Influence of eating profile on the outcome of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

The aim of this study was to assess the eating profile of patients after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and its impact on weight loss.

One hundred ten patients who underwent LSG were interviewed using Suter questionnaire and revised Questionnaire on Eating and Weight Patterns in follow-up visits. Eating patterns were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively. Patients were divided into six groups according to the timing point of assessment. Group 1 (n = 10) included patients < 3 months, group 2 (n = 11) 3-6 months, group 3 (n = 11) 6-12 months, group 4 (n = 39) 1-2 years, group 5 (n = 23) 2-3 years, and group 6 (n = 16) > 3 years. The excess weight loss (EWL) was correlated with the results.

The total score of the Suter questionnaire was 15.0 ± 5.87, 20.3 ± 7.07, 26.2 ± 1.54, 23.8 ± 4.25, 24.65 ± 2.8, and 23.43 ± 4.14 for the groups 1-6, respectively (p < 0.0001). No significant differences were denoted when long-term follow-up groups 3 to 6 were compared. No association was found between the preoperative eating pattern and EWL. Postoperatively, 91 patients modified their eating pattern. Postoperative eating pattern was significantly correlated with EWL (p = 0.015). Patients with normal and snacking eating pattern achieve the best EWL (63.57 ± 21.32 and 60.73 ± 20.62, respectively). Binge eating disorder and emotional patterns had the worst EWL (42.84 ± 29.42 and 34.55 ± 19.34, respectively).

Better food tolerance is detected after the first postoperative year after LSG. The postoperative eating patterns seem to affect excessive weight loss.