Five-year outcome after gastric bypass for morbid obesity in a Norwegian cohort

Few long-term reports with high rates of follow-up are available after gastric bypass. We report changes in weight, co-morbidity, cardiovascular risk, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) 5 years after gastric bypass.

Patients who had gastric bypass (2004-2006) were included. Prospective data were reviewed. Long-term complications, cardiovascular risk factors, and HRQoL were evaluated, and the 10-year risk for coronary heart disease was estimated (Framingham risk score). Outcomes were compared in patients with body mass index (BMI)<50 and ≥50 kg/m(2).

A total of 184 of 203 patients (91%) met to follow-up. The mean ± SD preoperative BMI was 46 ± 5 kg/m(2), and the mean ± SD age was 38 ± 9 years; 75% were women. Thirty-two percent of the patients had a BMI ≥50 kg/m(2), and 30% had type 2 diabetes. Follow-up was 63 ± 5 months. After 5 years, total weight loss was 27% ± 11%. Remission of type 2 diabetes had occurred in 67%. The prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidemia, sleep apnea, and metabolic syndrome had decreased. HRQoL was improved. The Framingham risk score was reduced (5.6% versus 4.6%; P = .021). Sixty-one patients (33%) had long-term complications, most commonly chronic abdominal pain (10%). BMI was 33 ± 5 and 37 ± 7 kg/m(2) in patients with preoperative BMI<50 and ≥50 kg/m(2), but changes in metabolic, cardiovascular risk profile and HRQoL were broadly similar.

Beneficial effects on weight loss, cardiovascular risk, and HRQoL were documented 5 years after gastric bypass in morbidly and super-obese patients.