Changes in lipid profiles in morbidly obese patients after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG)

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has evolved as a primary weight loss surgery. This study provides changes in lipid profiles in obese patients 1 year after LSG.

A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent LSG from June 2004 to June 2008 provided data on demographics, body mass index (BMI) changes, co-morbidities, and medication changes. We compared lipid profiles, and the relationship between the lipid profiles and pre-operative weight, BMI, and weight loss. Proportion changes for all variables were also assessed. Lipid profiles for those taking lipid-lowering therapy and patients receiving no medication were evaluated.

Data is presented on 45 patients (58% women) ages 18 to 73 years. Co-morbidities included hypertension (19), hyperlipidemia (22), and diabetes (13). One year after LSG, weight decreased from 161.4 ± 34.3 to 112.9 ± 25.6 kg (p < 0.01). BMI decreased from 57.5 ± 9.6 to 39.9 ± 7.1 kg/m(2) (p < 0.01). Patients with elevated triglycerides decreased from 17 to 8 (p < 0.01) while patients with elevated cholesterol increased from 13 to 15. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) increased from 48.4 to 54.5 mg/dl (p < 0.01) and triglycerides (TG) decreased from 141.7 to 109.3 mg/dl (p < 0.01). TC/HDL and TG/HDL ratios also, decreased significantly (p < 0.01). There were no changes for total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL). TG/HDL changes correlated with pre-op weight (r = 0.363, p < 0.05).

One year after LSG, significant weight loss and improvements in HDL and TG levels, TC/HDL and TG/HDL ratios were observed. TC and LDL levels were unchanged.