Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: understanding weight loss and improvements in type 2 diabetes after bariatric surgery

Obesity increases the likelihood of diseases like type 2 diabetes (T2D), heart disease, and cancer, and is one of the most serious public health problems of this century. In contrast to ineffectual prevention strategies, lifestyle modifications, and pharmacological therapies, bariatric surgery is a very effective treatment for morbid obesity and also markedly improves associated comorbidities like T2D. However, weight loss and resolution of T2D after bariatric surgery is heterogeneous and specific to type of bariatric procedure performed. Conventional mechanisms like intestinal malabsorption and gastric restriction do not fully explain this, and potent changes in appetite and the enteroinsular axis, as a result of anatomical reorganization and altered hormonal, neuronal, and nutrient signaling, are the portended cause. Uniquely these signaling changes appear to override vigorous homeostatic defenses of stable body weight and compelling self-gratifying motivations to eat and to reverse defects in beta-cell function and insulin sensitivity. Here we review mechanisms of weight loss and T2D resolution after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy bariatric surgery, two markedly different procedures with robust clinical outcomes.     

Kwashiorkor and an Acrodermatitis Enteropathica-like Eruption after a Distal Gastric Bypass Surgical Procedure

ObjectiveTo describe a case of kwashiorkor and an acrodermatitis enteropathica-like eruption associated with zinc deficiency after a distal gastric bypass surgical procedure.MethodsA case report of a morbidly obese patient who underwent a gastric bypass operation is presented, including clinical, laboratory, and radiologic findings. In addition, the literature on potential nutritional deficiencies after bariatric surgical intervention is reviewed.ResultsA 43-year-old woman with a history of morbid obesity underwent a distal Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure at an outside institution. Six months later, she presented to our clinic because of abdominal pain, lower extremity edema, and a patchy maculopapular scaling rash. She had not adhered to a vitamin supplementation regimen prescribed postoperatively. Her symptoms progressively worsened, and she was hospitalized for management of severe malnutrition and dehydration. Laboratory tests revealed low levels of albumin, hemoglobin, vitamin A, vitamin D, copper, and zinc and elevated levels of liver enzymes. Anasarca and bowel wall edema were seen on an abdominal computed tomographic scan, and an upper endoscopy revealed a stomal ulcer and a stricture at the site of the gastrojejunal anastomosis. The patient was diagnosed as having kwashiorkor, zinc deficiency, and an acrodermatitis enteropathica-like eruption. Treatment was begun with total parenteral nutrition, which led to alleviation of her symptoms. Approximately 3 months later, she underwent gastric bypass revision but had numerous postoperative complications.ConclusionKwashiorkor and severe nutritional deficiencies were noted in this patient after a distal gastric bypass surgical procedure. This clinical presentation is uncommon and can be attributed to the increased malabsorption that occurs with distal gastric bypass, the development of mechanical complications, and the inadequacy of nutritional supplementation. After a bariatric operation, careful adherence to follow-up regimens and the involvement of a multidisciplinary team can improve the chances of a successful outcome. (Endocr Pract. 2007;13:277-282)     

Impact of bariatric surgery on type 2 diabetes

The management and prevention of diabetes through lifestyle modifications and weight loss should be the mainstay of therapy in appropriate candidates. Although the results from the Diabetes Prevention Trial and the Finnish Prevention Study support this approach, over 95% of patients not participating in a prevention research study are unable to achieve and maintain any significant weight loss over time. Bariatric surgery for weight loss is an emerging option for more sustainable weight loss in the severely obese subject, especially when obesity is complicated by diabetes or other co-morbidities. The two most common types of procedures currently used in the United States are adjustable gastric bands and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. These procedures can be performed laparoscopically, further reducing the perioperative morbidity and mortality associated with the surgery. While the gastric bypass procedure usually results is greater sustained weight loss (40–50%) than adjustable gastric banding (20–30%), it also carries greater morbidity and nutritional/metabolic issues, such as deficiencies in iron, B12, calcium, and vitamin D. Following bariatric surgery most subjects experience improvements in diabetes control, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and other obesity-related conditions. In patients with impaired glucose tolerance most studies report 99–100% prevention of progression to diabetes, while in subjects with diabetes prior to surgery, resolution of the disease is reported in 64–93% of the cases. While improvements in insulin resistance and beta-cell function are related to surgically induced weight loss, the rapid post-operative improvement in glycemia is possibly due to a combination of decreased nutrient intake and changes in gut hormones as a result of the bypassed intestine. Post-prandial hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia associated with nesidioblastosis has been described in a series of patients following gastric bypass surgery, and may be related to the described changes in GLP-1 and other gut hormones.     

Impact of weight loss predictors in severe-morbid obesity patients in the Saudi population

Universally, obesity has been affected more than 650 million and converts as global health problem. Obesity is equally affecting starting from children to elder population. Obese subjects are converting into severe obese and then into morbid obesity. Body mass index is proning from 30 to 50 kg/m² in the adult population. Obesity is connected with the future complications of hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular, stroke, osteoarthritis, obstructive sleep apnea and liver diseases. Loosing of body fat is the only option to avoid obesity and this could be achieved with routine physical activity and diet modifications. Obesity subjects may fail to achieve the daily routine activities or insufficient activity may be involved and finally fail to lose the body fat after the medical course. Then these severe or morbidity obese can be lose with the existing surgery. Currently, Bariatric Surgery (BS) has become the active treatment for long-term weight loss. Various types (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and duodenal switch and the jejunoileal bypass) of BS are performed on the gastrointestinal tract. Throughout the world population, BS has found to be safe in losing the weight and avoiding the future and long-term complications. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in Saudi Arabia is an issue in terms of incidence and health consequences. Maximum obesity studies involved in Saudi Arabia has proven to be develop the long-term complications in the future involving from child to morbid obesity. Limited bariatric studies carried out in the Saudi subjects confirmed as effective tool in lowering the body fat and avoiding the life-threatened complications of human diseases. So, this review recommends BS as effective and safe surgical treatment to lose body fat in the Saudi population. However, post-operative monitoring is mandatory to follow-up.     

Cancer Incidence and Mortality After Gastric Bypass Surgery

Despite weight loss recommendations to prevent cancer, cancer outcome studies after intentional weight loss are limited. Recently, reduced cancer mortality following bariatric surgery has been reported. This study tested whether reduced cancer mortality following gastric bypass was due to decreased incidence. Cancer incidence and mortality data through 2007 from the Utah Cancer Registry (UCR) were compared between 6,596 Utah patients who had gastric bypass (1984–2002) and 9,442 severely obese persons who had applied for Utah Driver's Licenses (1984–2002). Study outcomes included incidence, case‐fatality, and mortality for cancer by site and stage at diagnosis of all gastric bypass patients, compared to nonoperated severely obese controls. Follow‐up was over a 24‐year period (mean 12.5 years). Total cancer incidence was significantly lower in the surgical group compared to controls (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.76; confidence interval (CI) 95%, 0.65–0.89; P = 0.0006). Lower incidence in surgery patients vs. controls was primarily due to decreased incidence of cancer diagnosed at regional or distant stages. Cancer mortality was 46% lower in the surgery group compared to controls (HR = 0.54; CI 95%, 0.37–0.78; P = 0.001). Although the apparent protective effect of surgery on risk of developing cancer was limited to cancers likely known to be obesity related, the inverse association for mortality was seen for all cancers. Significant reduction in total cancer mortality in gastric bypass patients compared with severely obese controls was associated with decreased incidence, primarily among subjects with advanced cancers. These findings suggest gastric bypass results in lower cancer risk, presumably related to weight loss, supporting recommendations for reducing weight to lower cancer risk.     

Weight loss through ileal transposition is accompanied by increased ileal hormone secretion and synthesis in rats

Bariatric surgeries, such as gastric bypass, result in dramatic and sustained weight loss that is usually attributed to a combination of gastric volume restriction and intestinal malabsorption. However, studies parceling out the contribution of enhanced intestinal stimulation in the absence of these two mechanisms have received little attention. Previous studies have demonstrated that patients who received intestinal bypass or Roux-en-Y surgery have increased release of gastrointestinal hormones. One possible mechanism for this increase is the rapid transit of nutrients into the intestine after eating. To determine whether there is increased secretion of anorectic peptides produced in the distal small intestine when this portion of the gut is given greater exposure to nutrients, we preformed ileal transpositions (IT) in rats. In this procedure, an isolated segment of ileum is transposed to the jejunum, resulting in an intestinal tract of normal length but an alteration in the normal distribution of endocrine cells along the gut. Rats with IT lost more weight (P < 0.05) and consumed less food (P < 0.05) than control rats with intestinal transections and reanastomosis without transposition. Weight loss in the IT rats was not due to malabsorption of nutrients. However, transposition of distal gut to a proximal location caused increased synthesis and release of the anorectic ileal hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY (PYY; P < 0.01). The association of weight loss with increased release of GLP-1 and PYY suggests that procedures that promote gastrointestinal endocrine function can reduce energy intake. These findings support the importance of evaluating the contribution of gastrointestinal hormones to the weight loss seen with bariatric surgery.     

Melanocortin-4 Receptor Mutations and Polymorphisms Do Not Affect Weight Loss after Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is the most effective long term weight-loss therapy for severe and morbidly obese patients. Melanocortin-4 Receptor (MC4R) mutations, the most frequent known cause of monogenic obesity, affect the regulation of energy homeostasis. The impact of such mutations on weight loss after bariatric surgery is still debated.The objective is to determine the impact of MC4R status on weight loss in obese subjects over one year after bariatric surgery.A total of 648 patients, who were referred to bariatric surgery in a single clinical nutrition department, were genotyped for their MC4R status. The following four groups were categorized: functional MC4R mutations, MC4R single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): Val103Ile (V103L) and Ile251Leu (I251L), MC4R variant rs17782313 (downstream of MC4R) and MC4R SNP A-178C on the promoter. Each patient was matched with two randomly paired controls without mutation. Matching factors were age, sex, baseline weight and type of surgery procedure (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and adjustable gastric banding). We compared weight loss between cases and controls at 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery.Among 648 patients, we identified 9 carriers of functional MC4R mutations, 10 carriers of MC4R V103L and I251L SNPs, 7 carriers of the rs17792313 variant and 22 carriers of the A-178C SNP. Weight loss at 3, 6 and 12 months did not differ between cases and controls, whatever the MC4R mutations.This is the first case-control study to show that MC4R mutations and polymorphisms do not affect weight loss and body composition over one year after bariatric surgery.     

The effect of bariatric surgery on gastrointestinal and pancreatic peptide hormones

Bariatric surgery for obesity has proved to be an extremely effective method of promoting long-term weight reduction with additional beneficial metabolic effects, such as improved glucose tolerance and remission of type 2 diabetes. A range of bariatric procedures are in common use, including gastric banding, sleeve gastrectomy and the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Although the mechanisms underlying the efficacy of bariatric surgery are unclear, gastrointestinal and pancreatic peptides are thought to play an important role. The aim of this review is to summarise the effects of different bariatric surgery procedures upon gastrointestinal and pancreatic peptides, including ghrelin, gastrin, cholecystokinin (CCK), glucose-dependent insulinotropic hormone (GIP), glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY), oxyntomodulin, insulin, glucagon and somatostatin.     

Impact of Weight loss Trajectory Following Randomization to Bariatric Surgery on Long-Term Diabetes Glycemic and Cardiometabolic Parameters

Objective: It is unclear whether acute weight loss or the chronic trajectory of weight loss after bariatric surgery is associated with long-term type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) glycemic improvement. This ancillary study of the Surgical Treatment and Medications Potentially Eradicate Diabetes Efficiently (STAMPEDE) trial aimed to answer this question.Methods: In STAMPEDE, 150 patients with T2DM were randomized to bariatric surgery, and 96 had 5-year follow-up. Data post–Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB, n = 49) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG, n = 47) were analyzed. We defined percent weight loss in the first year as negative percent decrease from baseline weight to lowest weight in the first year. Percent weight regain was positive percent change from lowest weight in the first year to fifth year. Weight change was then correlated with cardiometabolic (CM) and glycemic outcomes at 5 years using Spearman rank correlations and multivariate analysis.Results: In both RYGB and SG, less weight loss in the first year positively correlated with higher 5-year glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (RYGB, β = +0.13; P<.001 and SG, β = 0.14; P<.001). In SG, greater weight regain from nadir positively correlated with higher HbA1c (β = 0.06; P = .02), but not in RYGB. Reduced first-year weight loss was also correlated with increased 5-year triglycerides (β = 1.81; P = .01), but not systolic blood pressure. Weight regain did not correlate with CM outcomes.Conclusion: Acute weight loss may be more important for T2DM glycemic control following both RYGB and SG as compared with weight regain. Clinicians should aim to assist patients with achieving maximal weight loss in the first year post-op to maximize long-term health of patients.Abbreviations: BMI = body mass index; HbA1c = glycated hemoglobin; RYGB = Roux-en-Y gastric bypass; SBP = systolic blood pressure; SG = sleeve gastrectomy; STAMPEDE = Surgical Treatment and Medications Potentially Eradicate Diabetes Efficiently; T2DM = type 2 diabetes mellitus; TG = triglyceride     

Complications of Laparoscopic Versus Open Bariatric Surgical Interventions in Obesity Management

With the epidemic of obesity fast spreading its grasp throughout the world, the medical professionals of diverse facilities need to be called on for better management to prevent its further progression. In particular, the gastroenterologists have a major role to play in all aspects of obese patient care. They should be able to recognize and treat obesity and associated disorders through the understanding and assessment of the various benefits and risks linked with a particular type of obesity treatment option. While treating these problems, a better understanding of the physiologic and anatomic alterations that might be associated with the treatment procedure and the weight loss-linked problems in association with the method of surgical intervention need to be weighed. Morbid obesity has been efficaciously treated by bariatric surgery promoting weight loss considerably and reducing the obesity-associated risks such as certain cancers, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and all-cause mortality. Bariatric surgery has been performed traditionally through open method or, the more recent and popular form, laparoscopically that involves only a small incision in the abdomen. The laparoscopic bariatric surgery has become the surgical method of choice since its introduction in 1993 and has immediately crossed open surgery in terms of popularity. Drastic numbers came out when the two methods were compared for their applicability during a 3-year period in the United States. Only 6,000 reported open gastric bypass surgeries were recorded, but the number soared to nearly 16,000 for laparoscopic gastric bypass surgeries. The laparoscopic method has been found to be associated with much reduced complications and hospital stay along with lower cases of mortality as suggested by small randomized controlled trials and observational studies. However, these facts need to be reassessed through large-sized controlled trials and population-based studies. In addition, the previously ignored complications associated with laparoscopic methods should be studied in detail. Since the cases of obesity have been ever increasing and bariatric surgery is also gaining in popularity, it is important that the safest procedure should be identified. The main objective of this review was to compare the benefits and risks associated with open versus laparoscopic mode of bariatric surgery with a greater focus on the laparoscopic method. Although there are few reviews that have compared the two methods, none have focused on the complications of the two approaches. All these aspects have been dealt in detail here.     

Gastric Pacing for Morbid Obesity: Plasma Levels of Gastrointestinal Peptides and Leptin

Objective: A gastric pacemaker has been developed to treat morbid obesity. Patients experience increased satiety, the ability to reduce food intake, and a resultant weight loss. However, the mechanism behind the changed eating behavior in paced patients is still under investigation. Research Methods and Procedures: This study was performed on 11 morbidly obese patients (mean BMI, 46.0 kg/m²) treated with gastric pacing. The peripheral blood levels of satiety signals of cholecystokinin (CCK), somatostatin, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1), and leptin were studied 1 month before gastric pacer implantation, 1 month after implantation, and 6 months after activation of electrical stimulation. Blood samples were drawn 12 hours after fasting and in response to a hypocaloric meal (270 kcal). Patients were followed monthly for vital signs and weight level. Results: Gastric pacing resulted in a significant weight loss of a mean of 10.4 kg (4.4 BMI units). No negative side effects or complications were observed during the treatment. After activation of the pacemaker, meal‐related response of CCK and somatostatin and basal levels of GLP‐1 and leptin were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) compared with the tests before gastric pacing. The weight loss correlated significantly with a decrease of leptin levels (R = 0.79, p < 0.01). Discussion: Gastric pacing is a novel and promising therapy for morbid obesity. Activation of the gastric pacer was associated with a decrease in plasma levels of CCK, somatostatin, GLP‐1, and leptin. More studies are necessary to elucidate the correlations between satiety, weight loss, and digestive neuro‐hormone changes.     

Perioperative surgery- and anaesthesia-related risks of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass - a single centre,retrospective data analysis

Background

Conservative obesity treatment often leads to limited results. Bariatric surgery is highly efficient, but the candidates are at risk of developing perioperative complications. Bariatric outcomes have been well described in the past, but there are only few reports of perioperative outcomes.The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of anaesthetic and surgical complications of Roux-en-Y bypass.

Methods

Data of all adult patients, who underwent primary Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery between 1/2006 and 12/2013 at the University Hospital Zurich were analysed. Using our clinical database, anaesthetic and surgical complications during the first 30?days after surgery were analysed and risk factors determined by multivariate analysis.

Results

Seven hundred eleven patients (72% female, median age 40?years) were analysed. Overall, surgical complications occurred in 34% patient, while complications attributable to anaesthesia occurred in 37%. Post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) were observed in 34%, intubation-related complications in 4%, and delayed extubation in 2% of our patients. Within the first 30?days after surgery, 22% of the patients presented with an infection. Gastrointestinal complications were found in 8%, and bleeding complications in 3%. Anaesthesia complications were less common in older patients and in patients anaesthetized with a volatile anaesthetic. Severe complications were more common in patients with a lower body mass index (BMI) and with longer surgery. The risk to develop a postoperative infection was higher in diabetic patients.

Conclusion

Roux-en-Y bariatric surgery has few anaesthetic complications, the most common is PONV. PONV is more common in younger patients and not more common with volatile anaesthetics. Major complications are overall rare and occur in patients with lower BMI and longer surgery, likely reflecting more difficult procedures.

     

Twelve year experience of laparoscopic gastric plication in morbid obesity: development of the technique and patient outcomes

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic Gastric Plication (LGP) is a new restrictive bariatric surgery, previously introduced by the author. The aim of this study is to explain the modifications and to present the 12-year experience, regarding early and long term results, complications and cost. METHODS: We used LGP for morbid obesity during the past 12 years. Anterior plication (10 cases), one-row bilateral plication while right gastroepiploic artery included (42 cases), and excluded from the plication (104 cases) and two-row plication (644 cases). The gastric greater curvature was plicated using 2/0 prolen from fundus at the level of diaphragm preserving the His angle to just proximal to the pylorus. The anatomic and functional volume of stomach was 50cc and 25cc respectively in two-row method. Ordered postop visits also included evaluation of weight loss, complications, change of diet and control of exercise. RESULTS: LGP was performed in 800 cases (mean age: 27.5, range: 12 to 65 years, nine under 18). Female to male ratio was 81% to 19% and average BMI was 42.1 (35-59). The mean excess weight loss (EWL) was 70% (40% to 100%) after 24 months and 55% (28% to 100%) after 5 years following surgery. 134 cases (16.7%) did not completed long term follow-up. The average time of follow up was 5 years (1 month to 12 years). 5.5% and 31% of cases complained from weight regain respectively during 4 and 12 years after LGP. The mean time of operation was 72 (49--152) minutes and average hospitalization time was 72 hours (24 hours to 45 days). The cost of operation was 2000 $ less than gastric banding or sleeve and 2500 $ less than gastric bypass. Eight patients out of 800 cases (1%) required reoperation due to complications like: micro perforation, obstruction and vomiting following adhesion of His angle. Other complications included hepatitis pneumonia, self-limiting intra-abdominal bleeding and hypocalcaemia. CONCLUSION: The percentage of EWL in this technique is comparable to other restrictive methods. The technique is safe with 1.6% complication (1% reoperated), and 31% regain during 12 years. The cost of operation is less than the other methods.     

Mechanisms of Weight Loss After Sleeve Gastrectomy and Adjustable Gastric Banding: Far More Than Just Restriction

Obesity has reached global epidemic proportions in recent decades. Bariatric surgery is currently accepted as most effective in alleviating morbid obesity and related disorders. Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and adjustable gastric banding (AGB) have gained popularity since the beginning of this century because of their efficacy, safety, and simplicity. SG, in particular, has emerged as the most popular bariatric procedure because of its simpler concept and shorter operative time compared with gastric bypass. Caloric restriction, however, cannot account for the sustained weight loss and improved glucose metabolism seen following SG and AGB. Other mechanisms, including changes in gastrointestinal hormone secretion, rearrangement of hypothalamic and vagal control, alteration in energy expenditure, and re‐regulation of bile acid metabolism and the intestinal flora environment, are thought to contribute to the postoperative benefits. This review focuses on clinical and experimental literature addressing the potential mechanisms for SG and AGB procedures in human and animal models. Understanding such mechanisms can provide important insight into how current gastric restrictive procedures work and how future treatments of obesity, both surgical and nonsurgical, can be developed.     

Severe peripheral neuropathy following gastric bypass surgery for morbid obesity.

Severe weakness in the limbs developed in a young woman 3 1/2 months after successful gastric bypass surgery for morbid obesity. Electromyography confirmed the clinical impression of generalized axonal polyneuropathy. Vitamin B replacement therapy was started. The gastric bypass was not reversed, and the patient continued to lose weight while undergoing rehabilitation. After 10 months she had almost fully recovered. Her total weight loss was 76 kg. Neuropathy is an uncommon but serious complication of semistarvation that should be preventable by routine administration of vitamin B complex.     

Moléculas solubles de adhesión intercelular tipo 1 y proteína C reactiva tras cirugía bariátrica

Background and objectivesObesity is associated with a state of chronic low-grade inflammation. A causal association between inflammatory processes and atherogenesis has been proposed. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the proinflammatory profile of morbidly obese patients who underwent bariatric surgery. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) concentrations were measured before and after massive weight loss due to gastric bypass.MethodsIn this prospective study we measured CRP and sICAM-1 concentrations in 50 morbidly obese patients (19 men and 31women) at baseline and 3, 6 and 12 months after gastric bypass.ResultsBody mass index (BMI), CRP, and sICAM-1 decreased significantly. BMI correlated with CRP but not with sICAM-1.ConclusionsThe improvement in vascular risk profile after weight loss in morbidly obese patients could be partially explained by changes in inflammatory status.     

Metabolic surgery for type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: Metabolic surgery for morbid obesity induces significant weight loss and resolution of many obesity-related comorbidities, the most notable of which is remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Such changes seem to precede significant weight loss in this population shortly after undergoing diversionary procedures.Objective: This article explores the evidence for salutary metabolic benefits of bariatric surgery, with special emphasis on glycemic control and remission of type 2 DM.Methods: We conducted a query of the PubMed database for articles published in English within the past 15 years using the search terms bariatric surgery, obesity, type 2 diabetes, gastric bypass, gastric banding, incretins, enteroinsular axis, GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). We targeted review articles as well as those discussing the effects of bariatric surgery on the enteroinsular axis and the respective effects on glyce-mic control.Results: Most of the clinical reports indicated a high remission rate (≥85%) for type 2 DM, and relatively higher rates in patients who underwent diversionary procedures. Studies with small cohorts and laboratory data suggested a role for gastrointestinal hormones in the regulation of glucose homeostasis after bariatric surgery.Conclusions: Gastrointestinal surgery for severe obesity, through restrictive and/or neurohormonal effects, is an effective treatment for type 2 DM. Surgically induced weight loss was found to be sustainable, durable, and associated with remission of type 2 DM, a reduction in mortality, and improvement in quality of life.     

Motivation,Readiness to Change,and Weight Loss Following Adjustable Gastric Band Surgery

High levels of readiness to change (RTC) are considered critical to the long‐term success of weight management programs including bariatric surgery. However, there are no data to support this assertion. We hypothesize that RTC level will not influence weight outcomes following surgery. In 227 consecutive patients undergoing adjustable gastric banding surgery, we recorded reasons for seeking surgery, and RTC measured with the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment. Scores were blinded until study completion. The primary outcome measure was percentage of excess BMI loss at 2 years (%EBMIL‐2); others included compliance and surgical complications. Of 227 subjects, 204 (90%) had weight measurement at 2 years. There was no significant correlation between RTC score and %EBMIL‐2 (r = 0.047, P = 0.5). Using the median split for RTC score the lowest 102 subjects mean %EBMIL‐2 was 52.9 ± 26.9% and the highest 52.2 ± 28.3%, P = 0.869. There was no weight loss difference between highest and lowest quartiles, or a nonlinear relationship between weight loss and RTC score. There was no significant relationship between RCT score and compliance, or likelihood of complications. Those motivated by appearance were more likely to be younger women who lost more weight at 2 years. Poor attendance at follow‐up visits was associated with less weight loss, especially in men. Measures of RTC did not predict weight loss, compliance, or surgical complications. Caution is advised when using assessments of RTC to predict outcomes of bariatric surgery.     

Surgical management of metabolic dysfunction in PCOS

Metabolic disturbances are common in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Obesity is the major link in the association of PCOS with diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, low-grade chronic inflammation and increased body iron stores, among others. Metabolic prevention in PCOS women should start as early as possible, usually meaning at diagnosis. Among preventive strategies, those promoting a healthy life-style based on diet, regular exercising and smoking cessation are possibly the most effective therapies, but also are the most difficult to achieve. To this regard, every effort must be made to avoid weight gain and obesity, given the deleterious impact that obesity exerts on the metabolic and cardiovascular associations of PCOS. Unfortunately, classic strategies that address obesity by life-style modification and dieting are seldom successful on a long-term basis, especially in women with severe obesity. In selected cases, metabolic surgery in severely obese women may resolve signs and symptoms of PCOS restoring insulin sensitivity and fertility, and avoiding the long-term risks associated with PCOS and morbid obesity. Surgical techniques for bariatric surgery have evolved in the past decades and newer procedures do not longer carry the severe side effects associated with earlier bariatric procedures. The choice of bariatric procedure should consider both the severity of obesity and the possibility of future pregnancy, since fertility may be restored by the sustained and marked weight loss usually attained after bariatric surgery. Finally, avoidance of the risks associated with morbid obesity compensate for the possible residual risks for pregnancy derived from the previous bariatric procedure itself.