Breath Hydrogen as a Biomarker for Glucose Malabsorption after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery. Dis Markers. 2015;2015:102760. [PMID: 26538792 PMCID: PMC4619887 DOI: 10.1155/2015/102760]

Glucose breath test for the detection of small intestine bacterial overgrowth: Impact of diet prior to the test

BACKGROUND

Glucose breath test (GBT) is used for the diagnosis of small intestine bacterial overgrowth. A restrictive diet without fibers and/or fermentable food is recommended on the day before the test. The aim of our retrospective study was to evaluate the impact of two different restrictive diets on the results of GBT.

METHODS

A change of the pretest restrictive diet was applied in our lab on September 1, 2020. The recommended diet was a fiber-free diet before this date, and a fiber-free diet plus restriction of all fermentable food afterward. We thus compared the results of GBT performed before (group A) and after (group B) this pretest diet modification. Demographics, reasons to perform GBT, digestive symptoms, and hydrogen and methane baseline values and variations after glucose ingestion were compared between the two groups.

KEY RESULTS

269 patients underwent GBT in group A, and 316 patients in group B. The two groups were comparable in terms of demographics. Methane and hydrogen baseline values were significantly higher in group A (respectively 14 [18] vs. 8 [14] ppm, p < 0.01 and 11 [14] vs. 6 [8] ppm, p < 0.01). The percentage of positive tests was higher in group A for methane (43% vs. 28%, p < 0.05), and for hydrogen (18% vs. 12%, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION & INFERENCES

This retrospective study suggests the importance of the restrictive diet prior to GBT. A strict limitation of fibers and fermentable food decreased hydrogen and methane baseline values, and the prevalence of positive GBT. Thus a strict restrictive diet should be recommended on the day before the test, in order to limit the impact of food on hydrogen and methane breath levels, and possibly improve the diagnosis quality of GBT.

Effects of Probiotic Use on Gastrointestinal Symptoms in the Late Postoperative Period of Bariatric Surgery: A Cross-Over, Randomized, Triple-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

INTRODUCTION

Despite the benefits associated with weight reduction, the anatomical and functional changes of bariatric surgery may favor the development of undesirable side effects such as the appearance of gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of using probiotics in individuals with GIS 1 year after being submitted to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is an experimental, prospective, randomized, cross-over, triple-blind, placebo-controlled study, carried out with patients 1 year after being submitted to RYGB and who reported at least one moderate GIS. Subjects were randomized into two groups and completed the two research periods: in one they received placebo capsules, in the other 50 billion CFU of probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus gasseri), both for 8 weeks, with 8 weeks of wash-out period in between, and were evaluated for the presence of Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and GIS, through the Hydrogen breath test and Gastric Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) questionnaire.

RESULTS

Of a total of 56 participants, 47 individuals completed the study. No significant effects were observed in neither the gastrointestinal symptoms or in the prevalence of SIBO with the use of probiotics.

CONCLUSION

Supplementation of the probiotics chosen for this study does not seem to alleviate GIS or influence the improvement of SIBO in symptomatic patients after 1 year of RYGB.

Prospective Monitoring of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth After Gastric Bypass: Clinical, Biological, and Gas Chromatographic Aspects

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Obesity is a predisposing factor for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the prevalence of SIBO as well as its clinical, biological, and nutritional aspects before and up to 24 months after a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty-one patients (mean BMI 46.9 kg/m2, 66.7% women) requesting RYGB were included between 2016 and 2020. Each patient underwent a glucose breath test, a standardized interrogation on functional digestive signs, a dietary survey, a blood test, a fecalogram, and anthropometric data gathering. These investigations were carried out before surgery and at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months after RYGB.

RESULTS

Before surgery, we found a prevalence of 17.6% of SIBO (95% CI = [8.9%; 31.4%]). After RYGB, at the end of 24 months of follow-up, 89.5% of patients developed SIBO. Anal incontinence appeared to be very frequent after surgery, affecting 18.8% of our population 18 months after surgery. We observed positive steatorrhea after surgery with an average of 11.1 g of lipids/24 h despite a significant limitation of dietary lipids (p = 0.0282).

CONCLUSION

Our study corroborates data in the literature on the prevalence of SIBO in severe obesity patients. For the first time, we observed the sudden appearance of SIBO after RYGB, with a correlation between exhaled hydrogen on a breath test and lipid malabsorption on the fecalogram. As a result, these patients develop fatty diarrhea, with frequent fecal incontinence.

Bariatric Surgery in Obesity: Metabolic Quality Analysis and Comparison of Surgical Options

Obesity is a constantly growing health problem which reduces quality of life and life expectancy. Bariatric surgery (BS) for obesity is considered when all other conservative treatment modalities have failed. Comparison of the multidisciplinary programs with BS regarding to the weight loss showed that substantial and durable weight reduction have been achieved only with bariatric surgical treatments. Although laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is the most popular BS, it has high long-term failure rates, and it is claimed that one of every three patients will undergo another bariatric procedure within a 10-year period. Although BS provides weight loss and improvement of metabolic comorbidities, in long-term follow-up, weight gain is observed in half of the patients, while decrease in bone mass and nutritional deficiencies occur in up to 90%. Moreover, despite significant weight loss, several psychological aspects of patients are worsened in comparison to preoperative levels. Nearly one-fifth of postoperative patients with "Loss-of-eating control" meet food addiction criteria. Therefore, the benefits of weight loss following bariatric procedures alone are still debated in terms of the proinflammatory and metabolic profile of obesity.

Clinical Presentation of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth from Aerodigestive Tract Bacteria Versus Colonic-Type Bacteria: A Comparison Study

BACKGROUND

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a heterogenous syndrome from excessive bacteria in the small intestine lumen. It is unknown if differences in type of bacterial overgrowth lead to differences in symptoms.

METHODS

Patients with suspected SIBO were recruited prospectively. Exclusion criteria were probiotics, antibiotics, or bowel prep in preceding 30 days. Clinical characteristics, risk factors, and labs were collected. Proximal jejunal aspiration via upper enteroscopy was performed. Aerodigestive tract (ADT) SIBO was defined as > 10⁵ CFU/mL of oropharyngeal and respiratory bacteria. Colonic-type SIBO was defined as > 10⁴ CFU/mL of distal small bowel and colon bacteria. Aims were to compare symptom profiles, clinical complications, labs, and underlying risk factors between ADT and colonic-type SIBO.

KEY RESULTS

We consented 166 subjects. Aspiration was not obtained in 22 and SIBO was found in 69 (49%) of 144 subjects. Daily abdominal distention trended towards more prevalent in ADT SIBO versus colonic-type SIBO (65.2% vs 39.1%, p = 0.09). Patient symptom scores were similar. Iron deficiency was more prevalent in ADT SIBO (33.3% vs 10.3%, p = 0.04). Subjects with colonic-type SIBO were more likely to have a risk factor for colonic bacteria colonization (60.9% vs 17.4%, p = 0.0006). Subjects with ADT SIBO were more likely to have a risk factor for diminished gastric acid (91.3% vs 67.4%, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

We found differences in iron deficiency and underlying risk factors between ADT and colonic-type SIBO. However, distinct clinical profiles remained elusive. Future research is needed to develop validated symptom assessment tools and distinguish cause from correlation.

Breath Tests Used in the Context of Bariatric Surgery

This review article focuses on the use of breath tests in the field of bariatrics and obesitology. The first part of the review is an introduction to breath test problematics with a focus on their use in bariatrics. The second part provides a brief history of breath testing. Part three describes how breath tests are used for monitoring certain processes in various organs and various substances in exhaled air and how the results are analyzed and evaluated. The last part covers studies that described the use of breath tests for monitoring patients that underwent bariatric treatments. Although the number of relevant studies is small, this review could promote the future use of breath testing in the context of bariatric treatments.

Liver Injury and Acute Liver Failure After Bariatric Surgery: An Overview of Potential Injury Mechanisms

The obesity epidemic has caused a surge in the use of bariatric surgery. Although surgery-induced weight loss is an effective treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, it may precipitate severe hepatic complications under certain circumstances. Acute liver injury (ALI) and acute liver failure (ALF) following bariatric surgery have been reported in several case series. Although rare, ALI and ALF tend to emerge several months after bariatric surgery. If so, it can result in prolonged hospitalization, may necessitate liver transplantation, and in some cases prove fatal. However, little is known about the risk factors for developing ALI or ALF after bariatric surgery and the mechanisms of liver damage in this context are poorly defined. This review provides an account of the available data on ALI and ALF caused by bariatric surgery, with emphasis on potential injury mechanisms and the outcomes of liver transplantation for ALF after bariatric surgery.

The Effects of One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass Surgery on the Gastrointestinal Tract

One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is an emerging bariatric procedure, yet data on its effect on the gastrointestinal tract are lacking. This study sought to evaluate the incidence of small-intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) following OAGB; explore its effect on nutritional, gastrointestinal, and weight outcomes; and assess post-OABG occurrence of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) and altered gut microbiota composition. A prospective pilot cohort study of patients who underwent primary-OAGB surgery is here reported. The pre-surgical and 6-months-post-surgery measurements included anthropometrics, glucose breath-tests, biochemical tests, gastrointestinal symptoms, quality-of-life, dietary intake, and fecal sample collection. Thirty-two patients (50% females, 44.5 ± 12.3 years) participated in this study, and 29 attended the 6-month follow-up visit. The mean excess weight loss at 6 months post-OAGB was 67.8 ± 21.2%. The glucose breath-test was negative in all pre-surgery and positive in 37.0% at 6 months (p = 0.004). Positive glucose breath-test was associated with lower reported dietary intake and folate levels and higher vitamin A deficiency rates (p ≤ 0.036). Fecal elastase-1 test (FE1) was negative for all pre-surgery and positive in 26.1% at 6 months (p = 0.500). Both alpha and beta diversity decreased at 6 months post-surgery compared to pre-surgery (p ≤ 0.026). Relatively high incidences of SIBO and PEI were observed at 6 months post-OAGB, which may explain some gastrointestinal symptoms and nutritional deficiencies.

Prospects and Challenges of MXenes as Emerging Sensing Materials for Flexible and Wearable Breath-Based Biomarker Diagnosis

A fully integrated, flexible, and functional sensing device for exhaled breath analysis drastically transforms conventional medical diagnosis to non-invasive, low-cost, real-time, and personalized health care. 2D materials based on MXenes offer multiple advantages for accurately detecting various breath biomarkers compared to conventional semiconducting oxides. High surface sensitivity, large surface-to-weight ratio, room temperature detection, and easy-to-assemble structures are vital parameters for such sensing devices in which MXenes have demonstrated all these properties both experimentally and theoretically. So far, MXenes-based flexible sensor is successfully fabricated at a lab-scale and is predicted to be translated into clinical practice within the next few years. This review presents a potential application of MXenes as emerging materials for flexible and wearable sensor devices. The biomarkers from exhaled breath are described first, with emphasis on metabolic processes and diseases indicated by abnormal biomarkers. Then, biomarkers sensing performances provided by MXenes families and the enhancement strategies are discussed. The method of fabrications toward MXenes integration into various flexible substrates is summarized. Finally, the fundamental challenges and prospects, including portable integration with Internet-of-Thing (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), are addressed to realize marketization.

Study of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth in a Cohort of Patients with Abdominal Symptoms Who Underwent Bariatric Surgery

INTRODUCTION

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a common complication of bariatric surgery. Digestive decontamination treatments with oral antibiotic therapy vary and are not codified. This retrospective study was conducted to analyse the characteristics of bariatric surgery patients who underwent a glucose breath test (GBT) and to analyse the effectiveness of the antibiotic decontamination therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 101 operated patients (Roux-en-Y bypass (RYB), omega bypass (ΩB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG)) who underwent a GBT (75 g/250 mL) were included. Anthropometric data, symptoms of SIBO, type of surgery, use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and antibiotic therapy were analysed. The effectiveness of the antibiotic treatment, defined by improvement of the symptoms, was evaluated during the follow-up.

RESULTS

Of the 85 women and 16 men included (48.5 ± 3.6 years old), 63 underwent RYB, 31 underwent ΩB and 7 underwent SG. The GBT was positive in 83% of the patients. A positive test was associated with age (p < 0.001), female sex (p < 0.01) and PPI use (p < 0.01), but there was no significant difference according to the type of surgery. Sixty-one percent of patients treated with gentamicin/metronidazole sequential antibiotic therapy and 58% of patients treated with metronidazole alone achieved treatment efficacy (with no significant difference in efficacy between these treatments).

CONCLUSION

SIBO should be systematically considered in the context of abdominal symptoms in bariatric surgery patients, regardless the type of surgery, particularly in patients who are older or female and after PPI treatment. Digestive decontamination appears to be similar between gentamycin/metronidazole and metronidazole treatments.

Bariatric Surgery and Its Complications in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients

Recent data have suggested that bariatric procedures, especially laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG), are safe and effective weight loss measures in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). But most of the studies have looked at short-term outcomes, and there is a general lack of awareness of underlying disease processes and baseline comorbidities in IBD patients undergoing bariatric procedures. Postbariatric issues in IBD patients including diarrhea from dumping syndrome, choleretic diarrhea, a high prevalence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barrett's esophagus, stomal ulcerations, stenosis, and renal and gallstones can complicate the natural history of IBD. This could lead to unnecessary hospitalizations, change of medical therapy, and poor surgical and quality of life outcomes. In this review, we will discuss major complications after common bariatric procedures (SG, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and gastric banding) and suggest possible management strategies.

Risk Factors Associated With Upper Aerodigestive Tract or Coliform Bacterial Overgrowth of the Small Intestine in Symptomatic Patients

INTRODUCTION

The clinical relevance of bacterial types identified in small bowel aspirate cultures during diagnostic evaluation of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is unclear.

AIM

The main purpose of this study was to assess associations between risk factors for upper aerodigestive tract (UAT) or coliform SIBO and SIBO diagnosis by culture.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Small bowel aspirates were cultured in patients with suspected SIBO, defined as ≥10 colony-forming units/mL coliform or ≥10 colony-forming units/mL UAT bacteria. History was reviewed for risk factors and potential SIBO complications. Symptoms, quality of life, psychological traits, and laboratory values were assessed. We compared groups by 2-sample t test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and the Fisher exact test. Overall associations of primary and secondary endpoints with type of bacterial overgrowth were assessed by analysis of variance F-test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and the Fisher exact tests. Associations of risk factors with type of overgrowth were explored using multinomial logistic regression.

RESULTS

Among 76 patients, 37 had SIBO (68% coliform, 33% UAT) and 39 did not. Conditions (P=0.02) and surgery (P<0.01) associated with decreased gastric acid were associated with SIBO. In multinomial logistic regression, conditions of decreased acid was associated with UAT SIBO [odds ratio (OR), 5.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-33.3]. Surgery causing decreased acid was associated with UAT [OR, 9.5 (1.4-106)] and coliform SIBO [OR, 8.4 (1.6-86.4)]. Three patients with discontinuous small bowel had coliform SIBO [OR, 17.4 (1.2-2515)]. There were no differences in complications, overall symptoms, quality of life, or psychological traits.

CONCLUSIONS

Conditions or surgeries associated with decreased gastric acid are associated with SIBO diagnosis by culture.

Lactulose Breath Testing Can Be a Positive Predictor Before Weight Gain in Participants with Obesity Submitted to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

BACKGROUND

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is defined as the colonization of fermentative bacteria in the duodenum and jejunum. The alteration of digestive anatomy promoted by bariatric surgery may be a pre-disposing factor for SIBO. In this context, the prevalence of SIBO in participants undergoing bariatric surgery using Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (BGYR) was evaluated.

METHODS

Participants, both sexes, older than 18 years, were those who (a) had bariatric surgery by the BGYR technique at least 1 year before the data collection and (b) did not use antibiotics recently. The SIBO diagnosis was established through the hydrogen breath test (H₂BT), with intake of lactulose and serial collection of breath samples over 2 h. A test with ≥ 12-point elevation over the basal sample at 60 min after substrate intake was deemed positive.

RESULTS

A total of 18 participants (14 females (77.8%)) were enrolled with a mean age of 50.5 years (range, 23 to 79 years). The interval between surgery and data collection ranged from 5 to 20 years (mean, 11.2 years). The mean preoperative body mass index (BMI) was 44.6 kg/m² (range, 36.7-56.2 kg/m²). The H₂RT with lactulose was positive for SIBO in seven (six female) participants. The participants with negative test measured trough H₂BT with lactulose had a lower mean BMI of 28.69 kg/m², in comparison with the positive group, which presented a mean BMI of 33.04 kg/m² (p value = 0.041).

CONCLUSION

Our data point to a high prevalence of SIBO (38.8%) in patients undergoing BGYR with a value in accordance with the literature. Moreover, the differences in BMI between negative and positive groups by H₂BT with lactulose evidenced a weight gain relapse in participants with SIBO.

Current and future impact of clinical gastrointestinal research on patient care in diabetes mellitus

The worldwide rise in the prevalence of obesity supports the need for an increased interaction between ongoing clinical research in the allied fields of gastrointestinal medicine/surgery and diabetes mellitus. There have been a number of clinically-relevant advances in diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome emanating from gastroenterological research. Gastric emptying is a significant factor in the development of upper gastrointestinal symptoms. However, it is not the only mechanism whereby such symptoms occur in patients with diabetes. Disorders of intrinsic pacing are involved in the control of stomach motility in patients with gastroparesis; on the other hand, there is limited impact of glycemic control on gastric emptying in patients with established diabetic gastroparesis. Upper gastrointestinal functions related to emptying and satiations are significantly associated with weight gain in obesity. Medications used in the treatment of diabetes or metabolic syndrome, particularly those related to pancreatic hormones and incretins affect upper gastrointestinal tract function and reduce hyperglycemia and facilitate weight loss. The degree of gastric emptying delay is significantly correlated with the weight loss in response to liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 analog. Network meta-analysis shows that liraglutide is one of the two most efficacious medical treatments of obesity, the other being the combination treatment phentermine-topiramate. Interventional therapies for the joint management of obesity and diabetes mellitus include newer endoscopic procedures, which require long-term follow-up and bariatric surgical procedure for which long-term follow up shows advantages for individuals with diabetes. Newer bariatric procedures are presently undergoing clinical evaluation. On the horizon, combination therapies, in part directed at gastrointestinal functions, appear promising for these indications. Ongoing and future gastroenterological research when translated to care of individuals with diabetes mellitus should provide additional options to improve their clinical outcomes.

Acid-Suppressive Therapy and Risk of Infections: Pros and Cons

This narrative review summarises the benefits, risks and appropriate use of acid-suppressing drugs (ASDs), proton pump inhibitors and histamine-2 receptor antagonists, advocating a rationale balanced and individualised approach aimed to minimise any serious adverse consequences. It focuses on current controversies on the potential of ASDs to contribute to infections-bacterial, parasitic, fungal, protozoan and viral, particularly in the elderly, comprehensively and critically discusses the growing body of observational literature linking ASD use to a variety of enteric, respiratory, skin and systemic infectious diseases and complications (Clostridium difficile diarrhoea, pneumonia, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, septicaemia and other). The proposed pathogenic mechanisms of ASD-associated infections (related and unrelated to the inhibition of gastric acid secretion, alterations of the gut microbiome and immunity), and drug-drug interactions are also described. Both probiotics use and correcting vitamin D status may have a significant protective effect decreasing the incidence of ASD-associated infections, especially in the elderly. Despite the limitations of the existing data, the importance of individualised therapy and caution in long-term ASD use considering the balance of benefits and potential harms, factors that may predispose to and actions that may prevent/attenuate adverse effects is evident. A six-step practical algorithm for ASD therapy based on the best available evidence is presented.

Consequences of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth in Obese Patients Before and After Bariatric Surgery

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) has been described in obese patients. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the prevalence and consequences of SIBO in obese patients before and after bariatric surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From October 2001 to July 2009, in obese patients referred for bariatric surgery (BMI >40 kg/m² or >35 in association with comorbidities), a glucose hydrogen (H₂) breath test (BT) was performed before and/or after either Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) or adjustable gastric banding (AGB) to assess the presence of SIBO. Weight loss and serum vitamin concentrations were measured after bariatric surgery while a multivitamin supplement was systematically given.

RESULTS

Three hundred seventy-eight (mean ± SD) patients who performed a BT before and/or after surgery were included: before surgery, BT was positive in 15.4 % (55/357). After surgery, BT was positive in 10 % (2/20) of AGB and 40 % (26/65) of RYGBP (p < 0.001 compared to preoperative situation). After RYGBP, patients with positive BT had similar vitamin levels, a lower caloric intake (983 ± 337 vs. 1271 ± 404 kcal/day, p = 0.014) but a significant lower weight loss (29.7 ± 5.6 vs. 37.7 ± 12.9 kg, p = 0.002) and lower percent of total weight loss (25.6 ± 6.0 vs. 29.2 ± 6.9 %, p = 0.044).

CONCLUSION

In this study, SIBO is present in 15 % of obese patients before bariatric surgery. This prevalence does not increase after AGB while it rises up to 40 % of patients after RYGBP and it is associated with lower weight loss.

Diarrhea after bariatric procedures: Diagnosis and therapy

Diarrhea after bariatric procedures, mainly those with malabsorptive elements including Roux-Y Gastric Bypass and Biliopancreatic Diversion, is common and an essential determinant of quality of life and micro- and macronutrient deficiencies. Bariatric surgery is the only sustainably successful method to address morbid obesity and its comorbidities, particularly gaining more and more importance in the specific treatment of diabetic patients. Approximately half a million procedures are annually performed around the world, with numbers expected to rise drastically in the near future. A multitude of factors exert their influence on bowel habits; preoperative comorbidities and procedure-related aspects are intertwined with postoperative nutritional habits. Diagnosis may be challenging owing to the characteristics of post-bariatric surgery anatomy with hindered accessibility of excluded segments of the small bowel and restriction at the gastric level. Conventional testing measures, if available, generally yield low accuracy and are usually not validated in this specific population. Limited trials of empiric treatment are a practical alternative and oftentimes an indispensable part of the diagnostic process. This review provides an overview of causes for chronic post-bariatric surgery diarrhea and details the particularities of its diagnosis and treatment in this specific patient population. Topics of current interest such as the impact of gut microbiota and the influence of bile acids on morbid obesity and especially their role in diarrhea are highlighted in order to provide a better understanding of the specific problems and chances of future treatment in post-bariatric surgery patients.

Does Bariatric Surgery Improve Obesity Associated Comorbid Conditions

Obesity is a constantly growing health problem which reduces quality of life and life expectancy. Bariatric surgery for obesity is taken into account when all other conservative treatment modalities have failed. Comparison of the multidisciplinary programs with bariatric surgery regarding to weight loss showed that substantial and durable weight reduction have been achieved only with bariatric surgical treatments. However, the benefits of weight loss following bariatric procedures are still debated regarding the pro-inflammatory and metabolic profile of obesity.