Timing of Maximal Weight Reduction Following Bariatric Surgery: A Study in Chinese Patients

Abstract

Introduction: Bariatric surgery is a well-received treatment for obesity with maximal weight loss at 12-36 months postoperatively. We investigated the effect of early bariatric surgery on weight reduction of Chinese patients in accordance with their preoperation characteristics. Materials and Methods: Altogether, 409 patients with obesity from a prospective cohort in a single bariatric center were enrolled retrospectively and evaluated for up to 4 years. Measurements obtained included surgery type, duration of diabetic condition, besides the usual body mass index data tuple. Weight reduction was expressed as percent total weight loss (%TWL) and percent excess weight loss (%EWL). Results: RYGB or SG were performed laparoscopically without mortality or complications. BMI generally plateaued at 12 months, having decreased at a mean of 8.78 kg/m². Successful weight loss of >25% TWL was achieved by 35.16, 49.03, 39.22, 27.74, 20.83% of patients at 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 months after surgery. Overall, 52.91% of our patients had lost 100% of their excess weight at 12 months, although there was a rather wide range among individuals. Similar variability was revealed in women of child-bearing age. Conclusion: Chinese patients undergoing bariatric surgery tend to achieve maximal weight loss and stabilization between 12 and 24 months postoperatively, instead of at >2 years. The finding of the shorter stabilization interval has importance to earlier intervention of weight loss related conditions and women's conception planning.

Keywords: Chinese patients; bariatric surgery; follow up; trend; weight reduction.

Figure 1

Postoperative changes of ΔBMI, %TWL, and %EWL. Results are shown in mean ± SEM.

Figure 2

Postoperative changes of BMI in all patients and in different groups. (A) Mean BMI change after bariatric surgery; (B) Mean BMI change in different gender groups; (C) Mean BMI change in different surgery type groups; (D) Mean BMI change in different initial BMI groups; (E) Mean BMI change in different T2DM duration groups; (F) Mean BMI change in different age groups. Results are shown in mean ± SEM.