Post-laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy changes in circulating magnesium and bone mineral density indices: A 12-month...

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is one of the most popular weight-loss surgeries globally. Despite its effectiveness in weight loss, LSG may reduce serum magnesium (Mg) levels and impact bone health negatively. The current prospective study determined whether patients experienced changes in serum Mg levels and bone mineral density (BMD) for the total body, spine L1-L4, neck femur, and total hip 12 months post-LSG. A total of 51 (19 males and 32 females) out of 72 patients who underwent LSG were able to complete 12 months of follow-up. Anthropometric measurements, BMD, and serum Mg levels were assessed at baseline, as well as at 3 and 12 months after surgery. Total BMD significantly decreased in all cases by 2.6% in 3 months and by 4.3% in 12 months after surgery (P-values < .01). There was a significant increase in serum Mg levels 12 months post-LSG (+0.04 mmol/L; P < .01). In all cases, regression analysis revealed that BMD modestly but significantly explained 5% of the variations in serum Mg (β = -1.4 [standard error, SE 0.6]; P = .04) 3 months post-LSG. After a year, this perceived variance increased to 9% (β = -0.22 [0.07]; P = .006). In conclusion, both serum Mg levels and BMD are significantly altered 12 months following LSG. Whether these changes represent clinically meaningful effects or reflect transient, compensatory physiological adaptations warrants further investigation.