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Background: Iron deficiency (ID) is one of the most common postoperative deficiencies that may develop after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). The optimal mode of treatment is uncertain., Aim: To compare the efficacy of oral ferrous fumarate (FF), oral ferrous gluconate (FG), and a single intravenous infusion of ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) in women with ID after RYGB., Methods: Multicenter randomized controlled trial including 120 women with a serum ferritin <20 μg/l during follow-up after RYGB. They were randomized into three groups: 41 patients were treated with FF 200 mg three times a day (total daily dose: 195 mg elemental iron), 39 received FG 695 mg twice a day (total daily dose: 160 mg elemental iron) for three months, and 39 patients were treated with a single intravenous dose of FCM (1000 mg elemental iron). Serum ferritin levels were measured at six weeks, and three, six and twelve months after the start of supplementation., Results: At three months, persistence of ID was observed in 29.4% and 42.4% of the patients treated with FF and FG, respectively, but in none of those treated with FCM (p < 0.001). Over the next nine months, recurrence of ID was observed in 56.5% of patients treated with FF, in 52.9% treated with FG, and in 27.8% of those treated with FCM. Adverse effects were most common during oral treatment., Conclusion: In women developing ID after RYGB, a single dose of intravenous FCM is more effective and better tolerated than the standard treatment with either FF or FG., Clinical Trial Registry Number and Website: The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov under number NCT02271997., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest Patients who participated in the study received multivitamins of FitForMe (FitForMe WLS Forte®, Rotterdam, The Netherlands) for free during the study. FB, IJ and EA are consultants for FitForMe, which did not influence the content of the manuscript. FitForMe and the farmaceutical companies producing the oral and intravenous iron supplements were not involved in the design or analysis of the study, nor in the writing of the paper. All the other authors have no potential conflicts of interests. We did not receive payment from a third party for this study. There were no relevant financial activities outside the submitted work. There were no patents relevant to the work., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.)

Background: After Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), 15% to 35% of patients fail to lose sufficient weight. Distalization of the limbs of the RYGB (D-RYGB) with shortening of the common channel (CC), has been used to induce additional weight loss. However, this may increase the risk of malnutrition., Objective: The aim of this study was to assess postoperative outcomes after D-RYGB with an alimentary limb of 250 to 300 cm and CC of 100 cm., Setting: General hospital, specialized in bariatric surgery., Methods: We retrospectively studied all patients who underwent revision of RYGB to D-RYGB between January 2014 and April 2018. Data were collected from medical records, including weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, and co-morbidities. Questionnaires on defecation pattern, quality of life, and patient satisfaction were obtained., Results: Forty-seven patients were included. Total weight loss (%TWL) increased significantly from 12% to 30% after D-RYGB. In 62% of patients %TWL >25% was achieved. Patients with %TWL <25% after primary RYGB, lost significantly more weight than initially reached after RYGB. Diabetes and hypertension remission occurred in 67% and 50%, respectively. Five patients (11%) needed subsequent lengthening of the CC to 250 cm due to protein malnutrition or debilitating defecation patterns. Nutritional deficiencies were present in 89% of patients after D-RYGB despite the prescription of specialized multivitamins., Conclusion: Conversion of the primary RYGB to D-RYGB improves weight loss and co-morbidities in patients with insufficient weight loss after primary RYGB. After D-RYGB, nutritional complications and diarrhea are a risk. Based on this study, a modified D-RYGB with a longer CC of >200 cm will be considered., (Copyright © 2020 American Society for Bariatric Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: After laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), approximately 10-35% of patients with morbid obesity regain weight after an initial good result or fail to achieve a sufficient amount of weight loss. Patients in which conservative measures are not successful may potentially benefit from revisional surgery., Objective: To evaluate the effect of a non-adjustable ring placed around the gastric pouch in patients with insufficient weight loss or weight regain after RYGB., Setting: Four specialized bariatric hospitals in The Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland., Methods: From 2011 to 2017, 79 patients underwent revisional surgery using a non-adjustable silicone ring because of insufficient results after RYGB. Data on weight loss and complications up to 2 years after revisional surgery was collected and analyzed retrospectively., Results: A follow-up percentage of 86% after 1 year and 61% after 2 years was achieved. In 75% of patients, further weight regain was prevented. Percentage total body weight loss improved by 7 to 26% 1 year after revisional surgery and remained stable during 2 years of follow-up. The additional weight loss effect of placing a non-adjustable ring was more pronounced in patients with an initial good result after primary RYGB. Eighteen (23%) rings were removed, most often due to dysphagia., Conclusion: Especially for patients who experience weight regain after initial good weight loss, placing a non-adjustable silicone ring around the gastric pouch results in modest improvements in weight loss. To prevent the risk of ring removal due to dysphagia, surgeons should take notice not to place the ring too tight around the gastric pouch during revisional surgery.

Background: Although the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is considered a standard procedure, many variations exist in the basic design. In order to achieve more pronounced and sustainable results after RYGB, factors such as diameter of the gastroenterostomy, limb length, and pouch size are gripping points for improvement of design. Extending the pouch could improve results by altering food passage through the pouch., Objective: The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effect of an extended pouch RYGB (EP-GB) and standard pouch RYGB (S-GB)., Methods: In total, 132 patients were randomized in two groups: 68 patients received an EP-GB (pouch length 10 cm) and 64 a S-GB (pouch length 5 cm). Subsequently, weight loss, remission of comorbidities, nutritional status, complications, quality of life, and GERD-symptoms were assessed during a follow-up of 3 years., Results: During the first 2 years of follow-up, no significant differences in terms of weight loss were observed. In the third year of follow-up, the S-GB group regained 3 kg, while in the EP-GB group no weight regain was observed. The mean TBWL after 36 months in the EP-GB group was 31% versus 27% in the S-GB group (p = 0.023). Additionally, besides a better remission rate of hypertension in the EP-GB group, no differences in complications, quality of life, and GERD-symptoms were found., Conclusion: Creation of an extended gastric pouch is a safe and effective modification in RYGB design. An EP-GB improves mid-term weight loss, potentially driven by a lower occurrence of weight regain.

Introduction: Patients with morbid obesity undergoing metabolic surgery are prone to develop vitamin and mineral deficiencies, which may worsen in time. In order to prevent these deficiencies after metabolic surgery, all patients are advised to take daily multivitamin supplementation. The aim of the study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of specially developed multivitamins (WLS Forte®) for metabolic surgery and over-the-counter (standard) multivitamin supplementation (sMVS)., Methods: This cost-effectiveness analysis was preformed alongside an RCT for the Netherlands. Between June 2011 and March 2012, a total of 148 patients were randomized to one tablet daily of either WLS Forte® or sMVS. The patients were followed for 12 months. Data on costs within the health sector and outside the health sector were collected. The primary outcome is financial and logistic advantages, in terms of less patient visits to the outpatient department and the relevant costs to the employer due to absenteeism., Results: In total, 10 (14%) patients in the WLS Forte® group versus 23 (30%) patients in the sMVS group developed a deficiency. The costs for the WLS forte® supplement were €38 versus €23 for sMVS. Additional return visits and associated costs for medical staff were the largest costs, up to 43% in the sMVS group. Total costs for supplementation with sMVS were €243 versus €134 for WLS Forte®., Conclusion: Preventing deficiencies with WLS Forte® seem initially more expensive than sMVS. However, treatment with WLS Forte® resulted in less vitamin and mineral deficiencies, which eventually resulted in less overall costs.

Background: For a number of years the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band has been one of the leading bariatric procedures with good short-term outcomes. However, inadequate weight loss, weight regain, and other band-related complications in the long term led to an increase in revisional Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) procedures. Lengthening the biliopancreatic limb, a relatively simple and safe adjustment of the standard technique, could improve the results of the revisional procedure., Objectives: The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effect of a long biliopancreatic limb RYGB (LBP-GB) and standard RYGB (S-GB) as revisional procedure after laparoscopic adjustable gastric band., Setting: General hospital specialized in bariatric surgery METHODS: One hundred forty-six patients were randomized in 2 groups; 73 patients underwent an S-GB (alimentary/biliopancreatic limb 150/75 cm), and 73 patients underwent LBP-GB (alimentary/biliopancreatic limb 75/150). Weight loss, remission of co-morbidities, quality of life, and complications were assessed during a period of 4 years., Results: Baseline characteristics between the groups were comparable. At 48 months the follow-up rate was 95%. Mean total weight loss after 24 months was 27% for LBP-GB versus 22% S-GB (P = .015); mean total weight loss after 48 months was 23% and 18%, respectively (P = .036). No significant differences in other parameters were found between the groups., Conclusions: A LBP-GB as revisional procedure after a failing laparoscopic adjustable gastric band improves short- and long-term total weight loss compared with an S-GB. Together with future modifications this technically simple adjustment of the RYGB could significantly improve disappointing results after revisional surgery., (Copyright © 2018 American Society for Bariatric Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has become the most performed bariatric procedure to induce weight loss worldwide. Unfortunately, a significant portion of patients show insufficient weight loss or weight regain after a few years., Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of the single anastomosis duodenoileal (SADI) bypass versus the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on health outcomes in morbid obese patients who had undergone SG previously, with up to 2 years of follow-up., Methods: From 2007 to 2017, 140 patients received revisional laparoscopic surgery after SG in four specialized Dutch bariatric hospitals. Data was analyzed retrospectively and included comparisons for indication of surgery, vitamin/mineral deficiencies, and complications; divided into short-, medium-term. To compare weight loss, linear regression and linear mixed models were used., Results: Conversion of a SG to SADI was performed in 66 patients and to RYGB in 74 patients. For patients in which additional weight loss was the main indication for surgery, SADI achieved 8.7%, 12.4%, and 19.4% more total body weight loss at 6, 12, and 24 months compared to RYGB (all p < .001). When a RYGB was indicated in case of gastroesophageal reflux or dysphagia, it greatly reduced complaints almost directly after surgery. Furthermore, a similar amount of complications and nutritional deficiencies was observed for both groups. There was no intra- or post-operative mortality., Conclusion: Conversion into a SADI resulted in significantly more weight loss while complications rates and nutritional deficiencies were similar and may therefore be considered the recommended operation for patients in which only additional weight loss is required.

Background: Despite the fact that the RYGB is performed on a broad scale worldwide as a reliable treatment for morbid obesity, there is no uniform technique for this operation. A number of studies have tried to demonstrate an additional weight loss effect by lengthening the alimentary limb, but to no avail. At this moment in time, the role of the biliopancreatic limb on weight loss is for the greater part unknown. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to compare the effect on weight loss of a long biliopancreatic limb Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LBP-GB) with a standard RYGB (S-GB)., Methods: A LBP-GB (BPL 150 cm, alimentary limb 75 cm) was compared with a S-GB (BPL 75 cm, alimentary limb 150 cm). One hundred forty-six patients were randomized in two groups. Weight loss, morbidity, reduction of comorbidities, nutritional status, and quality of life were measured during a period of 4 years., Results: Patient characteristics were comparable in both groups. Mean EWL in the LBP-GB group after 12, 24, 36, and 48 months was 81, 85, 78, and 72% respectively versus 71, 73, 68, and 64% in the S-GB group. The %EWL difference between groups was significant as soon as 9 months postoperatively and continued throughout the follow-up period., Conclusions: While LBP-GB achieved a significant increase in %EWL in the first years after surgery, no difference in long-term %TWL was observed after 4 years. In this study, the advantage of LBP-GB with respect to weight loss is modest, but shows promising gripping points for future improvements in RYGB design.

Background: One of the side effects of bariatric surgery is the risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Vitamin B12, vitamin D, folate, and iron deficiencies are especially common among Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients., Objective: To examine the effectiveness of a specialized multivitamin supplement for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients on deficiencies the first 3 years postoperatively, retrospectively in a large, prospectively collected cohort., Setting: Large specialized bariatric hospital., Results: One thousand one hundred sixty patients were included, 883 users and 258 who were nonusers of the specialized multivitamin. Patient characteristics and total weight were comparable. Higher serum concentrations of ferritin (124.7 ± 96.2 µg/L versus 106.0 ± 83.0 µg/L, P = .016), vitamin B12 (347.3 ± 145.1 pmol/L versus 276.8 ± 131.4 pmol/L, P<.001), folic acid (34.9 ± 9.6 nmol/L versus 25.4 ± 10.7 nmol/L, P<.001), and vitamin D (98.4 ± 28.7 nmol/L versus 90.0 ± 34.5 nmol/L, P = .002) were observed in users compared with nonusers after 1 year. Less new deficiencies were found for ferritin (1% versus 4%, P = .029), vitamin B12 (9% versus 23%, P<.001), and vitamin D (0% versus 4%, P<.001) in users compared with nonusers. Two and 3 years after the surgery these findings remained almost identical., Conclusions: The use of specialized multivitamin supplements resulted in less deficiencies of vitamin B12, vitamin D, folic acid, and ferritin. The study showed that Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients benefited from the specialized multivitamin supplements and it should be advised to this patient group., (Copyright © 2018 American Society for Bariatric Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: After Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), patients often develop a vitamin B-12 deficiency., Objective: Our objective was to investigate whether oral supplementation increases and normalizes low vitamin B-12 concentrations (vitamin B-12 > 200 pmol/L) in RYGB patients as compared to intramuscular injections., Design: A randomized controlled trial in RYGB patients with subnormal serum B-12 concentrations was performed. One group (IM B-12) received bimonthly intramuscular hydroxocobalamin injections (2000 µg as loading dose and 1000 µg at follow-up) for 6 mo. The second group (oral B-12) received daily doses of oral methylcobalamin (1000 µg). Serum vitamin B-12 was determined at baseline (T0) and at 2 (T1), 4 (T2), and 6 mo (T3) after start of treatment. Concentrations of the secondary markers methylmalonic acid (MMA) and homocysteine (Hcy) were measured at T0 and T3., Results: Fifty patients were included and randomized, 27 in IM B-12 and 23 in oral B-12. The median vitamin B-12 concentration at T0 was 175 pmol/L (range: 114-196 pmol/L) for IM B-12 and 167 pmol/L (range: 129-199 pmol/L) for oral B-12. Vitamin B-12 normalized in all individuals, and there was no significant difference in vitamin B-12 between the two groups. MMA and Hcy concentrations decreased significantly after 6 mo within each group (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001 for MMA and P = 0.03 and P = 0.045 for Hcy, respectively). There was no significant difference between the groups at 6 mo for both MMA and Hcy (P = 0.53 and P = 0.79)., Conclusion: The efficacy of oral vitamin B-12 supplementation was similar to that of hydroxocobalamin injections in the present study. Oral supplementation can be used as an alternative to hydroxocobalamin injections to treat RYGB patients with low values of serum vitamin B-12. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02270749.

Purpose: The purposes of the study are to outline the complexity of diagnosing internal herniation after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery and to investigate the added value of computed tomography angiography (CTA) for diagnosing internal herniation., Materials and Methods: A cadaver study was performed to investigate the manifestations of internal hernias and mesenteric vascularization. Furthermore, a prospective, ethics approved study with retrospective interpretation was conducted. Ten patients, clinically suspected for internal herniation, were prospectively included. After informed consent was obtained, these subjects underwent abdominal CT examination, including additional arterial phase CTA. All subjects underwent diagnostic laparoscopy for suspected internal herniation. The CTA was used to create a 3D reconstruction of the mesenteric arteries and surgical staples (3D CTA). The 3D CTA was interpreted, taking into account the presence and type of internal hernia that was found upon laparoscopy., Results: Cadaveric analysis demonstrated the complexity of internal herniation. It also confirmed the expected changes in vascular structure and surgical staple arrangement in the presence of internal herniation. 3D CTA studies of the subjects with active internal hernias demonstrated remarkable differences when compared to control 3D CTA studies. The blood supply of herniated intestinal limbs in particular showed abnormal trajectories. Additionally, enteroenterostomy staple lines had migrated or altered orientation., Conclusion: 3D CTA is a promising technique for diagnosing active internal hernias. Our findings suggest that for diagnosing internal hernias, focus should probably shift from routine abdominal CT examination towards the 3D assessment of the mesenteric vasculature and surgical staples.

Introduction: Iron deficiency is one of the most common deficiencies that may occur after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Little is known about the optimal treatment of post-RYGB iron deficiency., Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the changes in iron absorption characteristics after RYGB for two oral iron formulations, one presented in tablet form and one as in the form of a solution., Method: Iron absorption in 24 obese women was studied before and 1 month after RYGB. Twelve patients were tested with a single dose of 600 mg ferrous fumarate in tablet form (195 mg of elementary iron, group 1), and 12 patients received a single dose of 1390 mg ferrous gluconate as a solution (160 mg of elementary iron, group 2). Serum iron levels were measured before (T 0 ) and every hour after ingestion of the supplement (T 1 -T 9 )., Results: Before surgery, iron absorption was similar for the two supplements (P = 0.71). However, RYGB was associated with a decrease in fumarate iron absorption (P < 0.001) but did not affect gluconate iron absorption (P = 0.13). Postoperative absorption of fumarate iron was significantly lower than gluconate iron at T1 (P < 0.05), but the overall difference over 9 h did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.53)., Conclusion: RYGB adversely affects the absorption of ferrous fumarate tablets but not that of solubilized ferrous gluconate. A solubilized supplement is therefore preferred as the supplement of first choice after RYGB.

Background & Aims: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is an effective treatment for obesity. However, it also leads to multiple nutritional deficiencies. Much is known about the short term prevalence, but hardly any long term data is available on deficiencies. The aim of this study was to assess the long term outcome of nutritional status after RYGB., Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data obtained from 51 morbidly obese patients who underwent a primary laparoscopic RYGB. Primary outcomes were iron, vitamin B12 and vitamin D deficiencies. Secondary outcomes were deficiencies of other vitamins and minerals and compliance of the patients to multivitamin use., Results: The mean follow-up was 81 ± 27 months. A total of 35%, 16% and 55% of the patients had deficiencies for iron, vitamin B12 and vitamin D respectively. Sixty-nine percent of patients used a (nonspecific) multivitamin supplement on a daily basis. Patients with multivitamin usage had a lower rate of iron deficiency (26% vs. 56%, p = 0.034), vitamin B12 (11% vs. 25%, p = 0.46) and vitamin D (46% vs. 75%, p = 0.07), compared to non-compliant patients., Conclusions: Nutritional deficiencies are common after a RYGB operation. Therefore, strict follow-up by a bariatric surgeon, endocrinologist or general practitioner is required, both short and long term., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.)

Background: After Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), approximately 10% of patients have insufficient weight loss (excess body mass index loss<50%). Gastric pouch emptying may have a role in weight loss., Objectives: To compare pouch emptying of patients with poor weight loss and patients with successful weight loss after RYGB., Setting: A research-intensive nonacademic hospital and center of expertise in bariatric surgery in the Netherlands METHODS: Female patients were included from among patients with the least (poor weight loss group [P-WL]) and the most weight loss (successful weight loss group [S-WL]) in our center 2 years after RYGB. Pouch emptying scintigraphy was performed after ingestion of a radiolabeled solid meal. Emptying curves, intestinal content (IC) at meal completion and after 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes, half emptying time, and maximal pouch emptying rate were compared., Results: Five individuals were included in P-WL and 5 in S-WL, on average 2.5 ± .3 years after RYGB. Total weight loss was 18 ± 4.1% in P-WL and 44 ± 5.7% in S-WL (P<.001). In P-WL, a fast initial pouch emptying and exponential emptying curve was observed, compared with a slower initial emptying and more linear curve in S-WL. Faster emptying in P-WL was also shown by a larger IC meal (42 ± 18% versus 4.0 ± 3.3%,), IC 15 (76 ± 15% versus 35 ± 22%), and IC 30 (85 ± 12% versus 54 ± 25%), and a greater maximal pouch emptying rate (17 ± 4.7 versus 5.6 ± 3.4%/min) compared with S-WL (P<.05). A linear correlation was found between total weight loss and maximal pouch emptying rate (Pearson R = .82, P = .004)., Conclusions: Pouch emptying for solid food was faster in patients with the least weight loss compared with patients with the most weight loss after RYGB. If pouch emptying is an important mechanism in weight loss, altering the pouch outlet may improve poor weight loss management., (Copyright © 2017 American Society for Bariatric Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) still remains the gold standard in bariatric surgery. However, no consensus exists on the optimal limb lengths to induce maximum weight reduction. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of a longer alimentary limb (AL) length on weight reduction after RYGB., Methods: A retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database of patients who underwent a primary laparoscopic RYGB between January 2001 and March 2011 was performed. Patients received a short AL (SAL; 100 cm) or a long AL (LAL; 150 cm). Primary outcome was weight loss, and secondary outcomes were short- and long-term complication rates., Results: A total of 768 patients received a RYGB during the study period. Of these, 730 consecutive patients were included for long-term analysis and had a mean follow-up (FU) of 37 ± 26 [range 0-120] months; 360 (47 %) patients received a SAL RYGB. Overall %TBWL was 33 ± 9 % after 2 years (FU 74 %) and 28 ± 12 % after 5 years (FU 20 %). No significant differences in %TBWL were found between SAL RYGB and LAL RYGB during the study period. The 30-day mortality rate was 0.13, 9 % overall short-term complication rate and 19 % cumulative long-term complication rate. No differences in complications were found between SAL and LAL RYGB patients., Conclusion: Lengthening of the alimentary limb from 100 to 150 cm did not affect post-RYGB weight loss. Overall complication rates were low and comparable in this series of RYGB patients.

Background: After Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, calcium and vitamin D deficiencies are frequently reported. In the presence of adequate vitamin D levels, calcium deficiency is caused by a lower efficacy of the intestinal calcium transport., Objective: To investigate whether the use of a simple clinical score quantifying bowel habits (fecal score [FS]) correlates with the degree of secondary hyperparathyroidism that arises to compensate for calcium deficiency postsurgery., Setting: Large peripheral hospital., Methods: Seventy-five patients supplemented with calcium and vitamin D were prospectively studied before and 6 and 12 months after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. FS, calcium (mmol/L), phosphate (mmol/L), magnesium (mmol/L), vitamin D (nmol/L), and parathyroid hormone (PTH; pmol/L) were measured in each patient., Results: Mean body mass index was 44.7±5.4 kg/m 2 preoperatively and decreased to 34.3±5.0 kg/m 2 at 6 months and 30.8±4.8 kg/m 2 at 12 months, corresponding to a total weight loss of 23.2±5.9% and 30.9±8.3% respectively. There were no significant changes in serum calcium levels. Mean PTH levels rose from 3.5 pmol/L at baseline to 4.1 pmol/L at 6 months (P = .01) and to 4.9 pmol/L at 12 months (P<.001). Nine patients (12%) had increased PTH levels at 6 months, and 14 patients (19%) had increased PTH levels at 12 months. A significant positive correlation between FS and PTH at 12 months was found, which persisted after adjusting for vitamin D levels., Conclusion: FS is positively correlated with secondary hyperparathyroidism using vitamin D-adjusted PTH levels as a biochemical marker. The present study in humans confirms the relation reported in animal studies. These results emphasize that managing stool habits are important after bariatric surgery., (Copyright © 2016 American Society for Bariatric Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

In several studies reduced striatal dopamine D2/3 receptor (D2/3R) availability was reported in obese subjects compared to lean controls. Whether this is a reversible phenomenon remained uncertain. We previously determined the short-term effect of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB) on striatal D2/3R availability (using [(123)I]IBZM SPECT) in 20 morbidly obese women. Striatal D2/3R availability was lower compared to controls at baseline, and remained unaltered after 6 weeks, despite significant weight loss. To determine whether long-term bariatric surgery-induced weight loss normalizes striatal D2/3R binding, we repeated striatal D2/3R binding measurements at least 2 years after RYGB in 14 subjects of the original cohort. In addition, we assessed long-term changes in body composition, eating behavior and fasting plasma levels of leptin, ghrelin, insulin and glucose. Mean body mass index declined from 46±7kg/m(2) to 32±6kg/m(2), which was accompanied by a significant increase in striatal D2/3R availability (p=0.031). Striatal D2/3R availability remained significantly reduced compared to the age-matched controls (BMI 22±2kg/m(2); p=0.01). Changes in striatal D2/3R availability did not correlate with changes in body weight/fat, insulin sensitivity, ghrelin or leptin levels. Scores on eating behavior questionnaires improved and changes in the General Food Craving Questionnaire-State showed a borderline significant correlation with changes in striatal D2/3R availability. These findings show that striatal D2/3R availability increases after long-term bariatric-surgery induced weight loss, suggesting that reduced D2/3R availability in obesity is a reversible phenomenon., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. and ECNP. All rights reserved.)

Background: Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are common after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery. In particular, inadequate serum concentrations of ferritin and vitamin B12 have been found in 11% and 23% (respectively) of patients using a standard multivitamin supplement (sMVS) 1 year after RYGB., Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Weight Loss Surgery (WLS) Forte® (a pharmaceutical-grade, optimized multivitamin supplement) compared with an sMVS and a control group (nonuser) 3 years after RYGB., Setting: General hospital specialized in bariatric surgery., Methods: A follow-up cohort study of a triple-blind randomized, controlled clinical trial., Results: At baseline 148 patients were enrolled (74 [50%] in the sMVS group and 74 [50%] in the WLS Forte group). After a mean follow-up of 36 months, 11 (7%) patients were lost to follow-up, of whom 2 were secondary to death. At the end of the study, 11 (17%) patients in the WLS Forte and 17 (24%) in the sMVS group stopped using a supplement. In addition, 64 (47%) patients were using WLS Forte and 45 (33%) patients a sMVS. Patient characteristics and follow-up length were comparable between the groups. Significantly more patients were diagnosed with anemia (16% versus 3% [P = .021]), a ferritin deficiency (14% versus 3% [P = .043]), and a zinc deficiency (8% versus 0% [P = .033]) in the sMVS group compared with WLS Forte. Five patients developed a vitamin B12 deficiency while using WLS Forte, versus 15 of sMVS users (P = .001). No adverse events occurred that were related to supplement use., Conclusion: At 3 years postoperative of RYGB, an optimized multivitamin supplement (WLS Forte) was more effective in reducing anemia and ferritin, vitamin B12, and zinc deficiencies compared with a standard supplement and control., (Copyright © 2016 American Society for Bariatric Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SH), defined as a raised serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) with a normal free thyroxine (FT4), is occasionally observed in morbidly obese patients., Objectives: It is currently not known whether thyroid hormone treatment is indicated. The aim of the present study was to assess the changes in thyroid hormone levels in thyroxine-naïve patients with SH in response to weight loss induced by Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB)., Setting: General hospital specialized in bariatric surgery., Methods: Serum levels of TSH and FT4 were measured at baseline in 503 patients presenting for RYGB. In patients diagnosed with SH, these measurements were repeated 12 months postoperatively., Results: SH de novo was present in 71 out of 503 patients (14.1%). One-year follow-up was available in 61 out of 71 patients (86%). TSH level >10 mU/L was observed in 3 patients (.5%). RYGB induced a decrease in BMI from 47±8 kg/m(2) to 33±6 kg/m(2) at 12-month follow-up (P<.001), and this was associated with a decrease in TSH from 5.8±2.0 to 2.8±1.3 mU/L (P<.001) and a decrease in FT4 from 15.2±2.1 to 13.9±2.3 pmol/L (P<.001), respectively. SH completely resolved in 53 (87%) of the de novo cases., Conclusion: The prevalence of SH de novo is high in morbidly obese patients. After RYGB it resolves in about 90% of patients. This high degree of spontaneous recovery suggests that follow-up alone is sufficient in the majority of patients., (Copyright © 2015 American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has gained popularity as a stand-alone procedure with good short-term results for weight loss. However, in the long-term, weight regain and other complications are reported. Demand for secondary surgery is rising, partly for these reasons., Objectives: To review the indications and effects of secondary surgery, biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) versus laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB), after LSG., Methods: Data from all patients who underwent revision of LSG was retrospectively analyzed, concerning data on indications for secondary surgery, weight loss, and complications., Results: 43 Patients underwent secondary surgery after LSG; 25 BPD/DS and 18 LRYGB, respectively. Main indications for secondary surgery were inadequate weight loss (n = 17 [40%]) and weight regain (n = 8 [19%]). For these indications, the median excess weight loss was greater for BPD/DS (59% [range 15-113]) compared to LRYGB (23% [range -49-84]) (P = .008) after 34 months (range 14-79). In case of dysphagia or gastroesophageal reflux disease the complaints resolved after converting to LRYGB. BPD/DS patients were more likely to develop a short-term complication and vitamin deficiencies compared to LRYGB., Conclusions: Secondary surgery of LSG to BPD/DS or LRYGB is feasible with slightly more complications after BPD/DS. Conversion to LRYGB is preferred in cases of dysphagia or gastroesophageal reflux disease. In cases of weight regain or insufficient weight loss after LSG, patients had better weight loss with a BPD/DS; however, this procedure has the risk of complications, such as severe vitamin deficiencies., (Copyright © 2015 American Society for Bariatric Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB), laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) are the most performed procedures worldwide (92 %) nowadays. However, comparative clinical trials are scarce in literature. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of the three most performed bariatric procedures., Methods: A multicenter, retrospective, matched cohort study was conducted. Patients were eligible for analysis when a primary procedure was performed between 2007 and 2010 in one of the two specialized bariatric centers. Primary outcome was weight loss, expressed in the percentage excess weight loss (%EWL). Secondary outcome parameters are hospital stay, complication rate, and revisional surgery., Results: In total, 735 patients, 245 in each group, were included for analysis. The groups were comparable for age and gender after matching. Mean postoperative follow-up was 3.1 ± 1.2 years. LAGB patients showed less %EWL compared to LSG and LRYGB at all postoperative follow-up visits. LRYGB showed a %EWL of 71 ± 20 % compared to LSG (76 ± 23 %; p=0.008) after 1-year follow-up; thereafter, no significant difference was observed. After 3 years of follow-up, LAGB showed a higher complication rate compared to LSG and LRYGB (p<0.05). Revisional surgery after LAGB was needed in 21 %, while 9 % of the LSG underwent conversion to RYGB., Conclusions: LRYGB is a safe and effective treatment in morbid obese patients with good long-term outcomes. LSG seems to be an appropriate alternative as a definitive procedure, in terms of weight reduction and complication rate. LAGB is inferior to both LRYGB and LSG.

Objective: To study the effect of different weight loss strategies on levels of the metabolic regulator FGF21 in morbidly obese females with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)., Design: Observational intervention trial., Patients and Measurements: Weight reduction was achieved by Gastric Banding (GB, n = 11) or Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB, n = 16) in subjects with NGT, and by RYGB (n = 15) or a very-low-calorie diet (VLCD, n = 12) in type 2 diabetics. Fasted and/or postprandial levels of FGF21, FGF19 (an FGF21-related postprandial hormone) and bile salts (implicated in regulation of FGF21 and FGF19 expression) were measured before, and 3 and 12 weeks after intervention., Results: Fasted FGF21 levels were elevated in T2DM subjects. Calorie restriction by either GB or VLCD lowered bile salt and FGF21 levels. In contrast, RYGB surgery was associated with elevated bile salt and FGF21 levels., Conclusions: Calorie restriction and RYGB have opposite effects on serum bile salt and FGF21 levels. Calorie restriction results in FGF21 approaching nonobese control levels, suggesting that this intervention is effective in reducing the "nutritional crisis" that appears to underly FGF21 elevation in obesity. FGF21 elevation after RYGB may contribute to the beneficial effect of this procedure., (© 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid deficiencies are among the most common deficiencies occurring after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). The present study evaluates the effectiveness of a specially designed multivitamin supplement (WLS Forte, FitForMe, Rotterdam, the Netherlands) specifically developed for LRYGB patients.A triple-blind, randomized, 12-month study was conducted comparing WLS forte with a standard multivitamin supplement (sMVS) containing approximately 100% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid. WLS Forte contains vitamin B12 14000% RDA, iron 500% RDA, and folic acid 300% RDA.In total, 148 patients (74 in each group) underwent a LRYGB procedure. Baseline characteristics were similar for both groups. Per protocol analysis demonstrated that sMVS treatment was associated with a decline in ferritin (-24.4 ± 70.1 μg/L) and vitamin B12 (-45.9 ± 150.3 pmol/L) over 12 months, whereas in WLS Forte patients, ferritin remained stable (+3.2 ± 93.2 μg/L) and vitamin B12 increased significantly (+55.1 ± 144.2 pmol/L). The number of patients developing ferritin or vitamin B12 deficiency was significantly lower with WLS Forte compared with sMVS (P < 0.05). Iron deficiency (ID) was reduced by 88% after WLS Forte compared with sMVS. Adverse events related to supplement use did not occur.An optimized multivitamin supplement is safe and reduces the development of iron and vitamin B12 deficiencies after LRYGB.

Background: The most performed restrictive bariatric procedure is the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB). With many patients still receiving a LAGB in Europe and the United States, inevitably, the number of complications also increases. For many complications revisional bariatric surgery is necessary. In this study, the outcomes of one-stage LAGB conversion to a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) at our institution are presented. The objective of this study was to investigate the safety and efficiency of RYGB performed as a one-stage procedure after failed LAGB., Methods: Patients were retrospectively selected using a prospectively collected database. The gastric band had to be in situ for at least 1 year and minimum postoperative follow-up was 12 months. The revisional RYGB had to be performed as a 1-step procedure., Results: A total of 195 patients were included while 3 were lost to follow up. Overall, 178 (91%) procedures were performed without perioperative complications, and only 8 (4%) patients required reoperation within 30 days. The mean follow-up was 40 months (±24) after RYGB. Mean excess weight loss (EWL) increased from 25% (±26/-50- 120%) to 60% (±21.2/0- 130), 65% (±23.5/0- 131), 63% (±24.2/2- 132), 60% (±24.1/0- 111) and 53% (±28.7/-39- 109) in the first 5 postoperative years., Conclusion: Converting a gastric band to a RYGB in a one-stage procedure is safe and feasible, with acceptable complication rates when performed in a specialized institution. The RYGB conversion results in a good EWL of 65% after 2 years. However, proper patient selection is of the utmost importance., (Copyright © 2014 American Society for Bariatric Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) is widely used for the treatment of morbid obesity. Many patients benefit from this procedure initially, but experience complications after a few years. The treatment for many complications is revisional bariatric surgery. A number of patients, however, request only band removal without secondary bariatric surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the perioperative and medium term outcomes of patients who had their LAGB removed without secondary bariatric surgery., Methods: Patients were retrospectively selected using a prospectively collected database. The LAGB had to be in situ for at least 1 year, and minimum postoperative follow-up had to be 12 months., Results: Thirty-eight patients who had their LAGB laparoscopically removed between 2000 and 2010 were included. Median follow-up after LAGB removal was 3.0 (1.4 to 8.9) years. Only 2 complications (5%) and no mortality occurred perioperatively. In the 21 patients who did not undergo additional bariatric surgery, the median excess weight loss (EWL) decreased from 41% (-12% to -100%) at band removal to 9% (-10% to 90%), 0% (-20% to 78%), and -11% (-12% to 56%) after 1, 2, and 5 years, respectively. Percentage weight loss (%WL) was 17% (-54% to -5%), 4% (-47% to -9%), 0% (-41% to 11%), and -5% (-29% to 9%) after these same time intervals, respectively. After a median 2.1 (.5 to 9.9) years, 17 patients underwent either a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (14 patients) or a Scopinaro (3 patients) all because of weight regain. The current EWL and %WL in these patients is 67% (24% to 113%) and 30% (12% to 53%), respectively compared with -11% (-33% to 57%) and -4% (-14% to 34%) in patients without a secondary bariatric procedure (P< .001)., Conclusion: Patients who have their LAGB removed are guaranteed to suffer from weight regain. It is inadvisable to only remove the LAGB without performing an additional bariatric procedure when deemed technically feasible and safe. In this study, no patient was able to maintain the weight loss achieved with the LAGB after its removal., (© 2013 American Society for Bariatric Surgery Published by American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery All rights reserved.)

Objective: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and restrictive weight loss interventions, such as gastric banding (GB) and very-low-calorie diets (VLCD) directly impact glucose metabolism, possibly by calorie restriction and/or altered secretion of gut hormones. We aimed to establish the direct endocrine and metabolic effects of RYGB compared to restrictive interventions in obese glucose-tolerant (NGT) subjects and subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2DM)., Design: Controlled, nonrandomized observational trial., Patients and Measurements: Four groups of obese females received a mixed meal at baseline and 3 weeks after intervention; NGT-GB (n = 11), NGT-RYGB (n = 16), T2DM-RYGB (n = 15) and T2DM-VLCD (n = 12). Normal weight controls (n = 12) were studied once., Results: At baseline, all obese subjects were hyperinsulinemic. T2DM was associated with hyperglycaemia and decreased GLP-1 levels. RYGB and VLCD reduced glucose levels to a similar extent in T2DM, insulin levels decreased only after VLCD. Comparison of restrictive intervention vs RYGB showed a more pronounced decrease in glucose and insulin AUC after restriction. In NGT and T2DM subjects, RYGB increased GLP-1 and PYY levels and decreased ghrelin levels, whereas VLCD and GB only increased GIP levels., Conclusions: These data indicate that deterioration of glucose metabolism in T2DM is associated with a decline of GLP-1 levels. Calorie restriction facilitates glucose metabolism and blunts hyperinsulinemia in obese (diabetic) humans. Additional duodenal exclusion through RYGB induces gut hormone release and hyperinsulinemia but does not improve postprandial glucose levels any further. Our data thus strongly suggest that calorie restriction underlies the short-term metabolic benefits of RYGB in obese T2DM patients., (© 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objective: Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are reported to be associated with relative overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which is reversible by weight loss. However, direct effects of weight loss by calorie restriction vs Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on SNS overactivity were not studied in parallel. This study compared the effects of RYGB vs restrictive weight loss in obese patients with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and with T2DM on SNS function as measured by heart rate variability (HRV)., Design and Methods: Lean (n=12), obese NGT (n=27) and T2DM (n=27) subjects were included in this study. Weight reduction in NGT subjects was achieved by gastric banding (GB) or RYGB and in T2DM subjects by RYGB or high-protein very-low-calorie diet (VLCD). HRV analysis was performed and blood samples were taken at baseline, 3 weeks and 3 months after intervention., Results: At baseline, T2DM subjects showed SNS overactivity and NGT subjects showed similar, but non-significant, findings when compared with lean controls. Weight loss after 3 weeks was comparable in all treatment groups, whereas after 3 months, weight loss was most in VLCD and RYGB subjects. RYGB and VLCD treatment reduced SNS activity within 3 weeks in T2DM patients. After 3 months, restoration to normal autonomic nervous system activity was evident for all groups, except for the NGT-GB group., Conclusion: We can conclude that SNS overactivity is more pronounced in obese T2DM subjects when compared with NGT subjects. Reduction of SNS overactivity coincides with weight loss with the time-course of reduction dependent on the type of intervention. Surgery or caloric restriction may transiently induce SNS overactivity but do not prevent a direct restoration of sympathovagal balance.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess, with histopathologic control, the use of open-system 1-T (1)H MR spectroscopy for the evaluation of hepatic steatosis in morbidly obese patients undergoing gastric bypass surgery., Subjects and Methods: Patients underwent (1)H MR spectroscopy (MRS) for the assessment of steatosis before and 3 months after surgery. Liver biopsy was performed during surgery. Hepatic steatosis was expressed as the ratio of fat peak area to cumulative water and fat peak areas. Histopathologic percentage of steatosis was graded as none (0-5%), mild (5-33%), moderate (33-66%), or severe (> 66%). The accuracy of (1)H-MRS and Spearman correlation coefficient were calculated. Differences between groups were assessed with the Wilcoxon signed rank and Mann-Whitney tests., Results: The study included 38 patients (median age, 45.5 years; median body mass index, 47.7). Before surgery, median steatosis measured with (1)H-MRS was 5.8%. The accuracy of (1)H-MRS was 89% (32/36), and the (1)H-MRS findings correlated with the histopathologic assessment of steatosis (r = 0.85, p < 0.001). With (1)H-MRS, no steatosis was discriminated from mild steatosis (p = 0.011), mild was discriminated from moderate steatosis (p < 0.001), and moderate was discriminated from severe steatosis (p = 0.021). Three months after surgery, steatosis had decreased to 3.1% (p < 0.001). The prevalence of hepatic steatosis measured with (1)H-MRS decreased from 53% to 32%., Conclusion: In the care of morbidly obese patients undergoing assessment of hepatic steatosis and changes in steatosis after gastric bypass surgery, (1)H-MRS with an open 1-T MRI system is feasible. Measurements of hepatic fat with (1)H-MRS are accurate and correlate with clinical and histopathologic results.

Thirty-five morbidly obese patients underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB). In addition to weight loss, these patients showed significant improvement of insulin resistance and a reduction of hepatic fat content. Three months after surgery, the serum bile salts were slightly but significantly elevated, and the levels of the endocrine-acting fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) and FGF21 were increased. FGF19 and FGF21 play a role as regulators of hepatic lipid and glucose metabolism. These results show that RYGB surgery improves metabolism and that this improvement is still apparent 3 months after surgery. Bile salts may play a key role in the improvement of metabolism after RYGB. Why serum bile salt concentrations are elevated after RYGB needs to be investigated., (Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

When discussing the perioperative management of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in metabolic surgery, most of us physicians agree on at least four things: (1) when left untreated, OSA is detrimental to the health of our patients; (2) prevalence of OSA in a bariatric population can be up to 80% in some studies; (3) moderate or severe OSA is a risk factor in the early postoperative period; and (4) after metabolic surgery, OSA resolves in up to 98% of the patients without any additional treatment [[1]]. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the treatment of choice in nonsurgical patients with moderate or severe OSA and BiPAP if concomitant COPD is present. In this study, no routine screening on OSA was performed and only known OSA patients used CPAP. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has become the most performed bariatric procedure to induce weight loss worldwide. Unfortunately, a significant portion of patients show insufficient weight loss or weight regain after a few years.Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of the single anastomosis duodenoileal (SADI) bypass versus the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on health outcomes in morbid obese patients who had undergone SG previously, with up to 2 years of follow-up.Methods: From 2007 to 2017, 140 patients received revisional laparoscopic surgery after SG in four specialized Dutch bariatric hospitals. Data was analyzed retrospectively and included comparisons for indication of surgery, vitamin/mineral deficiencies, and complications; divided into short-, medium-term. To compare weight loss, linear regression and linear mixed models were used.Results: Conversion of a SG to SADI was performed in 66 patients and to RYGB in 74 patients. For patients in which additional weight loss was the main indication for surgery, SADI achieved 8.7%, 12.4%, and 19.4% more total body weight loss at 6, 12, and 24 months compared to RYGB (all p < .001). When a RYGB was indicated in case of gastroesophageal reflux or dysphagia, it greatly reduced complaints almost directly after surgery. Furthermore, a similar amount of complications and nutritional deficiencies was observed for both groups. There was no intra- or post-operative mortality.Conclusion: Conversion into a SADI resulted in significantly more weight loss while complications rates and nutritional deficiencies were similar and may therefore be considered the recommended operation for patients in which only additional weight loss is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evidence about the impact of psychological factors on weight loss after bariatric surgery is scarce. This study explores whether patients' preoperative estimate of target weight influences actual weight loss for different types of bariatric procedures. Methods: Patients eligible for bariatric surgery were instructed twice on how to calculate their expected target weight. They were divided into three groups based on their percentage excess weight loss (%EWL) and percentage total body weight loss (%TBWL). Weight loss 12 and 24 months after surgery was analyzed for each group and per type of surgery. Results: Six hundred fifty-six patients participated in this study. Types of surgery performed were the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB, 75%), sleeve gastrectomy (SG, 8.1%), REDO-RYGB (12.5%), and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB, 4.4%). Data of 622 and 410 patients were available for analysis at 12 and 24 months, respectively. Surprisingly, 415 patients (63.3%) overestimated their expected weight loss as opposed to our calculation, based on our own historic data. One hundred thirty-four patients (20.4%) estimated their weight loss correctly and 107 patients (16.3%) underestimated their weight loss. There was a significant higher %EWL 12 months after RYGB surgery for patients who overestimated their weight loss compared to those who estimated their weight loss correctly ( p = 0.001). After 24 months and for other types of procedures, no statistically significant differences were found between the three groups. Conclusion: Despite instructions on how to calculate target weight, the majority of patients overestimated their weight loss. Actual %EWL 12 months after RYGB surgery might be influenced by setting a low target weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the original article, there are some incorrect data in the "Results" section of the Abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]