Weight Loss Outcomes and Lifestyle Patterns Following Sleeve Gastrectomy: an 8-Year Retrospective Study of 212 Patients

Abstract

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is an effective treatment for extreme obesity; however, long-term weight loss outcomes remain largely understudied. We aimed to examine the long-term weight changes following SG and patient characteristics and lifestyle patterns related to weight loss outcomes. Data from medical records of patients operated in a tertiary university medical center between 2008 and 2014 were reviewed, along with information derived from a telephone questionnaire. Information included the following: current medical status, medications, side effects, behavior, lifestyle habits, and weight changes. A total of 212 patients (69.3% females) were included, with a median follow-up duration of 8 years post-SG. Mean age and baseline body mass index (BMI) of participants were 39.7\u2009±\u200912.0 years and 42.2\u2009±\u20094.9 kg/m2, respectively. Mean BMI, percentage excess weight loss, and percentage total body weight loss were 33.1\u2009±\u20096.1, 55.5\u2009±\u200927.5%, and 21.7\u2009±\u200910.7%, respectively. Higher baseline BMI was found to be the strongest independent predictor for insufficient weight loss (OR\u2009=\u20090.90, P\u2009=\u20090.001, 95% CI 0.85, 0.96). Sweetened beverage intake, usage of psychiatric medications, higher initial BMI, and lower age were significant predictors for increased weight gain from nadir weight (P\u2009<\u20090.0001, P\u2009=\u20090.005, P\u2009=\u20090.035, and P\u2009<\u20090.0001, respectively). SG patients were found to maintain a notable long-term weight loss. Nevertheless, weight regain and insufficient weight loss were prevalent in the long-term post-operative period, and were related to certain lifestyle patterns. Clinical practice should emphasize the relationship between post-operative weight loss outcomes and specific behaviors. Efforts should be made to educate patients on the need for lifelong follow-up and support.