Comorbidities remission after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass for morbid obesity is sustained in a long-term follow-up and correlates with weight regain

Abstract

Background: Obesity-related comorbidities are treated by Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) due to weight loss and intestinal hormone changes. Few studies report the evolution of these comorbidities in a long-term follow-up, especially if weight regain is present. This study aims to analyze: (1) the resolution of obesity-related comorbidities after RYGB in a long-term follow-up and (2) its relationship to weight regain.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 140 patients submitted to RYGB for morbid obesity for at least 5 years (mean follow-up 90 months). Mean body mass index (BMI) before operation was 52 kg/m(2), at nadir weight 29 kg/m(2), and at last follow-up 33 kg/m(2). The comorbidities diabetes, cardiovascular disease, arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, sleep apnea, arthropathy, and infertility were classified as resolved, improved, unchanged, and worsened at nadir weight that happened between the first and second year and after five or more years of surgery. For each comorbidity, we compared the changes in the distribution of patients in the categories and the correlation of it with weight loss at the nadir and final weight.

Results: BMI was significantly different in the three periods. Comorbidities resolution was sustained in a long-term follow-up for diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and infertility. Comorbidities status was directly related to the weight loss for all comorbidities except infertility.

Conclusions: Our results show that comorbidities remission after RYGB is sustained in a long-term follow-up. Weight regain is linked to worse results for all comorbidities except infertility.