure (HRQoL)), reliability (the extent to which the scores of the RAND-36 are the same for repeated measurement for patients who have not changed in HRQoL), responsiveness (the ability of the RAND-36 to detect changes in HRQoL over time).

RESULTS

Two thousand one hundred thirty-seven patients were included. Validity was not adequate due to the irrelevance of some items and response options, the lack of items relevant to patients undergoing bariatric surgery, and the RAND-36 did not actually measure what it was intended to measure in this study (HRQoL in bariatric surgery patients). Reliability was insufficient for the majority of the scales (the scores of patients who had not changed in HRQoL were different when the RAND was completed a second time (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values 0.10-0.69)). Responsiveness was insufficient.

CONCLUSION

The RAND-36 was not supported by sufficient validation evidence in patients undergoing bariatric surgery, which means that the RAND-36 does not adequately measure HRQoL in this patient population. Future research studies should use PROMs that are specifically designed for assessing HRQoL in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

Effectiveness and Safety of Adjustable Gastric Banding in Morbidly Obese Patients After 5 Years of Follow-up

Obesity is a civilization disease that promotes the emergence and development of many diseases, such as type II diabetes, cardiovascular, and some cancers. It directly affects the length and quality of life. The purpose of this retrospective study was to show the short- and long-term results of weight loss after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) as well as to assess the results of the procedure and the percentage of reoperations. Case series analysis included 228 subsequent patients who underwent LAGB due to obesity. In the postoperative period, there was a gradual reduction in body weight, especially in the first 24 months after surgery. After 3 years, no further weight reduction was observed, and sometimes, a slight increase in weight was observed 5 years after surgery; the trend in weight reduction over the entire time period was significant. A similar result was found for percentage of BMI loss (%BMIL) and percentage of excess body weight loss (%EWL), especially in the first 36 months after surgery. Our study confirmed the good early results and low effectiveness of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in the long-term treatment of pathological obesity. On the other hand, the simplicity and safety of the procedure, the minimal effects of malnutrition, the low number of early complications, and the total reversibility or conversion procedure for any other bariatric surgery are the strengths of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding for a selected group of patients.

Bariatric surgery versus medical therapy in Korean obese patients: prospective multicenter nonrandomized controlled trial (KOBESS trial)

Purpose

The aim of this study was to show that bariatric surgery (BS) is more effective than medical therapy (MT) in Asian obese patients.

Methods

In this prospective, multicenter, nonrandomized, controlled trial, obese patients with body mass index of ≥35 kg/m² or 30.0–34.9 kg/m² with obesity-related comorbidities were assigned to undergo BS, such as laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, or MT. Patients who underwent BS were evaluated 4, 12, 24, and 48 weeks after surgery, whereas patients who received MT were monitored at a hospital every 6 weeks for 1 year. At each visit, weight, waist and hip circumference, and blood pressure were measured, and patients underwent physical examination and laboratory testing. Health-related quality of life (HQOL) was investigated using Euro QOL-5 Dimension, Impact of Weight on Quality of Life questionnaire-Lite and Obesity-related Problems scale.

Results

The study included 264 patients from 13 institutions; of these, 64 underwent BS and 200 received MT. Of the patients who underwent BS, 6.3% experienced early complications. Relative weight changes from baseline to 48 weeks were significantly greater in the BS than in the MT group (26.9% vs. 2.1%, P < 0.001), as were the rates of remission of diabetes (47.8% vs. 16.7%, P = 0.014), hypertension (60.0% vs. 26.1%, P < 0.001), and dyslipidemia (63.2% vs. 22.0%, P < 0.001). HQOL was better in the BS than in the MT group at 48 weeks.

Conclusion

BS was safe and effective in Korean obese patients, with greater weight reduction, remission of comorbidities, and quality of life improvement than MT.

Single Anastomosis Duodenoileal Bypass or Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass After Failed Sleeve Gastrectomy: Medium-Term Outcomes

Background

Although the sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has good short-term results, it comes with a significant number of patients requiring revisional surgery because of insufficient weight loss or functional complications.

Objective

To investigate the effectiveness of the single anastomosis duodenoileal bypass (SADI-S) versus the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on health outcomes in (morbidly) obese patients who had previously undergone SG, with up to 5 years of follow-up.

Methods

Data from patients who underwent revisional SADI-S or RYGB after SG were retrospectively compared on indication of surgery, weight loss, quality of life, micronutrient deficiencies, and complications.

Results

From 2007 to 2017, 141 patients received revisional laparoscopic surgery after SG in three specialized Dutch bariatric hospitals (SADI-S n=63, RYGB n=78). Percentage total weight loss following revisional surgery at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years was 22%, 24%, 22%, 18%, and 15% for SADI-S and 10%, 9%, 7%, 8%, and 2% for RYGB (P<.05 for 1–4 years). Patients who underwent RYGB surgery for functional complications experienced no persistent symptoms of GERD or dysphagia in 88% of cases. No statistical difference was found in longitudinal analysis of change in quality of life scores or cross-sectional analysis of complication rates and micronutrient deficiencies.

Conclusion

Conversion of SG to SADI-S leads to significantly more total weight loss compared to RYGB surgery with no difference in quality of life scores, complication rates, or micronutrient deficiencies. When GERD in sleeve patients has to be resolved, RYGB provides adequate outcomes.

Graphical abstract

High plasma renin activity associates with obesity-related diabetes and arterial hypertension, and predicts persistent hypertension after bariatric surgery

Background

Information about the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) in obese individuals before and after bariatric surgery is scarce. Aim of this study was to analyze the RAAS in severely obese subjects, in relation to anthropometric and metabolic variables, with special reference to glucose tolerance.

Methods

239 subjects were evaluated at baseline, and 181 one year after bariatric surgery [laparoscopic gastric banding (LAGB)].

Results

At baseline, renin (plasma renin activity, PRA) was increased from normal to glucose tolerance and more in diabetes, also correlating with ferritin. After LAGB, the decrease of PRA and aldosterone was significant in hypertensive, but not in normotensive subjects, and correlatied with decrease of ferritin. PRA and glucose levels were predictive of persistent hypertension 1 year after LAGB.

Conclusions

These data support the role of RAAS in the pathophysiology of glucose homeostasis, and in the regulation of blood pressure in obesity. Ferritin, as a proxy of subclinical inflammation, could be another factor contributing to the cross-talk between RAAS and glucose metabolism.

Body Contouring Surgery Improves Weight Loss after Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Our main objective is to evaluate the effect of body contouring surgery (BCS) on the magnitude and durability of weight loss after bariatric surgery.

METHODS

Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Scopus search were conducted from the time of their inception to June 2020. We included comparative studies that assessed weight progression, in terms of Body Mass Index change (∆BMI), Total Body Weight Loss (TBWL%), and Excess Weight Loss (%EWL) for the post-bariatric patient population and the effect of BCS on weight progression.

RESULTS

Eleven articles were included. The pooled sample size was 2307, of which 691 were cases who underwent BCS post-bariatric surgery, and 1616 were comparative controls. The mean follow-up time for cases and controls were 61.6 ± 23.8 months and 52.2 ± 23.8 months, respectively. Nine studies reported results of BMI changes, six provided %EWL, and five used %TBWL. Significant improvement in weight loss was observed in the BCS group when measured by either ∆BMI (3 kg/m2 points decrease, p 0.023), %TBWL (6% increase, P < 0.0001), or %EWL (14% increase, P < 0.0001). Sub-group analysis showed that increased follow-up time was associated with higher TBWL% (p 0.02).

CONCLUSION

The evidence provided in this review strongly supports the added long-term benefits of body contouring surgery for selected patients after massive weight loss following bariatric surgery. Having a multidisciplinary team that involves a bariatric and a plastic surgeon as well as nutritionists and psychologists for the management of patients with obesity going through the bariatric pathway is recommended.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these evidence-based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Association between duration of peripheral facial palsy, severity, and age of the patient, and psychological distress

BACKGROUND

Peripheral facial palsy (PFP) (paralysis) can be a devastating condition that has been shown to have associations with increased depression and worse quality of life. The aim of the present study is to better understand the complex association of psychological distress with the duration, severity, and age of patients with PFP. We hypothesize that a shorter duration of PFP is associated with higher levels of psychological distress.

METHODS

Fifty-nine patients with PFP that existed longer than 3 months were included in this study. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to assess the presence and severity of anxiety and depressions. Spearman's correlation analysis was used to determine correlation between psychological distress, duration, severity of the PFP, and age.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine patients were included in this study, of whom 22 were male and 37 were female. The mean age was 55.6 ± 14.6 years and mean duration of PFP from onset ranged from 3 months to 35 years (with a mean duration of 5.39 ± 6.06 years). Twenty-eight patients had left-sided PFP, 30 patients had right-sided PFP, and one patient had bilateral PFP. The majority were caused by Bell's palsy (50.8%). In the group with a duration less than 5 years, there were five (12.8%) patients having a score between 11 and 15 (on HADS) compared to two (10%) patients in the group with a duration of 5 years or more(p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

There seems to be an association between moderate depression and duration of the PFP. Further studies need to substantiate our findings.

Compared with Controls, Bariatric Surgery Prevents Long-Term Mortality in Persons with Obesity Only Above Median Age of Cohorts: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE

Compared to medical treatment, bariatric surgery reduces long-term mortality in persons with obesity. Some studies indicate that the effect only applies to patients above median age of cohorts, not to younger patients. Our objective was to assess the role of age in the reduction of mortality (global mortality and mortality for specific causes) through bariatric surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data sources: PubMed, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and Embase.

STUDY SELECTION

studies reporting mortality in relation to median age of patients.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

pooled random effects of estimates of the risk of mortality in participants undergoing surgery compared with controls, as function of median age.

RESULTS

Mortality was lower in patients undergoing surgery than in controls (OR = 0.29, 95% CI 0.17-0.49). Below median age, the difference between surgery patients and controls was nonsignificant (OR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.57-1.06). Above median age, the difference was significant (OR = 0.23, 95% CI 0.12-0.44). In a subset of 5 studies, deaths due to various causes were less, and external causes-related deaths were more frequent in surgery than in controls. Below median age, deaths due to CVD were less frequent in surgery than in controls. Above median age, total deaths and deaths due to various causes (cardiovascular, diabetes, cancer, and other causes) were less in surgery than in controls. Publication bias was absent.

CONCLUSION

Compared with controls, bariatric surgery reduces long-term global mortality only above median age, not below median age. Also mortality due to specific causes is mainly reduced in persons above median age.

Effects of Bariatric Surgery on Cancer Risk: Evidence from Meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Weight loss after bariatric surgery yields important health benefits. A multitude of observational studies have investigated the association of bariatric surgery for severe obesity with the risk of cancer. However, the results were debatable. The aim of the present study was to estimate the effect of bariatric surgery on overall cancer risk.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed to identify studies evaluating the association of bariatric surgery for severe obesity with the risk of cancer. Meta-analysis was performed to calculate combined prevalence.

RESULTS

Twenty-one cohort studies with 304,516 patients with obesity having under gone bariatric surgery and 8,492,408 patients with obesity as controls were included. Meta-analysis found decreased cancer risk to be associated with bariatric surgery (OR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.48-0.66), both for the incidence of cancer (OR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.46-0.68) and mortality of cancer (OR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.41-0.75). In subgroup analysis, bariatric surgery was significantly associated with decreased breast cancer risk and endometrial cancer risk, but not associated with other cancer risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis indicated that bariatric surgery for severe obesity was associated with decreased cancer risk, both for cancer incidence and mortality. Moreover, further studies estimating the functional effect and side effects may eventually provide a better, comprehensive understanding.

The Influence of Body Contouring Surgery on Weight Control and Comorbidities in Patients After Bariatric Surgery

Introduction

A considerable number of patients experience some long-term weight regain after bariatric surgery. Body contouring surgery (BCS) is thought to strengthen post-bariatric surgery patients in their weight control and maintenance of achieved improvements in comorbidities.

Objectives

To examine the impact of BCS on long-term weight control and comorbidities after bariatric surgery.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study in a prospective database. All patients who underwent primary Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and presented for preoperative consultation of BCS in the same hospital were included in the study. Linear and logistic mixed-effect model analyses were used to evaluate the longitudinal relationships between patients who were accepted or rejected for BCS and their weight loss outcomes or changes in comorbidities.

Results

Of the 1150 patients who underwent primary RYGB between January 2010 and December 2014, 258 patients (22.4%) presented for preoperative consultation of BCS. Of these patients, 126 patients eventually underwent BCS (48.8%). Patients who were accepted for BCS demonstrated significant better ∆body mass index (BMI) on average over time (− 1.31 kg/m²/year, 95% confidence interval (CI) −2.52 − −0.10, p = 0.034) and percent total weight loss (%TWL) was significantly different at 36 months (5.79, 95%CI 1.22 – 10.37, p = 0.013) and 48 months (6.78, 95%CI 0.93 – 12.63, p = 0.023) after body contouring consultation. Patients who were accepted or rejected did not differ significantly in the maintenance of achieved improvements in comorbidities.

Conclusion

BCS could not be associated with the maintenance of achieved improvements in comorbidities after bariatric surgery, whereas it could be associated with improved weight loss maintenance at 36 and 48 months after body contouring consultation. This association should be further explored in a large longitudinal study.

A systems biology approach to understand gut microbiota and host metabolism in morbid obesity: design of the BARIA Longitudinal Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION

Prevalence of obesity and associated diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), are increasing. Underlying mechanisms, especially in humans, are unclear. Bariatric surgery provides the unique opportunity to obtain biopsies and portal vein blood-samples.

METHODS

The BARIA Study aims to assess how microbiota and their metabolites affect transcription in key tissues and clinical outcome in obese subjects and how baseline anthropometric and metabolic characteristics determine weight loss and glucose homeostasis after bariatric surgery. We phenotype patients undergoing bariatric surgery (predominantly laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass), before weight loss, with biometrics, dietary and psychological questionnaires, mixed meal test (MMT) and collect fecal-samples and intra-operative biopsies from liver, adipose tissues and jejunum. We aim to include 1500 patients. A subset (approximately 25%) will undergo intra-operative portal vein blood-sampling. Fecal-samples are analyzed with shotgun metagenomics and targeted metabolomics, fasted and postprandial plasma-samples are subjected to metabolomics, and RNA is extracted from the tissues for RNAseq-analyses. Data will be integrated using state-of-the-art neuronal networks and metabolic modeling. Patient follow-up will be ten years.

RESULTS

Preoperative MMT of 170 patients were analysed and clear differences were observed in glucose homeostasis between individuals. Repeated MMT in 10 patients showed satisfactory intra-individual reproducibility, with differences in plasma glucose, insulin and triglycerides within 20% of the mean difference.

CONCLUSION

The BARIA study can add more understanding in how gut-microbiota affect metabolism, especially with regard to obesity, glucose metabolism and NAFLD. Identification of key factors may provide diagnostic and therapeutic leads to control the obesity-associated disease epidemic.

Earnings and employment for women after bariatric surgery: a matched cohort study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Bariatric surgery induces durable weight loss and improves health and quality of life. Less is known about how bariatric surgery affects labour market outcomes. This study examined the development of earnings and employment status among women with obesity who underwent bariatric surgery versus matched comparators.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

This study included two cohorts of women in Sweden who gave birth between 1992 and 2014: a cohort with bariatric patients and their full sisters (sister cohort) and a cohort with bariatric patients and comparators matched on BMI, education, birth year, and previous cardiovascular, psychiatric, and musculoskeletal inpatient care diagnoses (BMI-matched cohort). Taxable annual earnings were retrieved from the Swedish Income Tax Register from 2 years before to 5 years after surgery. Employment status was measured dichotomously (employed/not employed) based on earnings data. Adjusted mean and prevalence differences were estimated for earnings and employment by ordinary least squares regression.

RESULTS

The sister cohort included 1400 patient-sister pairs. At baseline, patients and their sisters were of similar age (38.3 vs. 38.6 years) but had different BMI (37.3 vs. 26.7 kg/m²). The BMI-matched cohort included 2967 patient-comparator pairs with similar age (36.1 vs. 36.2 years) and BMI (37.1 vs. 37.0 kg/m²) before surgery. During follow-up, similar developments of earnings and employment status were observed between bariatric patients and the comparators in both cohorts. When comparing absolute levels of earnings in the sister cohort, the difference in earnings at 2 years before surgery [mean difference -$4137 (95% CI -5245 to -3028)] was similar to the difference in earnings at 5 years after surgery [-$5620 (-7024 to -4215)]. Similar results were found in the BMI-matched cohort, but of smaller magnitude.

CONCLUSIONS

Bariatric surgery had little influence on the development of annual earnings and employment for women with obesity in Sweden over 5 years after surgery.

Anxiety and Depression Affect Early Postoperative Pain Dimensions after Bariatric Surgery

Uncontrolled postoperative pain and prolonged immobilization after bariatric surgery have been associated with increased postoperative complications and prolonged hospitalization. The aim of our study was to evaluate the postoperative pain that follows bariatric surgery and identify any psychological factors that may affect the early postoperative perception of pain. The study included 100 patients with obesity (women, n = 61; age 37.4 ± 9.9 years, mean ± standard deviation; Body Mass Index (BMI) 47.6 ± 6.5 kg/m²) who underwent bariatric surgery. Preoperative anxiety and depression were evaluated by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the quantitative and qualitative dimension of early postoperative pain were evaluated by the McGill Pain Questionnaire Short Form (MPQ-SF). Furthermore, the postoperative analgesia protocol was recorded for each patient. Pain declined gradually during the first 24 h postoperative. Although preoperative anxiety had no correlation with the overall pain of postoperative Day 0, patients with a higher level of preoperative anxiety had significantly more intense and more unpleasant pain at 1 h post operation. In addition, depression influences both the intensity and unpleasantness of pain at different time points (1 h, 4 h and 24 h postoperative). Preoperative pain correlated with educational level, but not with age, BMI, gender, marital status, smoking and surgery type. In conclusion, preoperative anxiety and depression influence the early postoperative pain after bariatric surgery, and their preoperative identification is of major importance to enhance the implementation of fast-track postoperative protocols to prevent complications and prolonged hospitalization.

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

BACKGROUND

Long-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.

OBJECTIVES

To 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.

SETTING

Single bariatric unit.

METHODS

BAROS 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.

RESULTS

A 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.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-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.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review describes the latest evidence for the impact of bariatric surgery on health-related quality of life (HRQL).

RECENT FINDINGS

The impact of bariatric surgery on HRQL is less well-understood than its clinical effectiveness on weight and co-morbidities. Poor-quality study design and different HRQL measures challenge systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Available limited evidence suggests that physical aspects of HRQL may improve more than mental health aspects of HRQL after bariatric surgery, reaching maximal benefits 1-2 years post-surgery. Comparative HRQL analyses between bariatric procedures cannot be made due to a lack of randomised data. Qualitative research highlights the tensions patients experience after bariatric surgery, which provides insights to observed changes in HRQL. Standardized HRQL measures are being developed and agreed to improve future evidence synthesis. Two multi-centre randomised trials of bariatric surgical procedures including detailed HRQL assessment are in progress. It is hoped that the combination of comparative high-quality HRQL data and information from qualitative studies will provide new insights into patient well-being and health after bariatric surgery.

Health state utilities for economic evaluation of bariatric surgery: A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis

Health state utilities (HSUs) are health economic metrics that capture and assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL). They are essential in health-economic evaluations when calculating quality-adjusted life years. We investigated published studies reporting bariatric surgery-related HSUs elicited through direct or indirect (multiattribute utility instrument [MAUI]) patient-reported methods (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019131725). Mean HSUs for different time points and HSU changes over time (where feasible) were meta-analysed using random-effects models. Of the 950 potentially relevant identified studies, n = 28 (2004-2018) qualified for data extraction, with n = 85 unique HSUs elicited mainly from the EQ-5D (88%). Most (75%) studies were published after 2013. The follow-up duration varied between studies and was often limited to 12 months. The pooled mean HSU was 0.72 (0.67-0.76) at baseline/presurgery (n = 18) and 0.84 (0.79-0.89) one-year postsurgery (n = 11), indicating a 0.11 (0.09-0.14) utility unit increment. EQ-5D showed the similar results. This positive difference can be partially explained by BMI and/or co-morbidities status improvement. This study provides a valuable summary of HSUs to future bariatric surgery-related cost-utility models. However, more well-designed higher-quality bariatric-related HSU studies are expected for future reviews to improve the available evidence. We suggest that researchers select an MAUI that is preferentially sensitive to the study population.

Effects of Microecological Preparations on Obese Patients after Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Vitamin deficiency, bacterial overgrowth, and gastrointestinal symptoms can be detected in obese patients after bariatric surgery that influences their quality of life (QoL) and weight. It is unclear if microecological preparations benefit obese patients following bariatric surgery. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of microecological preparations on QoL, excess weight loss (EWL), and levels of vitamin B₁₂ and inflammatory markers. We searched seven databases to identify reports published till December 1, 2019, and included randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of microecological preparations in obese adults undergoing bariatric surgery. The primary outcomes included QoL and EWL, while secondary outcomes comprised serum levels of vitamin B₁₂, interleukin 6, TNF-α, and C-reactive protein (CRP). Study bias was analyzed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Statistical analyses were performed using Review Manager. The mean difference in outcomes was calculated using standardized mean difference (SMD) with a confidence interval (CI) of 95%. A majority of the studies showed a low or moderate risk of bias. Meta-analysis showed significantly higher levels of vitamin B₁₂ in postoperative patients administered with microecological preparations (SMD = 0.52; 95% CI = 0.08–0.95; P = 0.02). There were no significant differences in QoL (SMD = −0.14; 95% CI = −0.45–0.17; P = 0.38), EWL (SMD = 0.45; 95% CI = −0.16–1.05; P = 0.15), and levels of TNF-α (SMD = −0.29; 95% CI = −0.64–0.05; P = 0.09), interleukin 6 (SMD = −0.1; 95% CI = −0.81–0.61; P = 0.78]), and CRP (SMD = 0.02; 95% CI = −0.32–0.36; P = 0.93). The trials examined indicated that microecological preparations had limited efficacy in improving QoL, EWL, and inflammatory response, but they stimulated the synthesis of vitamin B₁₂. This may help in designing efficient microecological preparations to supplement bariatric surgery in obese individuals.

Prospective Analysis Regarding Health-Related Quality of Life (HR-QOL) between Morbid Obese Patients Following Bariatric Surgery Versus on a Waiting List

BACKGROUND

Major impairment of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is one of the main reasons why obese patients request surgical treatment.

OBJECTIVE

To prospectively analyze the impact of HRQoL between obese patients who underwent surgery and those who were wait-listed.

METHODS

Between April 2017 and March 2018, 70 surgical and 69 wait-listed patients were interviewed twice, at baseline and at the 12-month follow-up. Quality of life was measured by the SF-12v2 and the Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Lite (IWQoL-Lite) questionnaires. Sociodemographic-, clinical-, and surgical-related variables were collected.

RESULTS

One hundred thirty-nine patients were analyzed, showing similar baseline characteristics but differences in HRQoL. Performing more qualified work improved scores on some aspects of the SF-12 survey. In contrast, women scored worse on the self-esteem domain, and men scored worse on the mental health domain. By group, at the 12-month follow-up, statistically significant differences were found among all aspects of the questionnaires between both groups (P < 0.001) and between baseline and postoperative 12-month follow-up in the surgical group (P < 0.001). Furthermore, scores were lower in all domains in the evolution of wait-listed patients, with statistically significant differences among the Bodily Pain, Emotional Role, Mental Health, and Mental Component Summary Domains (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

HRQoL is a multimodal concept that allows the identification of factors impacting obese patients' quality of life. It promotes the benefit of surgery against waiting list delays, which can take up to 4 years in our hospital. Therefore, HRQoL is an important pillar to justify more resources for reducing unacceptable surgical delays.

Real-world evidence of health outcomes and medication use 24 months after bariatric surgery in the public healthcare system in Brazil: a retrospective, single-center study

OBJECTIVES

The number of bariatric procedures has significantly increased in Brazil, especially in the public Unified Health System. The present study describes health outcomes and medication use in obese patients treated in a major hospital that performs publicly funded surgery in Brazil.

METHODS

A retrospective, single center study was conducted to collect real-world evidence of health outcomes and medication use in 247 obese patients (female, 82.2%) who underwent open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Changes in weight and body mass index (BMI), presence of apnea, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes (T2D), and medication use (hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia) were assessed preoperatively and up to 24 months postoperatively. The mean cost of medications was calculated for the 12-month preoperative and 24-month postoperative periods.

RESULTS

During the surgery, the mean age of patients was 43.42 years (standard deviation [SD], 10.9 years), and mean BMI was 46.7 kg/m2 (SD, 6.7 kg/m2). At 24 months, significant declines were noted in weight (mean, -37.6 kg), BMI (mean, -14.3 kg/m2); presence of T2D, hypertension, and apnea (-29.6%, -50.6%, and -20.9%, respectively); and number of patients using medications (-66.67% for diabetes, -41.86% for hypertension, and -55.26% for dyslipidemia). The mean cost of medications (total costs for all medications) decreased by >50% in 12-24 postoperative months compared to that in 12 preoperative months.

CONCLUSION

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass successfully reduced weight, BMI, and comorbidities and medication use and cost at 24 months in Brazilian patients treated in the public Unified Health System.

Associations of Bariatric Surgery With Changes in Interpersonal Relationship Status: Results From 2 Swedish Cohort Studies

Importance

Bariatric surgery is a life-changing treatment for patients with severe obesity, but little is known about its association with interpersonal relationships.

Objectives

To investigate if relationship status is altered after bariatric surgery.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Changes in relationship status after bariatric surgery were examined in 2 cohorts: (1) the prospective Swedish Obese Subjects (SOS) study, which recruited patients undergoing bariatric surgery from September 1, 1987, to January 31, 2001, and compared their care with usual nonsurgical care in matched obese control participants; and (2) participants from the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry (SOReg), a prospective, electronically captured register that recruited patients from January 2007 through December 2012 and selected comparator participants from the general population matched on age, sex, and place of residence. Data was collected in surgical departments and primary health care centers in Sweden. The current analysis includes data collected up until July 2015 (SOS) and December 2012 (SOReg). Data analysis was completed from June 2016 to December 2017.

Main Outcomes and Measures

In the SOS study, information on relationship status was obtained from questionnaires. In the SOReg and general population cohort, information on marriage and divorce was obtained from the Swedish Total Population Registry.

Results

The SOS study included 1958 patients who had bariatric surgery (of whom 1389 [70.9%] were female) and 1912 matched obese controls (of whom 1354 [70.8%] were female) and had a median (range) follow-up of 10 (0.5-20) years. The SOReg cohort included 29 234 patients who had gastric bypass surgery (of whom 22 131 [75.6%] were female) and 283 748 comparators from the general population (of whom 214 342 [75.5%] were female), and had a median (range) follow-up of 2.9 (0.003-7.0) years. In the SOS study, the surgical patients received gastric banding (n = 368; 18.8%), vertical banded gastroplasty (n = 1331; 68.0%), or gastric bypass (n = 259; 13.2%); controls received usual obesity care. In SOReg, all 29 234 surgical participants received gastric bypass surgery. In the SOS study, bariatric surgery was associated with increased incidence of divorce/separation compared with controls for those in a relationship (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.28; 95% CI, 1.03-1.60; P = .03) and increased incidence of marriage or new relationship (aHR = 2.03; 95% CI, 1.52-2.71; P < .001) in those who were unmarried or single at baseline. In the SOReg and general population cohort, gastric bypass was associated with increased incidence of divorce compared with married control participants (aHR = 1.41; 95% CI, 1.33-1.49; P < .001) and increased incidence of marriage in those who were unmarried at baseline (aHR = 1.35; 95% CI, 1.28-1.42; P < .001). Within the surgery groups, changes in relationship status were more common in those with larger weight loss.

Conclusions and Relevance

In addition to its association with obesity comorbidities, bariatric surgery-induced weight loss is also associated with changes in relationship status.

Preserving β-cell function is the major determinant of diabetes remission following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in Japanese obese diabetic patients

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy has been proven effective in treating obesity-associated type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, reports of the effect of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on glucose metabolism in Japanese obese patients with T2DM are rare. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on glucose tolerance in Japanese obese patients with T2DM, and to analyze factors influencing diabetes remission after surgery. This was a retrospective analysis of data for 24 consecutive patients with T2DM who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. We investigated weight loss and its impact on T2DM 1 year postoperatively. We also compared baseline characteristics and postoperative factors between patients who achieved diabetes remission and patients without remission. Mean body weight loss and percent total weight loss were 23.9 kg and 23.3%, respectively. Mean hemoglobin A1c levels dropped from 7.3 ± 0.3% to 6.1 ± 0.2%, and 18 patients (75%) achieved diabetes remission 1 year postoperatively. Patients achieving remission had significantly lower hemoglobin A1c levels (p = 0.026), higher fasting C-peptide values (p < 0.001), shorter diabetes duration (p < 0.001), lower insulin requirement (p = 0.002), and higher area under the insulin response curve (p < 0.001) and insulinogenic index (p < 0.001) during oral glucose tolerance testing. In conclusion, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is an effective treatment for Japanese obese patients with T2DM. Preserving insulin secretion is the major determinant of diabetes remission.

Mental disorders and weight change in a prospective study of bariatric surgery patients: 7 years of follow-up

BACKGROUND

Long-term, longitudinal data are limited on mental disorders after bariatric surgery.

OBJECTIVE

To report mental disorders through 7 years postsurgery and examine their relationship with changes in weight and health-related quality of life.

SETTING

Three U.S. academic medical centers.

METHOD

As a substudy of the Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery Consortium, 199 adults completed the structured clinical interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4^th Edition prior to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or laparoscopic adjustable gastric band. Participants who completed ≥1 follow-up through 7 years postsurgery are included (n = 173; 86.9%). Mixed models were used to examine mental disorders over time, and among the RYGB subgroup (n = 104), their relationship with long-term (≥4 yr) pre- to postsurgery changes in weight and health-related quality of life, measured with the Short Form-36 Health Survey, and with weight regain from nadir.

RESULTS

Compared with presurgery (34.7%), the prevalence of having any mental disorder was significantly lower 4 years (21.3%; P < .01) and 5 years (19.2%; P = .01), but not 7 years (29.1%; P = .27) after RYGB. The most common disorders were not related to long-term weight loss postRYGB. However, independent of weight change, mood and anxiety disorders, both pre- and postRYGB, were significantly related to less improvement in mental (but not physical) health-related quality of life. Having a concurrent mood disorder appeared to be associated with greater weight regain (6.4% of maximum weight lost, 95% confidence interval, -.3 to 13.1), but this was not statistically significant (P = .06).

CONCLUSIONS

Bariatric surgery does not result in consistent long-term reductions in mental disorders. Mood disorders may impact long-term outcomes of bariatric surgery.

A 23-year study of mortality and development of co-morbidities in patients with obesity undergoing bariatric surgery (laparoscopic gastric banding) in comparison with medical treatment of obesity

Background and aim

Several studies have shown that bariatric surgery reduces long term mortality compared to medical weight loss therapy. In a previous study we have demonstrated that gastric banding (LAGB) is associated with reduced mortality in patients with and without diabetes, and with reduced incidence of obesity co-morbidities (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer) at a 17 year follow-up. The aim of this study was to verify at a longer time interval (23 years) mortality and incidence of co-morbidities in patients undergoing LAGB or medical weight loss therapy.

Patients and methods

As reported in the previous shorter-time study, medical records of obese patients [body mass index (BMI) > 35 kg/m² undergoing LAGB (n = 385; 52 with diabetes) or medical treatment (controls, n = 681; 127 with diabetes), during the period 1995–2001 (visit 1)] were collected. Patients were matched for age, sex, BMI, and blood pressure. Identification codes of patients were entered in the Italian National Health System Lumbardy database, that contains life status, causes of death, as well as exemptions, prescriptions, and hospital admissions (proxies of diseases) from visit 1 to June 2018. Survival was compared across LAGB patients and matched controls using Kaplan–Meier plots adjusted Cox regression analyses.

Results

Final observation period was 19.5 ± 1.87 years (13.4–23.5). Compared to controls, LAGB was associated with reduced mortality [HR = 0.52, 95% CI 0.33–0.80, p = 0.003], significant in patients with diabetes [HR = 0.46, 95% CI 0.22–0.94, p = 0.034], borderline significant in patients without diabetes [HR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.35–1.05, p = 0.076]. LAGB was associated with lower incidence of diabetes (15 vs 75 cases, p = 0.001), of CV diseases (61 vs 226 cases, p = 0.009), of cancer (10 vs 35, p = 0.01), and of renal diseases (0 vs 35, p = 0.001), and of hospital admissions (92 vs 377, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

The preventive effect of LAGB on mortality is maintained up to 23 years, even with a decreased efficacy compared with the shorter-time study, while the preventive effect of LAGB on co-morbidities and on hospital admissions increases with time.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12933-018-0801-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Using the BODY-Q to Understand Impact of Weight Loss, Excess Skin, and the Need for Body Contouring following Bariatric Surgery

BACKGROUND

A consequence of bariatric surgery is redundant skin for most patients. The authors measured health-related quality of life and appearance following bariatric surgery in relation to weight loss, excess skin, and need for body contouring.

METHODS

The sample included Canadian participants from the BODY-Q field-test study recruited between November of 2013 and July of 2014. Participants were invited to complete BODY-Q scales and questions to assess weight loss, amount of excess skin, and need for body contouring between June 7, 2016, and November 29, 2016.

RESULTS

Two hundred fourteen participants responded (75 percent response rate). Of the 210 who underwent bariatric surgery, most were left with excess skin [n = 196 (93 percent)] and needed body contouring [n = 168 (80 percent)]. Higher percentage total weight loss correlated with more excess skin (r = 0.24, p = 0.001), the need for more body contouring procedures (r = 0.29, p < 0.001), and (worse) scores on seven of 13 BODY-Q scales. Having redundant skin correlated with more physical symptoms (r = 0.31, p < 0.001), the need for more body contouring procedures (r = 0.62, p < 0.001), and lower scores on 12 BODY-Q scales. The need for more body contouring procedures correlated with more physical symptoms (r = 0.23, p = 0.001) and lower scores on 12 BODY-Q scales.

CONCLUSIONS

Excess skin after bariatric surgery is a disabling problem. Additional research using the BODY-Q is needed to determine improvements that can be achieved following body contouring.

Long-term mortality in obese subjects undergoing malabsorptive surgery (biliopancreatic diversion and biliointestinal bypass) versus medical treatment

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Aim of this study was to analyze long-term mortality in obese patients receiving malabsorptive bariatric surgery (BS)[biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) and biliointestinal bypass (BIBP)] in comparison to medical treatment of obesity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Medical records of 1877 obese patients [body mass index (BMI) > 35 kg/m², aged 18-65 years, undergoing BS (n = 472, 111 with diabetes) or non-surgical medical treatment (n = 1405, 385 with diabetes), during the period 1999-2008 (visit 1)] were collected; non-surgical patients were matched for age, sex, BMI, and blood pressure, and life status and causes of death were ascertained through December 2016. Survival was compared across surgery patients and non-surgical patients using Kaplan-Meier plots and Cox regression analyses.

RESULTS

Observation period was 12.1 ± 3.41 years (mean ± SD). Compared to non-surgical patients, BS patients had reduced all-cause mortality (34/472 (7.2%) vs 181/1,405 (12.9%) patients, χ² = 11.25, p = 0.001; HR = 0.64, 95% C.I. 0.43-0.93, p = 0.019). Cardiovascular and cancer causes of death were significantly less frequent in surgery vs no-surgery (HR = 0.26, 95% C.I. 0.09-0.72, p = 0.003; HR = 0.21, 95% C.I. 0.09-0.45, p < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Patients who have undergone BPD and BIBP have lower long-term all-cause, cardiovascular-caused and cancer-caused mortality compared to non-surgical medical weight-loss treatment patients. Malabsorptive bariatric surgery significantly reduces long-term mortality in severely obese patients.