Disappointing weight loss among shift workers after laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery

Area of Science:

• Bariatric surgery outcomes
• Metabolic syndrome research
• Occupational health and sleep studies

Background:

• Shift work is prevalent and associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome.
• Altered sleep, eating, and activity patterns characterize shift work.
• This study examines shift work's impact on bariatric surgery weight loss.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of shift work on postoperative weight loss in bariatric surgery patients.
• To compare weight loss trends between shift workers and non-shift workers.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of 389 patients undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
• Shift workers defined by >2 years employment outside 8 am-5 pm preoperatively and no return to traditional schedule postoperatively.
• Student's t-test used for statistical analysis of excess body weight loss trends.

Main Results:

• 8 shift workers identified (average age 45.9, BMI 54.6).
• Shift workers showed significantly lower excess weight loss at 3, 6, and 12 months post-surgery (29.9% vs 43.8%, 46.4% vs 61.3%, 56.5% vs 76.8%, respectively; P < .01).
• Non-shift workers had higher average preoperative BMI (47.0) and greater weight loss.

Conclusions:

• Shift workers experience suboptimal weight loss after bariatric surgery.
• Potential contributing factors include altered sleep physiology, hormonal imbalances, disordered eating, and poorer food intake quality.
• Enhanced preoperative counseling and postoperative management are recommended for shift workers undergoing bariatric procedures.