Bariatric Surgery and Metabolic Status

Background and Objectives: Obesity is associated with numerous co-morbidities, including dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus. Bariatric surgery is the mainstay of treatment for obesity as the only method with confirmed long-term effects in weight reduction and the remission of comorbidities. Postoperative recommendations leading to changes in dietary habits and changes in digestion and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract after bariatric surgery may additionally influence the levels of laboratory parameters that reflect the metabolic and nutritional status. The purpose of the study was to analyze the possible influence of changes in dietary habits after bariatric surgery on those laboratory results that reflect the metabolic and nutritional status. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of 88 patients with a history of bariatric surgery. Data were gathered from before the surgery and at 6 months after the surgery and included diet structure and selected laboratory parameters reflecting the metabolic and nutritional status, i.e., levels of fasting glucose, glycated hemoglobin, cholesterol, low- and high-density lipoproteins, triglycerides, alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, proteins, ferrum, ferritin, vitamin B12, folic acid, vitamin D and calcium, the red blood cell count and the hematocrit. Results: Postoperative festive glucose levels were reduced by 14% and were more significant in patients after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. There was an increase of 22% in concentrations of high-density lipoproteins. Triglyceride concentrations were reduced by 32%. Aminotransferase levels decreased by 43% for alanine aminotransferase and by 14% for aspartate aminotransferase. Among the changes in dietary habits, post-bariatric patients had a reduced consumption of red meat and an increased consumption of fish, milk and dairy products and wholegrain products. Vitamin D and ferrum levels were higher after the surgery, whereas vitamin B12 and folic acid levels remained unchanged. Conclusions: Improved dietary habits of patients after bariatric surgery may lead to changes in laboratory parameters that reflect the ameliorated metabolic and nutritional status of patients after bariatric surgery.