Evaluation of Nutritional Status Post Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy-5-Year Outcomes

Obesity is considered a public health problem and has led to advancements in bariatric surgery. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) had become the most performed procedure worldwide; however, its consequences on nutritional status in the short and long term are of concern.

A retrospective analysis of medical records and bariatric database of patients who underwent LSG from October 2008-September 2015 at Al-Amiri Hospital, Kuwait, was performed. Data regarding nutritional status along with demographic data were collected over a 5-year follow-up period.

One thousand seven hundred ninety-three patients comprising of 74% females and 26% males were included. The greatest % total body weight loss (%TBWL) was at 18 months post-LSG (33%), corresponding to a % excess weight loss (%EWL) of 73.8%. With regard to nutritional status, vitamin B1 showed a significant drop at 3-5 years post-op in comparison to pre-op value, but stayed within the normal range throughout the study. Red blood cells count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit also showed a significant drop starting from 6 months post-op until the fifth year of follow-up. On the other hand, vitamins B6 and B12 showed a significant increase at 6 months post-op and decreased afterwards, but did not reach pre-op values. Vitamin D also showed a significant increase throughout the study period from deficient value at the pre-op time, but remained insufficient. Albumin, transferrin, folate, ferritin, iron, and vitamin B2 showed no significant changes at 5 years post-LSG compared to pre-op values.

Little is known about the nutritional status and optimal nutritional care plan post-LSG, especially in the longer term. Nutritional deficiencies were prevalent prior and post-LSG. Some of the nutritional parameters improved and even reached the abnormal high level post-LSG. These observations highlight the importance of pre- and post-operative nutritional assessment and tailored supplementation to ensure optimal nutritional status.