Health behavior, food tolerance, and satisfaction after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

Success in maintaining weight loss after bariatric surgery requires the ability to implement long-term changes in eating habits and lifestyle. However, no data are available on patients' eating ability and behavioral aspects after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

A total of 60 patients who had undergone laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy from 2007 to 2009 completed a questionnaire on habits, weight loss, health behaviors (e.g., physical activities, meal schedules), food selection, food tolerance, eating style, and satisfaction with personal changes. The patients were divided into 2 groups: those with <1 year of postoperative follow-up (group 1, n = 35) and those with >1 year of postoperative follow-up (group 2, n = 25).

The percentage of excess weight loss was 66.9% ± 21.6% and 70.9% ± 15.3% for groups 1 and 2, respectively. Most of the patients reported changing their eating habits, eating regular solid food, engaging in physical activity, and taking multivitamins. A trend was seen toward greater rates of healthy food consumption on a daily basis and significantly better food tolerance over time. The data showed lower rates of health-promoting behavior and diet restraint with longer follow-up. Both groups reported high satisfaction with the results of their surgery. Group 1 demonstrated a greater level of self-confidence than group 2 about controlling their new weight.

Patients have the ability to maintain a healthy diet beyond the first year after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. These findings also underline the importance of long-term maintenance programs.