Impact on Dyslipidemia After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Improvement of dyslipidemia is an important benefit of bariatric surgery. The benefits of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) among dyslipidemia are still a matter of debate.

We conducted a retrospective descriptive study between 2010 and 2013. Obese patients undergoing LSG, with recorded dyslipidemia at admission and a follow-up for at least 1 year, were included for analysis. Demographic characteristics, medication in use, and a complete lipid profile were collected before surgery. After surgery, weight was controlled at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Lipid profile was re-evaluated 1 year after surgery. Patients were divided according to weight loss into two groups: (A) adequate weight loss and (B) inadequate weight loss. Lipid profile evolution was then compared between groups.

One hundred seven patients met the inclusion criteria. Pre-op mean BMI was 45.13 ± 7.5 kg/m². One year after LSG, mean BMI was 30.6 ± 7.1 kg/m² with a change in BMI of 11.5 ± 6.6 kg/m², a %TWL of 26.9 ± 13.5%, and a %EWL of 60.3 ± 36.6%. Hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia remission was achieved in 45 and 86% of the patients and improved in another 19 and 4% respectively. Seventy-four percent improved HDL levels. LDL levels improved in 39% and remitted in 37%. Medication was discontinued in 43.7%. HDL increase and LDL, TG, and non-HDL-C decrease were significantly greater in group A.

LSG produces an improvement in lipid profile, with a significant increase in HDL and a decrease in LDL, triglycerides, and non-HDL-C.