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. 2025 Jan;35(1):33-39.
doi: 10.1007/s11695-024-07321-2. Epub 2024 May 29.

Changes in Symptoms and General Well-being After Reversal of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: A Questionnaire Survey

Sigrid B Gribsholt  1   2 , Lene R Madsen  3   4   5 , Inge M Poulsen  6 , Jens M Bruun  3   7 , Bjørn Richelsen  8   3   7
Affiliations

Changes in Symptoms and General Well-being After Reversal of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: A Questionnaire Survey

Sigrid B Gribsholt et al. Obes Surg. 2025 Jan.

Abstract

Purpose: After Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), few patients develop severe complications, which ultimately may require reversal of RYGB. We aimed to examine the effect of reversal of RYGB on symptoms and well-being.

Materials and methods: Via contact to medical and surgical departments treating patients with RYGB, we identified 18 patients, who had undergone reversal, 2009-2019. We conducted a Danish, nationwide questionnaire survey concerning symptoms before and after reversal of the RYGB including the patients' own perceptions of their well-being.

Results: Fourteen patients responded to the questionnaire (86% female; median age at RYGB, 36.2 years [IQR, 30.9-38.6 years]). The median time from RYGB to reversal was 5.8 years (IQR, 5.1-7.5 years). After RYGB, 13 patients (93%) reported abdominal pain, while 12 patients still had abdominal pain after reversal. Six out of 11 patients (45%) reported complete remission of dumping/post-bariatric hypoglycemia (PBH) after reversal. Malabsorption disappeared in 10 out of 11 patients (90%). Reversal had minor effect on neuropathy. The median weight loss from RYGB was 61 kg (IQR, 56-75 kg), while the median weight regain after reversal was 30 kg (IQR, 13-46 kg). Regarding the well-being, 72 of the patients felt better or much better after reversal.

Conclusion: In total, 72% of the patients felt better or much better after reversal of RYGB, though some still had RYGB-related symptoms. The reversal relieved dumping/PBH and malabsorption, but not abdominal pain and neuropathy. Finally, half of the weight loss was regained after reversal. Reversal of RYGB may be an option in highly selected cases.

Keywords: Reversal; Roux-en-Y gastric bypass; Symptoms; Well-being.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethical Approval Statement: According to Danish legislation, questionnaire studies do not require a separate permission from the Danish Scientific Ethical Committee [12]. Informed Consent Statement: Informed consent does not apply. Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Disclaimer: The funding sources had no involvement in the study design; in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; in the writing of the article; or in the decision to submit the article for publication.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
General well-being (n = 14)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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