Early Exercise Through Telerehabilitation After Bariatric Surgery: Is It Feasible?

PURPOSE

The feasibility of early telerehabilitation after bariatric surgery is unknown. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and perception of engaging in the online exercise protocol in patients during the first month after bariatric surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 67 patients, enrolled in a telerehabilitation program following bariatric surgery, completed a survey assessing their perception of the intensity, discomfort, and safety during exercise sessions.

RESULTS

Forty percent of participants began exercising between 5 and 10 days after surgery. Seventy-one percent of patients did not experience discomfort during the first month of exercise, and those who reported discomfort mainly mentioned dizziness and abdominal pain. No significant differences were found in the presence of discomfort among different types of surgeries performed. There was a significant difference in the presence of discomfort between patients who started exercising before and after 15 days of surgery, with less discomfort reported in the group that started after 15 days. Ninety-eight percent of patients felt safe during online exercise sessions. Most participants perceived the intensity of the sessions as moderate. The most frequently mentioned benefits of exercise were increased energy, mood, and feeling more active.

CONCLUSION

Telerehabilitation conducted during the first month after bariatric surgery was feasible and well tolerated by patients, providing a safe alternative for those patients who face difficulties with in-person interventions.

Diet approach before and after bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery (BS) is today the most effective therapy for inducing long-term weight loss and for reducing comorbidity burden and mortality in patients with severe obesity. On the other hand, BS may be associated to new clinical problems, complications and side effects, in particular in the nutritional domain. Therefore, the nutritional management of the bariatric patients requires specific nutritional skills. In this paper, a brief overview of the nutritional management of the bariatric patients will be provided from pre-operative to post-operative phase. Patients with severe obesity often display micronutrient deficiencies when compared to normal weight controls. Therefore, nutritional status should be checked in every patient and correction of deficiencies attempted before surgery. At present, evidences from randomized and retrospective studies do not support the hypothesis that pre-operative weight loss could improve weight loss after BS surgery, and the insurance-mandated policy of a preoperative weight loss as a pre-requisite for admission to surgery is not supported by medical evidence. On the contrary, some studies suggest that a modest weight loss of 5-10% in the immediate preoperative period could facilitate surgery and reduce the risk of complications. Very low calories diet (VLCD) and very low calories ketogenic diets (VLCKD) are the most frequently used methods for the induction of a pre-operative weight loss today. After surgery, nutritional counselling is recommended in order to facilitate the adaptation of the eating habits to the new gastro-intestinal physiology. Nutritional deficits may arise according to the type of bariatric procedure and they should be prevented, diagnosed and eventually treated. Finally, specific nutritional problems, like dumping syndrome and reactive hypoglycaemia, can occur and should be managed largely by nutritional manipulation. In conclusion, the nutritional management of the bariatric patients requires specific nutritional skills and the intervention of experienced nutritionists and dieticians.

A Spanish Society joint SECO and SEEDO approach to the Post-operative management of the patients undergoing surgery for obesity

PURPOSE

Bariatric surgery is the method of choice for the management or treatment of obesity. Bariatric surgery brings about several physiological changes in the body and is associated with set of complications. The aim of this study is to provide guidelines on post bariatric surgery management based on consensus by the Spanish society for Obesity Surgery (Sociedad Española de Cirugía de la Obesidad) (SECO) and the Spanish Society for the Study of Obesity (Sociedad Española para el Estudio de la Obesidad) (SEEDO).

METHOD

The boards proposed seven experts from each society. The experts provided the evidence and a grade of recommendation on the selected topics based on systematic reviews/meta-analysis. A list of clinical practical recommendations levels of evidence and grades of these recommendations was derived from the consensus statements from the members of these societies.

RESULTS

Seventeen topics related to post-operative management were reviewed after bariatric surgery. The experts came with 47 recommendations and statements. The mean number of persons voting at each statement was 54 (range 36-76).

CONCLUSION

In this consensus, we have designed a set of guidelines to be followed while managing patients after bariatric surgery. Expertise and knowledge of the clinicians are required to convey suitable considerations to the post-bariatric patients. There should also be extensive follow-up plans for the bariatric surgery patients.

Assessment of Changes in Body Composition During the First Postoperative Year After Bariatric Surgery

BACKGROUND

The potential effect of bariatric surgery on weight reduction and improvement of associated comorbidities is known, but the ratio obtained between the components of body weight, including lean body mass, body fat mass, and bone mass, is still not determined. This study aims to verify the changes in body composition during the first year after bariatric surgery.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective observational cohort study. Fifty patients who underwent bariatric surgery and maintained follow-ups were selected. Patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively for periods of 1, 3, 6, and 12 months using tetrapolar bioelectrical impedance analysis and laboratory testing of lipids and serum albumin levels. Data were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) were obtained between the preoperative and 12-month evaluation respectively, for body mass index (BMI) (45.8 ± 7.5 to 30.0 ± 4.8 kg/m²), FM (64.7 ± 15.5 to 30.6 ± 9.8 kg), PFM (51.6 ± 4.17 to 37.3 ± 7.6%), and total cholesterol levels (197.1 ± 49.8 to 169.8 ± 31.0 mg/dL). The decrease in PFM shows a better proportion between the body components. PFM showed significantly higher decrease in males than in females (p = 0.012). Lean body mass (p = 0.000) reduction was highest for patients operated by the Unified Health System (SUS, Government of Brazil) probably because of its few financial resources to maintain postoperative care.

CONCLUSION

The change in body composition of patients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass was statistically significant for all variables examined during the first year postoperatively. This shows the effectiveness of the surgical procedure and clinical protocol set, which tends to favor a better health prognosis and weight maintenance in the long term.

Physical Exercise following bariatric surgery in women with Morbid obesity: Study protocol clinical trial (SPIRIT compliant)

BACKGROUND

Severe and morbid obesity are increasing globally, particularly in women. As BMI increases, the likelihood of anovulation is higher. The primary aim of the EMOVAR clinical trial is to examine, over the short (16 weeks) and medium (12 months) term, the effects of a supervised physical exercise program (focused primarily on aerobic and resistance training) on ovarian function in women with severe/morbid obesity who have undergone bariatric surgery. Secondary objectives are to examine the effects of the intervention on chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, arterial stiffness, physical fitness, and health-related quality of life.

METHODS

This is a randomized controlled trial in which ∼40 female bariatric surgery patients, aged between 18 and 45 years old, will be included. Participants assigned to the experimental group will perform a total of 48 sessions of supervised concurrent (strength and aerobic) training (3 sessions/week, 60 min/session) spread over 16 weeks. Patients assigned to the control group will receive lifestyle recommendations. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, week 16 (i.e., after the exercise intervention) and 12 months after surgery. The primary outcome is ovarian function using the Sex-Hormone Binding Globuline, measured in serum. Secondary outcomes are serum levels of anti-mullerian hormone, TSH, T4, FSH, LH, estradiol, prolactine, and free androgen index, as well as oocyte count, the diameters of both ovaries, endometrial thickness, and uterine arterial pulsatility index (obtained from a transvaginal ultrasound), the duration of menstrual bleeding and menstrual cycle duration (obtained by personal interview) and hirsutism (Ferriman Gallwey Scale). Other secondary outcomes include serum markers of chronic inflammation and insulin resistance (i.e., C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, leptin, glomerular sedimentation rate, glucose, insulin and the HOMA-IR), arterial stiffness, systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure, body composition, and total weight loss. Physical fitness (including cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, and flexibility), health-related quality of life (SF-36 v2) and sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index) will also be measured.

DISCUSSION

This study will provide, for the first time, relevant information on the effects of exercise training on ovarian function and underlying mechanisms in severe/morbid obese women following bariatric surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN registry (ISRCTN27697878).

Opioid Use Following Bariatric Surgery: Results of a Prospective Survey

BACKGROUND

Opioid use after bariatric surgery is not clearly understood. Few guidelines exist to inform opioid-prescribing practices after bariatric surgery.

OBJECTIVE

To understand opioid use following bariatric surgery.

SETTING

University hospital.

METHODS

Bariatric surgery patients at a single center were prospectively surveyed at the time of their post-operative visit (January-May 2018). Patients were asked about their opioid use following surgery, whether they received education about opioid use and what they did with leftover medications. Demographic and operative details were obtained from the medical record.

RESULTS

Among 33 patients, the majority (n = 29, 88%) were female with a median age of 40 (20-68) and body mass index of 44.8 (33-78.5). Most patients had leftover narcotics (n = 25, 73%). The median number of pills used was 15 (0-48). Only 12 patients (36%) thought that they had been prescribed "too much" pain medication. Most patients reported receiving education about expectations for post-operative pain (n = 22, 69%); few recalled education about reducing or stopping opioids (n = 13, 40%). More than half of patients (n = 17, 53%) kept their leftover opioids rather than disposing of them or bringing them to an approved turn in location.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite most patients having leftover opioids following surgery, few patients recognized possible overprescription. Education regarding opioid use following surgery is inconsistent, potentially contributing to the amount of retained opioids currently available. Future guidelines should focus on determining the appropriate amount of opioids to be prescribed following surgery and standardizing and improving education given to patients.

'No one is as invested in your continued good health as you should be:' an exploration of the post-surgical relationships between weight-loss surgery patients and their home bariatric clinics

This article traces the post-surgical relationship between weight-loss surgery (WLS) patients and their home bariatric clinics. Following surgery, there is substantive drop off in patient attendance at both follow-up appointments and support groups. While barriers to follow-up are often discussed with the bariatric literature, patients themselves are typically defined as the problem. Based upon a thematic analysis of 217 blog posts and comments in two top patient-led online forums, I demonstrate that bariatric patients tell a more complex story about their post-surgical lives. I argue that WLS patients constitute a population with highly specialised medical needs that is caught between the requirements for living with surgically altered digestive systems and a lack of sufficient post-operative follow-up care from their home bariatric clinics. Although online forums provide spaces for patients to examine these post-operative social and clinical experiences in critical terms, seek information and get support, ultimately the conversations serve to underline the value of personal responsibility for post-operative outcomes-a framing that echoes that of the bariatric profession. This framing should be understood within a larger climate of weight-based stigma and discrimination as well as neoliberal healthism.

Quality of Life 10 Years after Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Multicenter Study

OBJECTIVE

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has recently become the most commonly applied bariatric procedure worldwide. Substantial regaining of weight or severe reflux might compromise quality of life (QOL) after SG in the long-term follow-up. Long-term data on patients' QOL is limited, even though the persistent improvement in QOL is one of the aims of bariatric surgery. The objective of this study was to present patients' QOL 10 years after SG.

METHODS

Of 65 SG patients with a follow-up of ≥10 years after SG who were asked to fill out the Bariatric Quality of Life Index (BQL) and Short Form 36 (SF36) questionnaires, 48 (74%) completed them. This multicenter study was performed in a university hospital setting in Austria.

RESULTS

The BQL score revealed nonsignificant differences between the patients with > 50% or < 50% excess weight loss (EWL). It did show significant differences between patients with and without any symptoms of reflux. Patients with < 50% EWL scored significantly lower in 3/8 categories of SF36. Patients suffering from reflux had significantly lower scores in all categories.

CONCLUSIONS

EWL and symptomatic reflux impair patients' long-term QOL after SG.

Nutritional Management for Chronic Kidney Disease Patients who Undergo Bariatric Surgery: A Narrative Review

Bariatric surgery (BS) may be effective for chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients by reducing microalbuminuria and proteinuria, and by facilitating their meeting inclusion criteria for kidney transplantation. However, nutritional management for this population is complex and specific guidelines are scarce. A literature search was performed to create dietetic practice for these patients based on the most recent evidence. For the purposes of nutritional recommendations, we divided the patients into 2 subgroups: 1) patients with CKD and dialysis, and 2) patients after kidney transplantation. Before surgery, nutritional care includes nutritional status evaluation and adjusting doses of supplements to treat deficiencies and daily nutrient intake according to the dietary restrictions derived from kidney disease, including quantities of fluids, protein, phosphorus, potassium, and vitamins. After BS, these patients are at major risk for lean body mass loss, malnutrition and dehydration because of fluid restriction and diuretics. Postoperative nutritional recommendations should be carefully tailored according to CKD nutritional limitations and include specific considerations regarding protein, fluids, and supplementation, in particular calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin D. Nutritional management of CKD and kidney transplant patients undergoing BS is challenging and future studies are required to establish uniform high-level evidence-based guidelines.

Diabetes management before, during, and after bariatric and metabolic surgery

Metabolic surgery is unrivaled by other therapeutic modalities due to its ability to foster diabetes remission. Metabolic surgery is an integral therapeutic modality in obese and morbidly obese populations because pharmacological and behavioral therapy often fail to effectively manage type II diabetes. However, given the invasiveness of the metabolic surgery relative to behavioral therapy and the need to conform to preparatory and discharge guidelines, patients must adhere to strict nutritional and diabetes management protocols. Also, the pharmacological regimen that is instituted upon discharge is distinct from the preoperative regimen. Oftentimes, the dose for insulin and oral medications are significantly decreased or withdrawn. As time elapses and depending on several factors (e.g., exercise adherence), diabetes control becomes tenuous in a small portion of the patients because there is weight regain and on-going beta cell failure. At this time interval, intensification of diabetes therapy becomes prudent. Indeed, pharmacotherapy from the preoperative to the postoperative phase is labile and may be complex. Therefore, by discussing pharmacology options during the preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative period, the goal is to guide clinician-driven care.

Fat-Free Mass and Skeletal Muscle Mass Five Years After Bariatric Surgery

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated changes in fat-free mass (FFM) and skeletal muscle 5 years after surgery in participants from the Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery-2 trial.

METHODS

A three-compartment model assessed FFM, and whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) quantified skeletal muscle mass prior to surgery (T0) and 1 year (T1), 2 years (T2), and 5 years (T5) postoperatively in 93 patients (85% female; 68% Caucasian; age 44.2 ± 11.6 years) who underwent gastric bypass (RYGB), sleeve gastrectomy, or adjustable gastric band. Repeated-measures mixed models were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

Significant weight loss occurred across all surgical groups in females from T0 to T1. FFM loss from T0 to T1 was greater after RYGB (mean ± SE: -6.9 ± 0.6 kg) than adjustable gastric band (-3.5 ± 1.4 kg; P < 0.05). Females with RYGB continued to lose FFM (-3.3 ± 0.7 kg; P < 0.001) from T1 to T5. A subset of males and females with RYGB and MRI-measured skeletal muscle showed similar initial FFM loss while maintaining FFM and skeletal muscle from T1 to T5.

CONCLUSIONS

Between 1 and 5 years following common bariatric procedures, FFM and skeletal muscle are maintained or decrease minimally. The changes observed in FFM and muscle during the follow-up phase may be consistent with aging.

Altered glucose metabolism after bariatric surgery: What's GLP-1 got to do with it?

Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for obesity. The two widely performed weight-loss procedures, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (GB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG), alter postprandial glucose pattern and enhance gut hormone secretion immediately after surgery before significant weight loss. This weight-loss independent glycemic effects of GB has been attributed to an accelerated nutrient transit from stomach pouch to the gut and enhanced secretion of insulinotropic gut factors; in particular, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Meal-induced GLP-1 secretion is as much as tenfold higher in patients after GB compared to non-surgical individuals and inhibition of GLP-1 action during meals reduces postprandial hyperinsulinemia after GB two to three times more than that in persons without surgery. Moreover, in a subgroup of patients with the late complication of postprandial hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia after GB, GLP1R blockade reverses hypoglycemia by reducing meal stimulated insulin secretion. The role of enteroinsular axis activity after SG, an increasingly popular alternative to GB, is less understood but, similar to GB, SG accelerates nutrient delivery to the intestine, improves glucose tolerance, and increases postprandial GLP-1 secretion. This review will focus on the current evidence for and against the role of GLP-1 on glycemic effects of GB and will also highlight differences between GB and SG.

4-Year Changes in Sex Hormones, Sexual Functioning, and Psychosocial Status in Women Who Underwent Bariatric Surgery

BACKGROUND

Initial weight loss after bariatric surgery has been associated with improvements in reproductive hormones and sexual functioning in women. Few studies have investigated the durability of these changes.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this paper is to investigate changes in sex hormones, sexual functioning, and relevant psychosocial constructs over 4 years in women who underwent bariatric surgery.

SETTING

The setting is a prospective cohort of 106 women from the Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery consortium.

METHODS

Changes in sex hormones were assessed by blood assay. Sexual functioning, quality of life (QOL), body image, depressive symptoms, and marital adjustment were assessed by psychometric measures.

RESULTS

Women lost on average (95% confidence interval) 32.3% (30.4%, 34.3%) at postoperative year 3 and 30.6% (28.5%, 32.8%) at postoperative year 4. Compared to baseline, women experienced significant changes at 4 years in all hormones assessed, except estradiol. Women reported significant improvements in sexual functioning (i.e., arousal, desire, and satisfaction) through year 3, but these changes were not maintained through year 4. Changes in relationship quality followed a similar pattern. Improvements in physical aspects of QOL, body image, and depressive symptoms were maintained through 4 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Improvements in reproductive hormones and physical aspects of QOL, body image, and depressive symptoms were maintained 4 years after bariatric surgery. Improvements in sexual functioning, relationship satisfaction, and mental components of QOL eroded over time.

Reversibility of myocardial metabolism and remodelling in morbidly obese patients 6 months after bariatric surgery

AIMS

To study myocardial substrate uptake, structure and function, before and after bariatric surgery, to clarify the interaction between myocardial metabolism and cardiac remodelling in morbid obesity.

METHODS

We studied 46 obese patients (age 44 ± 10 years, body mass index [BMI] 42 ± 4 kg/m² ), including 18 with type 2 diabetes (T2D) before and 6 months after bariatric surgery and 25 healthy age-matched control group subjects. Myocardial fasting free fatty acid uptake (MFAU) and insulin-stimulated myocardial glucose uptake (MGU) were measured using positron-emission tomography. Myocardial structure and function, and myocardial triglyceride content (MTGC) and intrathoracic fat were measured using magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

RESULTS

The morbidly obese study participants, with or without T2D, had cardiac hypertrophy, impaired myocardial function and substrate metabolism compared with the control group. Surgery led to marked weight reduction and remission of T2D in most of the participants. Postoperatively, myocardial function and structure improved and myocardial substrate metabolism normalized. Intrathoracic fat, but not MTGC, was reduced. Before surgery, BMI and MFAU correlated with left ventricular hypertrophy, and BMI, age and intrathoracic fat mass were the main variables associated with cardiac function. The improvement in whole-body insulin sensitivity correlated positively with the increase in MGU and the decrease in MFAU.

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study, obesity and age, rather than myocardial substrate uptake, were the causes of cardiac remodelling in morbidly obese patients with or without T2D. Cardiac remodelling and impaired myocardial substrate metabolism are reversible after surgically induced weight loss and amelioration of T2D.

Predictors of Vitamin Adherence After Bariatric Surgery

BACKGROUND

Vitamin supplementation in bariatric aftercare is essential to prevent nutrient deficiencies; however, rates of vitamin adherence have been as low as 30 % 6 months post-surgery. Preliminary literature suggests non-adherence to prescribed treatments can be linked to demographic and psychological factors. We aimed to determine the relationship between these factors to vitamin adherence in post-bariatric surgery patients.

METHODS

A total of 92 bariatric patients were assessed 6 months post-surgery. Patients were administered a questionnaire collecting demographic information, psychological scores, and self-reported adherence. Nutrient deficiencies were analyzed through serum vitamin levels measured 3 and 6 months after surgery. Wilcoxon rank-sum and chi-square tests were used for analysis.

RESULTS

Non-adherence was associated with male sex and full-time employment (p = 0.027, p = 0.015). There were no differences with respect to living situation, education level, or relationship type. Non-adherent patients did not have significantly higher scores for generalized anxiety, depressive symptoms, or avoidant behaviors. However, non-adherent patients displayed greater attachment anxiety than their adherent counterparts (p = 0.0186). Non-adherence was also associated with lower vitamin B12 levels 6 months post-surgery (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Male gender and full-time work have previously been shown to be associated with non-adherence. This is the first study to demonstrate that attachment anxiety is associated with poor multivitamin adherence in the post-surgical bariatric population. This result is concordant with recent literature that has demonstrated attachment anxiety is associated with poor adherence to dietary recommendations in bariatric patients 6 months postoperatively. Presurgical screening for attachment anxiety could facilitate early interventions to promote better bariatric aftercare in this group.

Potential Application of 1H NMR for Routine Serum Lipidome Analysis -Evaluation of Effects of Bariatric Surgery

Routine laboratory lipid assays include simple measurements of total cholesterol, triacylglycerols and HDL. However, lipids are a large group of compounds involved in many metabolic pathways, and their alterations may have serious health consequences. In this study, we used 1H NMR to analyze lipids extracted from sera of 16 obese patients prior to and after bariatric surgeries. We observed a post-surgery decrease in serum concentrations of lipids from various groups. The hereby presented findings imply that 1H NMR is suitable for rapid, simple and non-invasive detection of lipids from 30 structural groups, among them triacylglycerols, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, sphingomyelin, total phospholipids, total, free and esterified cholesterol, total and unsaturated fatty acids. NMR-based analysis of serum lipids may contribute to a substantial increase in the number of routinely determined markers from this group; therefore, it may find application in clinical assessment of obese subjects prior to and after bariatric surgeries, as well as in the examination of patients with other metabolic diseases.

Glycemic control after metabolic surgery: a Granger causality and graph analysis

The purpose of this study was to examine the contribution of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and incretin to insulin resistance and diabetes amelioration after malabsorptive metabolic surgery that induces steatorrhea. In fact, NEFA infusion reduces glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, and high-fat diets predict diabetes development. Six healthy controls, 11 obese subjects, and 10 type 2 diabetic (T2D) subjects were studied before and 1 mo after biliopancreatic diversion (BPD). Twenty-four-hour plasma glucose, NEFA, insulin, C-peptide, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) time courses were obtained and analyzed by Granger causality and graph analyses. Insulin sensitivity and secretion were computed by the oral glucose minimal model. Before metabolic surgery, NEFA levels had the strongest influence on the other variables in both obese and T2D subjects. After surgery, GLP-1 and C-peptide levels controlled the system in obese and T2D subjects. Twenty-four-hour GIP levels were markedly reduced after BPD. Finally, not only did GLP-1 levels play a central role, but also insulin and C-peptide levels had a comparable relevance in the network of healthy controls. After BPD, insulin sensitivity was completely normalized in both obese and T2D individuals. Increased 24-h GLP-1 circulating levels positively influenced glucose homeostasis in both obese and T2D subjects who underwent a malabsorptive bariatric operation. In the latter, the reduction of plasma GIP levels also contributed to the improvement of glucose metabolism. It is possible that the combination of a pharmaceutical treatment reducing GIP and increasing GLP-1 plasma levels will contribute to better glycemic control in T2D. The application of Granger causality and graph analyses sheds new light on the pathophysiology of metabolic surgery.

Acute and Chronic Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Plasma LDL Cholesterol and PCSK9 Levels in Patients With Severe Obesity

CONTEXT

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a key regulator of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations. In patients with severe obesity, biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) surgery induces substantial weight loss and influences lipoprotein metabolism. The effect of BPD-DS on PCSK9 levels is unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the acute and chronic impact of BPD-DS on PCSK9 levels and whether the acute impact of BPD-DS could be explained by BPD-DS-associated caloric restriction (CR).

DESIGN, SETTINGS, AND PARTICIPANTS

PCSK9 levels were measured in 20 men and 49 women (age, 41.5 ± 11.1 years) with severe obesity before, 24 hours, 5 days, and 6 and 12 months after BPD-DS and in a comparable control group (n = 31) at baseline and at 6 and 12 months. PCSK9 levels were also measured during 3-day CR in patients (n = 7) with severe obesity and type 2 diabetes.

RESULTS

PCSK9 levels increased 13.4% after 24 hours (248.7 ± 64.8 to 269.7 ± 63.8 ng/mL; P = 0,02) and decreased 9.5% at 12 months compared with baseline (217.6 ± 43.0 ng/mL; P < 0,0001). LDL-C levels decreased 36.2% after 24 hours (2.6 ± 0.7 to 1.7 ± 0.6 mmol/L; P < 0.0001) and 30% at 12 months compared with baseline (1.7 ± 0.5 mmol/L; P < 0.0001). Compared with baseline levels, PCSK9 levels were lower at day 2 but not at day 1 or 3 after CR.

CONCLUSION

BPD-DS is associated with acute increases in PCSK9 levels that do not appear to be explained by CR but may be due to an acute response following surgery. BPD-DS induces chronic reductions in both PCSK9 and LDL-C levels.

Determinants of glomerular filtration rate following bariatric surgery in individuals with severe, otherwise uncomplicated, obesity: an observational, prospective study

AIMS

Obesity-induced nephropathy is an established clinical entity arising from a "maladaptive" response to lipid accumulation at the nephron level. Bariatric surgery positively affects renal function, reducing or increasing glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in subjects with hyperfiltration and renal impairment, respectively. The effect of this surgery in patients with normal estimated GFR (eGFR) is less clear.

METHODS

A complete clinical and biochemical assessment of 135 severely obese, otherwise healthy subjects, was obtained before Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). All subjects underwent an OGTT with plasma glucose and insulin determinations. Follow-up data were recorded at 6, 12, 24 and 48 months after intervention.

RESULTS

Baseline eGFR was 98.2 ± 13.6 ml/min/1.73 m²; hyperfiltration (>120 ml/min/1.73 m²) was present in 7% of the cohort. No eGFR variation over the follow-up emerged, except at the last visit (-3.6 ± 1.4 ml/min/1.73 m² at month 48, p = 0.01 vs baseline). In the univariate analysis, the renal performance at 48 months was inversely related to baseline eGFR (r = -0.17, p = 0.04) and plasma triglycerides (r = -0.04, p = 0.05). Fasting and OGTT-derived variables did not impact eGFR. By multiple regression analysis, eGFR time course was independently predicted only by baseline eGFR (p = 0.03). Interestingly, patients having a baseline eGFR >100 ml/min/1.73 m² (median value) showed, after 48 months, an average loss of -8.3 ± 2.2 ml/min/1.73 m², while those with eGFR <100 exhibited a slight increase (+1.8 ± 2.3 ml/min/1.73 m², p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term data confirm the safety of RYGB on renal function. Interestingly, a subtle hyperfiltration, i.e., occurring in high-normal range of eGFR, is attenuated by surgical procedure. Lastly, high serum triglycerides may track an unfavorable renal outcome.

[Novelties in surgery in 2016]

The year 2016 allowed further implementation of previous years innovations with the PIPAC treatment for peritoneal carcinomatosis, the development of new surgical technologies and procedures and challenging general principles in general and digestive surgery, including cholecystectomy and appendectomy. Prevention, improved general and perioperative care (ERAS program) become an integral part of our standard surgical activity.

A randomized trial comparing two interventions to increase physical activity among patients undergoing bariatric surgery

OBJECTIVE

To test the effectiveness of two levels of physical activity interventions before and up to 6½ months after bariatric surgery.

METHODS

Before surgery, individuals completed submaximal exercise testing on a treadmill. After random assignment to standard care, pedometer use, or exercise counseling plus pedometer, participants wore an accelerometer for approximately 2 weeks and returned it to the bariatric center before surgery and 2, 4, and 6 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Individuals in exercise counseling plus pedometer had higher steps per day and bout minutes of exercise per week than standard care and pedometer use over the course of the study. There were no group differences related to exercise tolerance; however, all groups made significant improvement. There was no statistically significant change in sedentary or light activity nor was there a difference between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Exercise counseling using pedometers increases physical activity from the perioperative period to 6½ months after surgery, but providing pedometers without professional feedback may not be more effective than standard bariatric surgery treatments. Rapid weight loss increases exercise tolerance and may mask the fitness improvements achieved through a modest physical activity intervention during the first 6 months after bariatric surgery.

Diabetes Associated Markers After Bariatric Surgery: Fetuin-A, but Not Matrix Metalloproteinase-7, Is Reduced

BACKGROUND

Recent studies showed that fetuin-A and matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) are type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)-associated markers. Bariatric surgery not only reduces body weight but also improves T2DM. This study aimed to investigate the changes of fetuin-A and MMP-7 in obese subjects with and without T2DM after bariatric surgery.

METHODS

We enrolled 130 obese subjects that received bariatric surgery, including 41 Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), 67 mini-gastric bypass (MGB), and 22 sleeve gastrectomy (SG) patients. Forty-three patients suffered from T2DM prior to surgery. The fasting serum fetuin-A and MMP-7 levels were measured before and 1 year after surgery.

RESULTS

Only five of 43 patients remained diabetic after surgery. Preoperative T2DM patients had higher fetuin-A and MMP-7 levels than non-T2DM subjects. RYGB, MGB, and SG all decreased the fetuin-A levels 1 year after the operation. The MMP-7 levels were not changed after RYGB, MGB, or SG. In multivariate analyses, the preoperative fetuin-A was significantly related to the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), while the postoperative fetuin-A was independently related to the waist-to-hip ratio and HbA1c. Moreover, the preoperative MMP-7 level was significantly related to age, DBP, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase (rGT), while the postoperative MMP-7 level was independently related to age and rGT.

CONCLUSIONS

The fetuin-A and MMP-7 levels are both higher in obese T2DM than non-T2DM subjects. The level of fetuin-A is reduced after RYGB, MGB, and SG, but the level of MMP-7 remains unchanged.

Predictors of Health-Related Quality of Life After Bariatric Surgery

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery is typically associated with improvement in health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, recent reports are conflicting, and the aim of this study was to determine factors that would be predictive for long-term outcomes after bariatric procedures.

METHODS

One thousand five hundred and seventy-three patients at one Midwestern academic medical center who underwent any type of bariatric surgery were sent the SF-36 survey. Three hundred and fifty completed surveys collected over a 3-month period were returned. Multivariate analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

The physical and mental component scores were significantly lower than the norm population mean. Age at time of surgery, pre-surgical body mass index (BMI) and duration since surgery were negatively related to HRQoL.

CONCLUSIONS

Improvements in HRQoL following bariatric surgery do not appear to be sustained over the long term. Older patients and those with high pre-surgical obesity do not appear to have the same benefits in HRQoL over time.

Fast track bariatric surgery: safety of discharge on the first postoperative day after bariatric surgery

BACKGROUND

Fast track recovery pathways have resulted in a multidisciplinary approach to enhance postoperative recovery.

OBJECTIVES

To assess feasibility and outcome of early discharge after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB).

SETTING

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was analyzed to identify patients with body mass index≥35 kg/m² who underwent LSG or LRYGB in 2012 and 2013.

METHODS

Patients were allocated to early discharge (ED) when discharged on postoperative (POD) 1 and late discharge (LD) when discharged on POD 2 or 3. Baseline characteristics and 30-day outcomes were compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

Records of 15,468 LSG and 16,483 LRYGB patients were analyzed; 5220 patients with LSG (33.7%) and 2960 patients with LRYGB (18%) were discharged on POD 1. The early discharge group had significantly fewer co-morbidities and lower rate of complications and readmission. Thirty-day readmission rate in LSG was 2.8% in ED versus 3.6% in LD (P = .008), and in LRGYB, it was 4.3% in ED versus 5.8% in LD (P = .001). Based on multivariate analysis, early discharge was not an independent risk factor for a higher readmission rate after LSG or LRYGB. Predictors of late discharge were age>50 years, body mass index>50 kg/m², Hispanic or non-Hispanic black race/ethnicity, impaired functional status, diabetes on insulin, chronic steroid/immunosuppressant use, bleeding disorder, being on dialysis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, albumin<3.5 mg/dL, longer operative time, and concurrent cholecystectomy.

CONCLUSION

Discharge on POD 1 after LSG and LRYGB is feasible in a considerable proportion of patients. In this subgroup, early discharge is well tolerated and may be associated with lower complication and readmission rates.

Analyses of balance and flexibility of obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery

OBJECTIVE

To assess the postural control and flexibility of obese subjects before and both six and 12 months after bariatric surgery. To verify whether postural control is related to flexibility following weight reductions resulting from bariatric surgery.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 16 subjects who had undergone bariatric surgery. All assessments were performed before and six and 12 months after bariatric surgery. Postural balance was assessed using an Accusuway® portable force platform, and flexibility was assessed using a standard chair sit and reach test (Wells' chair).

RESULTS

With the force platform, no differences were observed in the displacement area or velocity from the center of pressure in the mediolateral and anteroposterior directions. The displacement speed from the center of pressure was decreased at the six month after the surgery; however, unchanged from baseline at 12 months post-surgery. Flexibility increased over time according to the three measurements tested.

CONCLUSIONS

Static postural balance did not change. The velocity of postural adjustment responses were increased at six months after surgery. Therefore, weight loss promotes increased flexibility. Yet, improvements in flexibility are not related to improvements in balance.

Long-term health-related quality of life in bariatric surgery patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Bariatric surgery results in significant weight loss in the majority of patients. Improvement in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is an equally important outcome; however, there are few studies reporting long-term (≥5 years) HRQoL outcomes. This study assesses the quality of evidence and effectiveness of surgery on HRQoL ≥ 5 years.

METHODS

PubMed, Cochrane Review, EmBase, CINANL, PsycInfo, obesity conference abstracts, and reference lists were searched. Keywords were bariatric surgery, obesity, and quality of life. Studies were included if (1) there was ≥5 years follow-up, (2) patients had class II or III obesity, (3) individuals completed a validated HRQoL survey, and (4) there was a nonsurgical comparison group with obesity. Two reviewers independently assessed each study.

RESULTS

From 1376 articles, 9 studies were included in the systematic review (SR) and 6 in the meta-analysis (MA). Inconsistent results for long-term improvements in physical and mental health emerged from the SR. In contrast, the MA found significant improvements in these domains ≥5 years after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Study findings provide evidence for a substantial and significant improvement in physical and mental health favoring the surgical group compared with controls spanning 5 to 25 years after surgery.

Quantified-Self for Obesity: Physical Activity Behaviour Sensing to Improve Health Outcomes

Physical activity levels in bariatric patients have not been well documented, despite their importance in maintaining weight loss following surgery. This study investigated the feasibility of tracking physical activity using a smartphone app with minimal user interaction. Thus far, we have obtained good quality data from 255 patients at various points in their weight loss journey. Preliminary analyses indicate little change in physical activity levels following surgery with pre-surgery patients reaching an average of 16 minutes per day and post-surgery patients achieving a daily average of 21 minutes. Further analyses using machine-learning techniques will be conducted to determine whether physical activity is a critical factor in distinguishing between successful and unsuccessful weight loss outcomes and in the resolution of comorbid conditions in patients with similar clinical profiles.

Continued loss in visceral and intermuscular adipose tissue in weight-stable women following bariatric surgery

OBJECTIVE

To assess changes in total (TAT), subcutaneous (SAT), visceral (VAT), and intermuscular (IMAT) adipose tissue by whole-body MRI before surgery and at 12 months and 24 months post-surgery in a subset of participants of the Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery-2.

METHODS

From 0 to 12 months, n = 20 females and 3 males; from 12 to 24 months, n = 42 females and 7 males. Paired t-tests and GLM repeated measures examined changes in TAT, SAT, VAT, and IMAT at 12 and 24 months, with sex and age as covariates.

RESULTS

Changes from 0 to 12 months included weight (-41.9 ± 12.1 kg; -36%), TAT (-33.5 ± 9.6 kg; -56%), SAT (-29.2 ± 8.2 kg; -55%), VAT (-3.3 ± 1.6 kg; -73%), and IMAT (-0.99 ± 0.68 kg; -50%), all P < 0.001. In females, from 12 to 24 months, despite relative weight stability (-1.8 ± 6.5 kg, -2%; P = 0.085), VAT (-0.5 ± 0.7 kg; -30%; P < 0.001) and IMAT (-0.2 ± 0.4 kg; -14%; P = 0.012) decreased further. In males, from 12 to 24 months, weight increased (5.1 ± 5.2 kg; 6%; P = 0.04) with no significant changes in TAT or sub-depots.

CONCLUSIONS

Bariatric surgery continues to induce favorable changes in body composition, i.e., persistent adipose tissue loss at 24 months in the absence of further significant weight loss.

Bariatric surgery

Essential facts: Type 2 diabetes is linked closely to obesity. Bariatric surgery can lead to dramatic improvements in the management of the condition, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). There are two main types of bariatric surgery. A gastric band procedure uses a band to reduce the size of the stomach so a smaller amount of food is required to make the patient feel full. A gastric bypass is where the digestive system is re-routed past most of the stomach so less food is digested.

Rehabilitation needs after bariatric surgery

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery has grown from an obscure experimental procedure to one of the most popular operations in the world. Such accelerated progress left many gaps, notably concerning subsequent rehabilitation needs of this population.

AIM

In the present study, a brief description of both the patients and the interventions is provided, along with potentially disabling features especially concerning the locomotor system, which has received comparatively little attention .

DESIGN

Based on reported protocols and actual experience, major issues are addressed.

SETTING

Bariatric patients are initially managed in the hospital, however long-term and even lifetime needs may be recognized, requiring major lifestyle and physical activity changes. These have to be focused in all settings, inside and outside the healthcare institutions.

POPULATION

Initially only adults were considered bariatric candidates, however currently also adolescents and the elderly are admitted in many centers.

RESULTS

Bariatric weight loss is certainly successful for remission or prevention of metabolic, cardiovascular and cancer comorbidities. Yet benefits for bones, joints and muscles, along with general physical performance are still incompletely established. This should be no reason for denying continued care to such individuals, within the context of well-designed protocols, as available evidence points toward favorable rehabilitation in the realms of physical, social and workplace activities.

CONCLUSION

The importance of a physiatric curriculum in medical schools has been emphasized. Even more crucial is the presence of such a specialists in obesity and bariatric teams, a requirement recognized in a few countries but not in others.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT

The relevance of obesity as a disabling condition is reviewed, along with the positive changes induced by surgical weight loss. Although obesity alleviation is a legitimate end-point it is not a sufficient one. The shortcomings of such result from the point of view of physical normalization are outlined, and recommendations are suggested.

Circulating free testosterone in obese men after bariatric surgery increases in parallel with insulin sensitivity

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Male hypogonadism has been linked to obesity and diabetes. We aimed to study the association of changes in insulin sensitivity and testosterone levels in severe obese patients submitted to bariatric surgery.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Prospective intervention study with twenty consecutive patients who underwent bariatric surgery studied before and after significant weight loss. Serum testosterone, SHBG, fasting glucose, and insulin were measured among others. Free testosterone was calculated with the Vermeulen formula and insulin sensitivity with the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA).

RESULTS

At baseline, thirteen patients had low total testosterone levels, whereas eight of these patients also had free testosterone levels below the reference range obtained from the control group. After bariatric surgery total testosterone, SHBG, and free testosterone significantly increased and achieved normal values in all evaluated patients. Insulin sensitivity improved in all of them. Multivariate linear regression showed that changes in fasting glucose (β=-1.868, p=0.001), insulin (β=-3.782, p=0.001), weight (β=-0.622, p=0.002), and SHBG (β=-0.635, p=0.022) were associated with changes in free testosterone (adjusted R2=0.936, F=26.613, p=0.001). When insulin resistance calculated by HOMA was in the model instead of insulin and glucose, it also was associated (β=-3.488, p=0.008) with free testosterone (adjusted R2=0.821, F=11.111, p=0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Circulating tes tos terone in obese men increases after bariatric surgery in parallel with an improvement in insulin sensitivity.

Endocrine changes (beyond diabetes) after bariatric surgery in adult life

Bariatric surgery is nowadays an effective therapeutic option for morbid obesity. Endocrinologists may thus have a growing opportunity to diagnose and treat obese patients eligible for surgery in pre- and post-operative phase. This requires a better understanding of endocrine changes caused by either obesity or weight loss surgery. Despite the large number of studies available in literature, only limited well-designed clinical trials have been performed so far to investigate changes of endocrine axes following bariatric procedures. There are still areas of unclear results such as female and male fertility, however, weight loss after bariatric surgery is considered to be associated with favorable effects on most endocrine axes. The aim of this clinical review is to overview the available literature on the effects of weight loss after bariatric surgery on the endocrine systems to suggest the most appropriate pre- and post-operative management of obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery in terms of "endocrine" health.

"I didn't see this coming.": why are postbariatric patients in substance abuse treatment? Patients' perceptions of etiology and future recommendations

BACKGROUND

Recent evidence suggests that bariatric patients may be overrepresented in inpatient substance abuse treatment, but the reasons for this are unclear. Patients' perceptions of this problem may be of heuristic value. Using a qualitative approach, the present study evaluated bariatric patients' impressions of how their postsurgical substance use disorders emerged and their future recommendations for those working with bariatric patients.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 bariatric patients in an inpatient substance abuse treatment program. Seven prominent themes emerged, four referring to etiology of substance use (unresolved psychological problems, addiction transfer/substitution, faster onset or stronger effects from substances, and increased availability of pain medications) and three pertaining to future recommendations (counseling pre- and/or postsurgery, increased knowledge of the associated risks of substance use postsurgery, and greater "honesty"). Blind coders rated the presence or absence of each theme in each interview.

RESULTS

Of the four etiology themes, 75 % of patients acknowledged unresolved psychological problems, 83.33 % identified addiction transfer/substitution, 58.33 % noticed faster onset or stronger effects from substances, and 45.83 % identified increased availability of pain medications. For future recommendations, 41.67 % suggested counseling pre- and/or postsurgery, 70.83 % suggested increased education about the associated risks of substance use postsurgery, and 41.67 % identified a need for greater "honesty."

CONCLUSIONS

Patient perceptions suggest that several common themes may be related to risk for the development of postsurgical substance use disorders.

Nutritional deficiencies after bariatric surgery

Lifestyle intervention programmes often produce insufficient weight loss and poor weight loss maintenance. As a result, an increasing number of patients with obesity and related comorbidities undergo bariatric surgery, which includes approaches such as the adjustable gastric band or the 'divided' Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). This Review summarizes the current knowledge on nutrient deficiencies that can develop after bariatric surgery and highlights follow-up and treatment options for bariatric surgery patients who develop a micronutrient deficiency. The major macronutrient deficiency after bariatric surgery is protein malnutrition. Deficiencies in micronutrients, which include trace elements, essential minerals, and water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins, are common before bariatric surgery and often persist postoperatively, despite universal recommendations on multivitamin and mineral supplements. Other disorders, including small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, can promote micronutrient deficiencies, especially in patients with diabetes mellitus. Recognition of the clinical presentations of micronutrient deficiencies is important, both to enable early intervention and to minimize long-term adverse effects. A major clinical concern is the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and the development of metabolic bone diseases, such as osteoporosis or osteomalacia; metabolic bone diseases may explain the increased risk of hip fracture in patients after RYGB. Further studies are required to determine the optimal levels of nutrient supplementation and whether postoperative laboratory monitoring effectively detects nutrient deficiencies. In the absence of such data, clinicians should inquire about and treat symptoms that suggest nutrient deficiencies.

Decreased miR-181a expression in monocytes of obese patients is associated with the occurrence of metabolic syndrome and coronary artery disease

CONTEXT

Inflammation during obesity is associated with higher risk of metabolic syndrome and coronary artery disease (CAD). Activation of the inflammatory toll-like receptor (TLR)/nuclear factor κB (NFκB) signaling in monocytes contributes to inflammation. Weight loss after bariatric surgery leads to significant improvement of obesity-related comorbidities. MicroRNA (miR), a class of small noncoding RNA, have been implicated as negative regulators of inflammatory processes.

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to identify dysregulated miR in monocytes of obese patients associated with TLR/NFκB signaling, metabolic syndrome, and CAD.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS

This retrospective study included two independent cohorts of 21 morbidly obese and 125 high-risk obese and nonobese patients in a hospitalized care setting.

INTERVENTION

INTERVENTION included bariatric surgery (n = 21) with a 3-month follow-up.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

miR expressions in CD14(+) monocytes were determined by microarray analysis. TLR/NFκB-related miR were identified by an in silico target prediction analysis. Their expression was validated by quantitative RT-PCR. Their association with metabolic syndrome and angiographically documented CAD was assessed.

RESULTS

miR-181a, -181b, and -181d, identified as possible regulators of the TLR/NFκB signaling, were decreased in obese monocytes, and weight loss normalized their expression to levels observed in monocytes of lean persons. miR-181a but not miR-181b and miR-181d was associated with a higher number of metabolic syndrome components and with CAD even after adjustment for traditional risk factors, obesity and the metabolic syndrome.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that the TLR/NFκB-related miR-181a is down-regulated in monocytes of obese patients and suggests that it is a putative biomarker of metabolic syndrome and CAD.

Increase in brown adipose tissue activity after weight loss in morbidly obese subjects

CONTEXT

Stimulation of thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a potential target to treat obesity. We earlier demonstrated that BAT activity is relatively low in obese subjects. It is unknown whether BAT can be recruited in adult humans.

OBJECTIVE

To study the dynamics of BAT, we observed BAT activity in morbidly obese subjects before and after weight loss induced by bariatric surgery.

DESIGN

This was an observational prospective cohort study.

SETTING

The study was conducted at a referral center.

PATIENTS

Ten morbidly obese subjects eligible for laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding surgery were studied before and 1 yr after bariatric surgery.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The main outcome measure was BAT activity, as determined after acute cold stimulation using (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and computed tomography.

RESULTS

Before surgery, only two of 10 subjects showed active BAT. One year after surgery, the number of subjects with active BAT was increased to five. After weight loss, BAT-positive subjects had significantly higher nonshivering thermogenesis compared with BAT-negative subjects (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that in humans BAT can be recruited in the regions in which it was also reported in lean subjects before. These results for the first time show recruitment of BAT in humans and may open the door for BAT-targeted treatments of obesity.

The Endocrine Society's Clinical Practice Guideline on endocrine and nutritional management of the post-bariatric surgery patient: commentary from a European Perspective

Bariatric and metabolic surgery is experiencing a noteworthy increase worldwide in recent years, but protocols and consensus published in the past decade have not yet established clear evidence-based clinical recommendations. The Endocrine Society, with the participation of the European Society of Endocrinology, has promoted the creation of an expert panel to propose a clinical practice guideline for postoperative management of patients, candidates to bariatric surgery, that places a particular emphasis on evidence-based medical aspects. The main arguments reflected in those recommendations are set out in this article and are subject to analysis and discussion from the specific viewpoint of the current European experience.

The impact of bariatric surgery in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus

Over 220 million individuals have type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) worldwide. Obesity has been identified as a significant risk factor for the development of T2DM. Overweight or obese individuals develop insulin resistance with resultant hyperinsulinemia. This process may progress to impaired glucose intolerance and eventual T2DM. There is strong evidence indicating that bariatric surgery may produce sustainable long-term weight loss in obese individuals. Bariatric surgery consists of surgical operations classified as either primarily restrictive or malabsorptive. Restrictive bariatric procedures include gastric banding or sleeve gastrectomy, while malabsorptive procedures included gastric bypass and biliopancreatic diversion. Malabsorptive procedures have been shown to be superior in producing dramatic weight loss along with resolution or improvement of T2DM. Interestingly, improvement of diabetes has been shown to occur shortly following malabsorptive bariatric surgery, prior to significant weight loss, suggesting that hormone-mediated mechanisms may be involved. As the prevalence of obesity and T2DM continues to rise, so may the role of bariatric surgery to combat this growing epidemic.

Effect of bariatric surgery-induced weight loss on SR-BI-, ABCG1-, and ABCA1-mediated cellular cholesterol efflux in obese women

AIM

We tested the hypothesis that quantitative changes in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles weight loss induced by Roux-en-Y bypass (RYGBP) in morbidly obese subjects might be associated with improved functionality of these particles in the reverse cholesterol transport pathway.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Thirty-four morbidly obese women were recruited and followed up before and 6 months after RYGBP. After surgery, along with a major weight loss (-20%; P < 0.0001), we observed a significant increase in HDL mass concentration (+14%; P < 0.04), reflecting a specific increase in large HDL2 subfraction levels (+42%; P < 0.01), whereas those of HDL3 remained unchanged. Cholesterol ester transfer protein activity decreased significantly (-15%; P < 0.0001). Efflux capacity of total plasma increased significantly via both scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) (+58%; P < 0.0001) and ATP binding cassette G1 (ABCG1) (+26%; P < 0.0001) pathways. Such enhanced capacity resulted from increased capacity of HDL2 particles to mediate cholesterol efflux through the SR-BI pathway (+56%, P < 0.001) and from the increase plasma level of cholesteryl ester-rich HDL2 particles for the ABCG1 pathway.

CONCLUSION

RYGBP-induced weight loss results in improvement in atherogenic lipid profile including a shift toward a more cardioprotective HDL subfraction profile. In addition, our in vitro studies demonstrated an increased in plasma efflux capacity via both SR-BI and ABCG1 after surgery.

Update: metabolic and cardiovascular consequences of bariatric surgery

Obesity is a disease state with polygenic inheritance, the phenotypic penetrance of which has been greatly expanded by the attributes of modern civilization. More than two-thirds of obese persons have comorbidities, many of which are characteristic of cardiometabolic risk syndrome (CMRS) in addition to other life-quality-reducing complaints. The CMRS is associated with increased cardiovascular events and mortality. Individuals with a body mass index greater than 35 infrequently achieve or maintain weight loss adequate to resolve these metabolic and anatomic issues by lifestyle or pharmacologic strategies. Data suggest that some of these patients may be better served by bariatric surgery.

Endocrine and nutritional management of the post-bariatric surgery patient: an Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline

OBJECTIVE

We sought to provide guidelines for the nutritional and endocrine management of adults after bariatric surgery, including those with diabetes mellitus. The focus is on the immediate postoperative period and long-term management to prevent complications, weight regain, and progression of obesity-associated comorbidities. The treatment of specific disorders is only summarized.

PARTICIPANTS

The Task Force was composed of a chair, five additional experts, a methodologist, and a medical writer. It received no corporate funding or remuneration.

CONCLUSIONS

Bariatric surgery is not a guarantee of successful weight loss and maintenance. Increasingly, patients regain weight, especially those undergoing restrictive surgeries such as laparoscopic banding rather than malabsorptive surgeries such as Roux-en-Y bypass. Active nutritional patient education and clinical management to prevent and detect nutritional deficiencies are recommended for all patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Management of potential nutritional deficiencies is particularly important for patients undergoing malabsorptive procedures, and strategies should be employed to compensate for food intolerance in patients who have had a malabsorptive procedure to reduce the risk for clinically important nutritional deficiencies. To enhance the transition to life after bariatric surgery and to prevent weight regain and nutritional complications, all patients should receive care from a multidisciplinary team including an experienced primary care physician, endocrinologist, or gastroenterologist and consider enrolling postoperatively in a comprehensive program for nutrition and lifestyle management. Future research should address the effectiveness of intensive postoperative nutritional and endocrine care in reducing morbidity and mortality from obesity-associated chronic diseases.

Bariatric surgery and its impact on sleep architecture, sleep-disordered breathing, and metabolism

Over the last several decades, the prevalence of obesity has increased significantly worldwide. This has translated into an increased prevalence of obesity-associated morbidities including sleep-disordered breathing and metabolic disorders. While the medical management of obesity is relatively ineffective, bariatric surgery is the most successful method for sustained weight loss and markedly reduces obesity-related morbidity and mortality. The anatomical changes created with different types of procedures lead to variable weight loss and improvement of co-morbidities; however the latter does not appear to be exclusively dependent on the amount of weight loss. Bariatric surgery does not always lead to complete resolution of obstructive sleep apnea and age, gender and severity of the obstructive sleep apnea predict the residual disease after peak weight loss. Metabolic disorders and specifically diabetes often improve dramatically early after the procedure, before any significant weight loss has occurred. The modified gastrointestinal anatomy and physiology may explain this phenomenon.

The effect of surgical weight reduction on left ventricular structure and function in severe obesity

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of surgical weight reduction on cardiac structure and function and to seek the determinants of these changes. Sixty-six severely obese adults (BMI >or=35 kg/m(2)) who received bariatric surgery underwent echocardiographic examination before and 3 months after surgery. At 3 months after surgery, BMI and systolic blood pressure (BP) decreased (43.3 +/- 6.3 to 34.1 +/- 5.6 kg/m(2), P < 0.001, and 146 +/- 12 to 130 +/- 14 mm Hg, P < 0.001, respectively). In left ventricular (LV) geometry, the relative wall thickness (RWT) and LV mass index decreased significantly (0.43 +/- 0.05 to 0.35 +/- 0.05, P < 0.001, and 50 +/- 11 to 39 +/- 11 g/m(2.7), P < 0.001, respectively) without changes in chamber size. Multivariate analyses showed change in systolic BP to be an independent predictor for the changes in RWT and LV mass index. In myocardial performance, peak systolic mitral annular velocity and all diastolic indexes showed significant improvements. We concluded that LV hypertrophy and function improved rapidly after bariatric surgery in severely obese adults. BP reduction was the major determinant for the regression of LV hypertrophy in the early stage of surgical weight reduction.

Serum markers of bone turnover are increased at six and 18 months after Roux-en-Y bariatric surgery: correlation with the reduction in leptin

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to examine serum markers of bone turnover at 6 and 18 months after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.

PARTICIPANTS

Ten women and 10 men [body mass index (BMI), 50.2 +/- 8.4 kg/m(2)] were studied at 6 months; 10 women and nine men (BMI, 47.2 +/- 6.6 kg/m(2)) were studied at 18 months after surgery.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Serum osteocalcin, bone specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), N-telopeptide of type 1 collagen (NTX), PTH, 25-hydroxy vitamin D, and leptin were measured.

RESULTS

BMI was reduced 32.7 +/- 6.2% at 6 months after surgery. Serum osteocalcin (6.9 +/- 2.4 to 10.9 +/- 2.6 ng/ml; P < 0.0001), BAP (14.2 +/- 3.7 to 16.4 +/- 4.5 ng/ml; P = 0.04), and NTX (10.9 +/- 1.7 to 19.6 +/- 5.3 nm bone collagen equivalents; P < 0.0001) were increased. Calcium, phosphate, and PTH were unchanged, but 25-hydroxy vitamin D increased (16.0 +/- 8.9 vs. 26.9 +/- 10.6 ng/ml; P <0.0001). The increase in NTX correlated with reduction in serum leptin (r = 0.58; P = 0.007). BMI was reduced 40.9 +/- 7.5% at 18 months after surgery. Serum BAP (17.6 +/- 5.3 to 22.2 +/- 7.8 ng/ml; P = 0.0017) and NTX (10.8 +/- 2.7 to 16.9 +/- 5.5 nm bone collagen equivalents; P < 0.0001) were increased. Calcium, phosphate, and PTH were unchanged, but 25-hydroxy vitamin D increased (17.7 +/- 7.6 to 25.6 +/- 6.8 ng/ml; P < 0.0001). The increase in NTX correlated with reduction in BMI (r = 0.58; P = 0.009) and leptin (r = 0.45; P = 0.04) and the increase in serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (r = 0.43; P = 0.05). In multiple regression (adjusted model R(2) 0.263; P = 0.013), reduction in leptin was a significant predictor of increase in NTX (P = 0.016), but changes in BMI and 25-hydroxy vitamin D were not.

CONCLUSIONS

Weight loss after bariatric surgery is associated with long-term increase in serum markers of bone turnover. The increase in NTX is related to the decrease in leptin, which may signal caloric restriction to the skeleton.