Five-Year Outcomes in Bariatric Surgery Patients

Area of Science:

• Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
• Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors
• Obesity Management

Background:

• Obesity is a pandemic disease negatively impacting quality of life and increasing disability.
• Bariatric surgery is the most effective intervention for sustained weight loss in severe obesity.
• Understanding long-term weight maintenance and health outcomes after bariatric surgery is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the maintenance of surgically induced weight loss after five years.
• To assess the impact of weight loss on cardiovascular risk factors and outcomes.
• To analyze the association between weight loss and comorbidities.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cross-sectional study of 66 morbidly obese patients (BMI ≥ 40 or ≥ 35 with comorbidities).
• Patients underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.
• Data collected on weight, BMI, cardiovascular risk factors, and medication use over a 6.42-year average follow-up.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant weight and BMI reduction observed at 6 months and 5 years post-surgery (p < 0.001).
• Of patients with weight loss, 61% maintained 6-month weight loss at 5 years; 39% experienced some weight regain.
• Weight reduction correlated with improved diabetes control, increased physical activity, and reduced medication needs for diabetes and hypertension.

Conclusions:

• Bariatric surgery has a positive long-term impact on patient health.
• Significant and sustained weight loss is achievable, leading to decreased BMI.
• Reduced comorbidities and cardiovascular risk factors are associated with successful bariatric surgery outcomes.