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Purpose: Understanding patients' motives for undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is key to managing postoperative expectations. We aimed to translate and validate the 14-item European Obesity Academy Questionnaire on Expectations about Surgical Treatment (EOAQ-EST) to Brazilian Portuguese for research and clinical use., Materials and Methods: This study included a total of 198 candidates for MBS at a reference academic hospital in Brazil from January 2021 to February 2022. We followed Beaton and Bombardier's guidelines for translation and cultural adaptation, including translation, back-translation, comparative analysis, expert review, pilot testing, and the creation of the final version of the questionnaire. Reliability was tested with McDonald's omega, and internal validity was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA)., Results: The final version was applied to 161 patients, 85% female, with a mean age of 46.4 ± 10.3 years and a mean BMI of 48.3 ± 8.2 kg/m 2 . Validity was supported by a bifactorial model (95% CI 0.044-0.104, p = 0.08), excluding one item (improved fertility) due to a floor effect. The reliability analysis showed that the 13 remaining items were internally consistent, with a McDonald's ω of 0.625., Conclusions: The Brazilian-Portuguese version of EOAQ-EST proved to be user-friendly, consistent, and reliable. This questionnaire may assist multidisciplinary teams in effectively addressing patients' expectations concerning metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) outcomes., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: To evaluate glycemic variability (GV) using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in individuals with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB)., Methods: This prospective cohort study compared the CGM data of fourteen patients with T2DM (n = 7) and without T2DM (n = 7) undergoing RYGB. After 6 months, these patients were compared to a non-operative control group (n = 7) matched by BMI, sex, and age to the T2DM group., Results: Fourteen patients underwent RYGB, with a mean BMI of 46.9 ± 5.3 kg/m 2 and an average age of 47.9 ± 8.9 years; 85% were female. After 6 months post-surgery, the total weight loss (TWL) was 27.1 ± 6.3%, with no significant differences between the groups. Patients without diabetes had lower mean interstitial glucose levels (81 vs. 94 and 98 mg/dl, p < 0.01) and lower glucose management indicator (GMI) (5.2 vs. 5.6 and 5.65%, p = 0.01) compared to the control and T2DM groups, respectively. The coefficient of variation (CV) significantly increased only in patients with diabetes (17% vs. 26.7%, p < 0.01). Both groups with (0% vs. 2%, p = 0.03) and without (3% vs. 22%, p = 0.03) T2DM experienced an increased time below range with low glucose (54-69 mg/dL). However, patients without T2DM had significantly less time in rage (70-180 mg/dL) (97% vs. 78%, p = 0.04)., Conclusion: Significant differences in CGM metrics among RYGB patients suggest an increase in glycemic variability after surgery, with a longer duration of hypoglycemia, especially in patients without T2DM., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

The impact of Helicobacter pylori (HP) on postoperative outcomes after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is still controversial. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to compare the incidence of early complications after SG between HP-positive and HP-negative patients. Eight retrospective comparative studies were included, comprising 4,877 individuals. The prevalence of HP infection in gastric resected specimens ranged from 7.77 to 43.20%. There were no statistically significant differences between groups for overall complications (OR 1.46; 95%CI 0.95-2.23; p=0.08), bleeding (OR 1.35; 95%CI 0.70-2.60; p=0.38), and leak (OR 1.74; 95%CI 0.80-3.81; p=0.17) rates. The need for routine screening and treatment of HP infection before SG remains ambiguous.

Background: Patients with obesity present multiple comorbid psychiatric conditions and experience impairments in health-related quality of life. Reliable and valid tools that evaluate health-related quality of life are essential for clinical practice., Aims: This study aimed to investigate the reliability and validity of the six-item Moorehead-Ardelt Quality of Life Questionnaire II among Brazilian patients with severe obesity., Methods: We assessed 387 patients (mean age 43 years, 78.8% women, mean body mass index of 46.5 kg/m²) on the waiting list of a bariatric surgery center. Trained research assistants concurrently applied the Moorehead-Ardelt Quality of Life-II, the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, and the Global Assessment of Functioning for assessing health-related quality of life, comorbid depressive symptoms, and patient functioning level, respectively., Results: The internal consistency of the Moorehead-Ardelt Quality of Life-II was considered acceptable. The total score was correlated with the severity of depressive symptoms and functioning level. The more body mass index increases, the more health-related quality of life worsens. The Moorehead-Ardelt Quality of Life-II presented a unidimensional structure., Conclusions: The unidimensional Moorehead-Ardelt Quality of Life-II is a reliable and valid measure for evaluating health-related quality of life in Brazilian patients with severe obesity. The questionnaire allows to quickly assess the health-related quality of life of patients in different bariatric contexts, considering depression and functional level.

The demand for revisional bariatric surgery after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has increased, but the ideal procedure remains unclear. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to compare the outcomes of weight loss and safety of one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) as revisional procedures for failed SG. Four retrospective comparative studies were included, comprising 499 individuals. Patients submitted to OAGB had a more significant total weight loss (TWL) (MD =  - 5.89%; 95% CI - 6.80 to - 4.97) after revisional surgery. Overall early complication rate was similar between procedures (RD = 0.04; 95% CI: - 0.05 to 0.12). Limited and heterogeneous data prevent meaningful conclusions, but the present analysis suggests that OAGB has a better TWL after revisional surgery., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Bariatric surgery promotes changes in body composition, that can include the loss of bone mineral density (BMD). There is a lack of studies on the evolution of bone health of elderly people who underwent bariatric surgery, in general, and when comparing the gastric bypass (GB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) techniques., Objective: To evaluate the bone health of elderly patients with obesity undergoing bariatric surgery., Methods: This is a prospective randomized clinical study, that was carried out with individuals of both sexes, ≥65 years, undergoing GB or SG and who met the inclusion criteria. Age, gender and comorbidities (type 2 diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia and osteoarthrosis) were collected and analyzed at baseline. Anthropometric data (weight, body mass index, percentage of weight loss, percentage of excess weight loss), laboratory tests related to bone health and bone mineral density were analyzed before and 24 months after surgery., Results: A total of 36 patients (GB, n=18; SG, n=18) were evaluated. At baseline, except for sex and preoperative body mass index, which was higher in GB, groups were similar. After 24 months, GB was superior for weight loss (%WL) and excess weight loss (%EWL). Regarding bone health, a significant decrease of BMD was observed in the spine, total proximal femur and femoral neck in all groups, with an average decrease of 5.1%, 10.5% and 15.1%, respectively. In addition, the observed decrease in BMD was up to 25% in the total femur after 24 months, six patients went from normal BMD to osteopenia and one from osteopenia to osteoporosis. There was no difference in parathormone values. However, there was an association between the increase in parathormone and the decrease in BMD in the spine, mainly in the GB group. There was no association between %WL and %EWL with the reduction in BMD., Conclusion: Bariatric surgery was related to the reduction of BMD in elderly patients, but there was no statistical difference between the two surgical techniques.

Background: Bariatric surgery is still controversial in elderly patients with severe obesity. Most publications focus on safety and early clinical outcomes. Food tolerance and nutritional postoperative risk is unknown for this population., Methods: Thirty-six elderly patients with severe obesity were recruited for an open-label randomized trial from September 2017 to May 2019 comparing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (LRYGB). Food tolerance was accessed by Quality of Alimentation (QoA) questionnaire and data on weight loss, body composition, and nutritional risk were collected between 6 and 24 months after surgery., Results: Comparing LSG to LRYGB patients, the latter had higher total weight loss (22% vs 31%, P=0.01) and excess weight loss (53% vs 68%, P=0.01). Food tolerance to eight food groups was similar between groups (14 vs 15 points, P=0.270), as Suter score (23 vs 25, P=0.238). Daily protein intake was below recommendation in both groups (40 vs 51 g/d, P=0.105). Nutritional risk, evaluated through Standardized Phase Angle (-1.48 vs -1.99, P=0.027), was worse for LRYGB group., Conclusion: Food tolerance and adequacy of food consumption were similar in both groups. LRYGB patients had higher nutritional risk.

Morbidly obese and post-bariatric surgery patients are at increased risk for biliary stones formation. The complications related to biliary stones may impose complexity on their management. This study aimed to review the management of biliary conditions in obese and bariatric patients. In this study, a narrative review was performed of the medical, surgical, and endoscopic procedures for the management of biliary stones and their related complications. Knowing the main prophylactic and therapeutic interventions options is essential for clinicians to properly manage the biliary stones in patients candidates or submitted to bariatric surgery., Plain Language Summary: Management of biliary stones in bariatric surgery The complications related to biliary stones may impose complexity on their management. Knowing the main prophylactic and therapeutic intervention options is essential for clinicians to properly manage the biliary stones in patient candidates or submitted to bariatric surgery. This study reviewed the main tools clinicians can handle to properly manage candidates for bariatric surgery or patients submitted to bariatric surgery., Competing Interests: The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (© The Author(s), 2022.)

Objective: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered a public health problem, mainly in severely obese patients. The aim of the present study was to investigate different biochemical-based scores available and determine which one could best serve as an NAFLD predicting tool in a severely obese population., Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving severely obese patients. All patients were evaluated with serum laboratory parameters for 1 week before biopsy, and all patients were treated with intraoperative liver biopsy, during bariatric surgery., Results: A total of 143 severely obese patients were included. The median body mass index (BMI) was 48 kg/m2 (35-65). Diabetes mellitus was present in 36%, and steatosis was present in 93% (severe steatosis in 20%). Only aspartate transaminase (AST) to platelet ratio index (APRI=0.65 (95% CI: 0.55-0.8) and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR=0.7 (95% CI: 0.58-0.82) showed significant capacity for the prediction of severe steatosis. Hepatic steatosis index (HSI), NAFLD fibrosis score (NAFLDS), alanine aminotransferase (ALT)/AST, and fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) were not able to correctly predict severe steatosis on liver biopsy. APRI showed high specificity of 82% and low sensitivity of 54%. In contrast, HOMA-IR showed high sensitivity of 84% and low specificity of 48%., Conclusions: NAFLDS, FIB-4, AST/ALT, and HSI have no utility for the evaluation of severe steatosis in severely obese patients. Diabetes and insulin-resistance-related biochemical assessments, such as HOMA-IR, can be used as good screening tools for severe steatosis in these patients. APRI score is the most specific biochemical diagnostic tool for steatosis in severely obese patients and can help clinicians to decide the need for bariatric or metabolic surgery.

Purpose: Despite the increasing prevalence of elderly obese patients, bariatric surgery remains controversial in this population. Recent publications have focused on perioperative safety, but few studies have addressed clinical outcomes., Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate 1-year outcomes of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) compared to laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) in patients 65 years or older., Methods: Thirty-six elderly obese patients were recruited for an open-label randomized trial from September 2017 to May 2019, comparing LSG to LRYGB. One-year outcomes were evaluated based on weight loss, functionality, and control of clinical conditions., Results: The median age (67 × 67 years; p=0.67) and initial body mass index (BMI) (46.3 × 51.3 kg/m 2 ; p=0.28) were similar between groups. Preoperative BMI (after weight loss pre-operative treatment) was higher in LRYGB group (41.9 × 47.6 kg/m 2 ; p= 0.03). After 12 months, EWL and TWL were higher in LRYGB group (60 × 68%; p=0.04; 24.9 × 31.4%; p<0.01). HbA1c reduction was higher after LRYGB (-1.1 × -0.5%; p<0.01) as well as LDL control (-27.5 × +11.5 mg/dL p= 0.02). No difference was noted between LRYGB and LSG concerning hypertension control, triglycerides, HDL, and functionality., Conclusion: Weight loss, diabetes, and LDL control were better achieved with LRYGB after 12 months.

Background: The aging population along with the obesity epidemic has increased the number of older patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Nevertheless, there is still conflicting data regarding surgical safety in this population., Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the surgical morbidity of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) for older patients., Setting: University hospital, São Paulo, Brazil., Methods: We performed a prospective randomized clinical trial from September 2017 to May 2019. Obese patients aged ≥65 years were randomized to LSG or LRYGB. Data collection included demographic information, body mass index (BMI), and co-morbidities. We assessed readmission, postoperative complications, and mortality. Complications were scored according to Clavien-Dindo classification., Results: A total of 36 patients, with a BMI between 35.5 and 52.8 kg/m 2 were randomized to either LSG (18 patients) or LRYGB (18 patients). The overall complication rate was similar between LSG and LRYGB (3 versus 7, P = .13). Severe complication was more prevalent in LRYGB patients but had no statistically significant difference (0 versus 3, P = .07). Each group had 1 readmission and there was no mortality in 90-day follow-up., Conclusions: Morbidity and mortality rates of bariatric surgery are low in elderly obese patients. Despite not statistically significant, LSG had a lower rate of severe complications compared with LRYGB in this population setting., (Copyright © 2020 American Society for Bariatric Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: The number of bariatric procedures has significantly increased in Brazil, especially in the public Unified Health System. The present study describes health outcomes and medication use in obese patients treated in a major hospital that performs publicly funded surgery in Brazil., Methods: A retrospective, single center study was conducted to collect real-world evidence of health outcomes and medication use in 247 obese patients (female, 82.2%) who underwent open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Changes in weight and body mass index (BMI), presence of apnea, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes (T2D), and medication use (hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia) were assessed preoperatively and up to 24 months postoperatively. The mean cost of medications was calculated for the 12-month preoperative and 24-month postoperative periods., Results: During the surgery, the mean age of patients was 43.42 years (standard deviation [SD], 10.9 years), and mean BMI was 46.7 kg/m2 (SD, 6.7 kg/m2). At 24 months, significant declines were noted in weight (mean, -37.6 kg), BMI (mean, -14.3 kg/m2); presence of T2D, hypertension, and apnea (-29.6%, -50.6%, and -20.9%, respectively); and number of patients using medications (-66.67% for diabetes, -41.86% for hypertension, and -55.26% for dyslipidemia). The mean cost of medications (total costs for all medications) decreased by >50% in 12-24 postoperative months compared to that in 12 preoperative months., Conclusion: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass successfully reduced weight, BMI, and comorbidities and medication use and cost at 24 months in Brazilian patients treated in the public Unified Health System.

Background: Limited access to publicly funded, insurance-covered, and self-paid obesity surgery is a reality worldwide. Waiting lists for procedures are usually based on chronologic criteria and body mass index (BMI)-defined obesity categorization. Obesity classification systems assess overall health and have been proposed as an alternative., Objective: To investigate the correlation between BMI-based classification and the Edmonton Obesity Staging System (EOSS) to support current evidence that the assessment of the clinical severity of obesity could be a helpful tool to maximize access to surgery., Setting: University hospital, Brazil., Methods: Retrospective analysis of all 2011 to 2014 adult patients who underwent obesity surgery under the public health system. Data on sex, age, presurgical BMI, and co-morbidities were extracted from hospital records. Spearman correlation coefficients were used to assess the strength and direction of the relationship between BMI classification and EOSS., Results: Of 565 patients, 79% were female, mean age 44.1 ± 10.9 years and mean BMI 46.9 ± 6.2 kg/m 2 . The most common EOSS stage was 2 (86.5%), followed by stages 3 (8.5%) and 1 (4.9%). There was no correlation between the severity of obesity measured by BMI and EOSS (ρ = -.030, P = .475). Older patients had higher Edmonton scores (ρ = .308, P < .001). No difference was observed regarding sex., Conclusions: No correlation was found between EOSS and BMI and between these and sex. Age correlated with both obesity indicators. EOSS was reproducible in Brazilian surgical patients and may be an important tool from a health services perspective contributing to the more efficient use of limited resources for obesity surgery., (Copyright © 2019 American Society for Bariatric Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: The gut microbiota is associated with obesity and weight loss after bariatric surgery and has been related to its changing pattern. Exactly how the bacterial population affects weight loss and the results of surgery remain controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the intestinal microbiota of superobese patients before and after gastric bypass surgery (RYGB)., Method: DNA fragments for the microbiota obtained from stool samples collected from nine superobese patients before and after bariatric surgery were sequenced using Ion Torrent., Results: We observed that with a mean follow-up of 15 months, patients achieved 55.9% excess weight loss (EWL). A significant population reduction in the Proteobacteria phylum (11 to 2%, p=0.0025) was observed after surgery, while no difference was seen in Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. Further analyses performed with two specific individuals with divergent clinical outcomes showed a change in the pattern between them, with a significant increase in Firmicutes and a decrease in Bacteroidetes in the patient with less weight loss (%EWL 50.79 vs. 61.85)., Conclusions: RYGB affects the microbiota of superobese patients, with a significant reduction in Proteobacteria in patients with different weight loss, showing that different bacteria may contribute to the process.

Background: Eating pathologies among bariatric surgery candidates are common and associated with adverse surgical outcomes, including weight regain and low quality of life. However, their assessment is made difficult by the great variety and inconsistent use of standardized measures., Objective: The purpose of this review was to synthesize current knowledge on the prevalence of binge eating disorder (BED) in presurgical patients and to make a critical appraisal of assessment tools for BED., Methods: A search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from January 1994 to March 2017. Data were extracted, tabulated and summarized using a narrative approach., Results: A total of 21 observational studies were reviewed for data extraction and analysis. Prevalence of BED in bariatric populations ranged from 2% to 53%. Considerable variation in patient characteristics and in BED assessment measures was evident among the studies. In addition, several methodological weaknesses were recognized in most of the studies. Ten different psychometric instruments were used to assess BED. Clinical interviews were used in only 12 studies, though this is the preferred tool to diagnose BED., Conclusion: Study heterogeneity accounted for the variability of the results from different centers and methodological flaws such as insufficient sample size and selection bias impaired the evidence on the magnitude of BED in surgical settings. For the sake of comparability and generalizability of the findings in future studies, researchers must recruit representative samples of treatment-seeking candidates for bariatric surgery and systematically apply standard instruments for the assessment of BED.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to correlate the left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) patterns according to severe obesity and arterial hypertension (AHT) grades., Methods: A cross-sectional prospective study was conducted in 379 patients with severe obesity. Obesity was classified according to the BMI in the following: morbidly obese (MO; 40 < BMI < 50 kg/m 2 ) and super obese (SO; BMI > 50 kg/m 2 ). The AHT was classified into classes 1 and 2 according to American Heart Association. The presence of LVH and the pattern of cardiac remodeling were determined by transthoracic echocardiography., Results: LVH was present in 58.6% of patients. Obesity and AHT had additive effects in LVH prevalence. LVH was found in 32.9 and 46.7% of MO with AHT grades 1 and 2, respectively. LVH was diagnosed in 39.1% in SO with AHT grade 1 and in 50% of AHT grade 2. Patients with AHT presented a significantly higher risk of developing LVH (OR 1.97; p = 0.003). Hypertension grade was also a determinant variable in the development of LVH. Patients with AHT 2 had 4.31-fold greater risk (p < 0.001) when compared to normotensive patients. BMI was only considered an independent risk factor for LVH in patients with BMI greater than 47.17 kg/m 2 (OR 1.62; p = 0.023)., Conclusion: AHT is a stronger predictive factor of LVH than obesity grade.

Introduction: Anatomical and functional influences on gastric bypass (GBP) results are often poorly evaluated and not yet fully understood., Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of the gastric pouch volume and its emptying rate on long-term weight loss and food tolerance after GBP., Materials and Methods: Weight loss, food tolerance, pouch volumetry (V) by three-dimensional reconstruction, and pouch emptying rate by 4 h scintigraphy were evaluated in 67 patients. Cutoffs were identified for V and retention percentage (%Ret) at 1 h (%Ret1). From these parameters, the sample was categorized, looking for associations between V, %Ret, weight loss, and food tolerance, assessed by a questionnaire for quick assessment of food tolerance (SS)., Results: PO median follow-up time was 47 months; median V was 28 mL; %Ret at 1, 2, and 4 h were 8, 2, and 1%, respectively. There were associations between V ≤ 40 mL and higher emptying rates up to 2 h (V ≤ 40 mL: %Ret1 = 6, %Ret2 = 2, p = 0.009; V > 40 mL: %Ret1 = 44, %Ret2 = 13.5, p = 0.045). An association was found between higher emptying speed in 1 h and higher late weight loss (WL), represented by lower percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) regain (p = 0.036) and higher %EWL (p = 0.033) in the group with %Ret1 ≤ 12%, compared to the group %Ret1 ≥ 25%. Better food tolerance (SS > 24), was associated with lower %Ret1 (p = 0.003)., Conclusion: Smaller pouch size is associated with a faster gastric emptying, greater WL maintenance, and better food tolerance. These data suggest that a small pouch with rapid emptying rate is an important technical parameter for good outcomes in GBP.

Introduction: The intragastric balloon (IGB) is an endoscopic device for the treatment of obesity. Best results are observed in patients who follow a dietary program but few studies have assessed the results of this treatment in patients with different degrees of obesity., Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of IGB in patients with different degrees of obesity., Method: A total of 2002 patients with IGB were retrospectively evaluated and were divided into groups according to initial body mass index (BMI) range, as follows: group 1, 27 to 29.9 kg/m; group 2, 30 to 34.9 kg/m; group 3, 35 to 39.9 kg/m; group 4, 40 to 44.9 kg/m; group 5, ≥45 kg/m. Weight was assessed in 3 different times: before (T0), 1 month (T1), 6 months (T2), and 6 months after removal of the IGB (T3)., Results: A total of 946 patients lost follow-up. Overall, 40 (3.78%) removed the device before programmed by intolerance, and 1016 patients completed the 6-month treatment. The mean weight loss was 18.9%, excess weight loss 60.1% and an BMI reduction of 6.76 points. 6 months after removal of the balloon 842 patients had continued follow-up (82.8%). At this time, weight loss was 19.84%, excess weight loss was 59.49%, and BMI reduction of 7.06 points. In all groups there was statistical difference between the times T0 and T1 and between T1 and T2 (P<0.001). There was no statistical difference between T2 and T3, in any group., Conclusion: IGB provided sustained weight loss in patients who remained in dietary follow-up for 1 year.

Background: The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is the gold standard bariatric operation. However, a major concern in late follow-up is the substantial weight regain. Understanding the role of gastrointestinal hormone secretion in this situation is relevant., Methods: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of gastrointestinal hormones comparing postprandial secretion of ghrelin, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), and leptin between patients with weight regain and those with favorable weight control. Twenty-four patients with follow-up from 27 to 59 months were divided into two groups according to sustained weight loss: group A (14 patients) had sustained weight losses, and group B (10 patients) had significant weight regain. Basal serum levels of ghrelin, GIP, GLP-1, and leptin after fasting and 30, 60, 90, and 120 min after a standard meal were measured., Results: There was no difference in the ghrelin secretion. There was a difference in the GIP secretion, with a higher percentage increase in 30 min in group A (330% × 192.2%; p = 0.01). There were also differences in the GLP-1 secretion, with higher increases in absolute (p = 0.03) and percentage values after 30 min in group A (124% × 46.5%; p = 0.01). There was also a difference between baseline leptin values, with higher levels in group B (p = 0.02)., Conclusions: The secretion of gut hormones in patients with weight regain after RYGB is different from that in patients with satisfactory weight outcome. After meal stimulation, reduced levels of GIP and GLP-1 may indicate the influence of gut hormones in the process of weight regain.

Background: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is observed in 25%-55% of patients with severe obesity and in 2%-12% with bridging fibrosis or cirrhosis. There is currently no noninvasive test for the diagnosis of severe liver fibrosis before bariatric surgery., Objectives: To determine the best noninvasive test for predicting advanced liver disease in patients with severe obesity., Setting: University tertiary care hospital, Brazil., Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted with 699 patients with severe obesity undergoing bariatric surgery: 568 without a biopsy (nonbiopsy cohort) and 131 patients who had undergone an intraoperative liver biopsy. The tissues were subjected to histologic diagnosis (Brunt criteria) and classified as advanced fibrosis (stages 3 and 4) or no significant fibrosis (absence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and stages 1 or 2). The following predictive indices of cirrhosis were calculated in all patients: aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio (AAR), age-platelet (AP) index, aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), cirrhosis discriminant score (CDS), and hepatitis C antiviral long-term treatment against cirrhosis (HALT-C). The cutoff values, sensitivity, specificity, and areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROCs) were calculated for patients with biopsies., Results: The AUROC of the AAR, AP, APRI, CDS, and HALT-C model for predicting advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis were, respectively, .522, .88, .99, .905, and .921. The calculated cutoff values, sensitivity, and specificity, respectively, were as follows: AAR: .94, .7, .45; AP 5, .7, .93; APRI .44, 1.0, .97; CDS 6, .7, .97; and HALT-C: .76, 1.0, .77., Conclusion: APRI index was the best predictor of advanced liver disease in patients with severe obesity., (Copyright © 2016 American Society for Bariatric Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Surgical treatment of obesity in the elderly, particularly over 65, remains controversial; it is explained by the increased surgical risk or the lack of data demonstrating its long-term benefit. Few studies have evaluated the clinical effects of bariatric surgery in this population., Aim: To evaluate the results of surgical treatment of obesity in patients over 60 years, followed for an average period of five years., Method: This was a retrospective study evaluating 46 patients, 60 years or older, who underwent surgical treatment of obesity, by conventional gastric bypass technique (laparotomy). The average age was 64 years (60-71), mean BMI of 49.6 kg/m2 (38-66), mean follow-up of 5.9 years; 91% of patients were hypertensive, 56% diabetics and 39% had dyslipidemia., Results: The incidence of complications (major and minor) in patients under 65 years was 26% and over 65 years 37% (p=0.002). There were no deaths in the group with less than 65 years and there were two deaths (12.5%) over 65 years. The average loss of overweight over 65 years or less was 72% vs 68% (p=0.56). There was total control of the diabetes mellitus in 77% and partial in 23%, with no difference between groups. There was improvement in arterial hypertension in 56% of patients, also no difference between groups. The average LDL levels did not differ between the pre and postoperative (106 mg/dl to 102 mg/dl), an increase of HDL (56 mg/dl to 68 mg/dL) and reduced triglyceride levels (136 mg/dl to 109 mg/dl). There was no statistical difference in the variation of the cholesterol fractions and triglycerides between the groups. Two patients in the group with less than 65 years died in late follow-up, of brain tumor and pneumonia, three and five years after bariatric surgery, respectively., Conclusions: Surgical morbidity and mortality were higher in patients over 65 years, and this group had the same benefits observed in patients lower 65 years for weight loss and comorbidities control.

Objectives: The incidence of obesity and particularly super obesity, has increased tremendously. At our institution, super obesity represents 30.1% of all severely obese individuals in the bariatric surgery program. In super obesity, surgical morbidity is higher and the results are worse compared with morbid obesity, independent of the surgical technique. The primary strategy for minimizing complications in these patients is to decrease the body mass index before surgery. Preoperative weight reduction can be achieved by a hypocaloric diet, drug therapy, an intragastric balloon, or hospitalization. The objective of this study was to analyze the results of a period of hospitalization for preoperative weight loss in a group of super-obese patients., Methods: Twenty super-obese patients were submitted to a weight loss program between 2006 and 2010. The mean patient age was 46 years (range 21-59). The mean BMI was 66 kg/m2 (range 51-98) and 12 were women. The average hospital stay was 19.9 weeks and the average weight loss was 19% of the initial weight (7-37%). The average caloric intake was 5 kcal/kg/day. After the weight loss program, the patients underwent gastric bypass surgery., Results: The statistical analysis revealed that after 14 weeks of treatment (15% loss of initial weight), the weight loss was not significant. All patients had satisfactory surgical recovery and were discharged after an average of 4.6 days., Conclusion: In super obesity, preoperative weight loss is an important method for reducing surgical risks. Hospitalization and a hypocaloric diet are safe and effective. After 14 weeks, the weight loss rate stabilized, signaling the time of surgical intervention in our study.

Context: Obesity in the elderly is associated with exacerbation of functional decline (dependency), that occurs with aging, because of decreased muscle mass and strength, and increased joint dysfunction. Consequently, there is progressive loss of independence, autonomy, chronic pain and impaired quality of life. The weight loss can bring benefits in all these aspects, especially when accompanied by exercises. Elderly patients with morbid obesity may be submitted to surgical treatment, taking into account that the massive weight loss, eventually caused by bariatric surgery, may exacerbate the loss of muscle mass and nutritional complications that may bring harm to the overall health and quality of life of these patients. The functional assessment of elderly patients, candidates for bariatric surgery and the extent to which surgery can bring benefits to the patients, in the field of functionality, has still to be determined., Objective: To describe profile functionality in obese elderly referred to a bariatric surgery program., Methods: Patients with age ≥ 60 and BMI ≥ 35 underwent comprehensive geriatric assessment that evaluates co morbidities, medication use, ability to perform basic activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living, and the "Timedupandgo" test to evaluate mobility, whose cut-off point was ≤ 10 seconds. Statistical analysis was performed in order to see if there is a positive correlation of dependency with BMI and age (over or under 65 years). Results Forty subjects have completed evaluation. The mean age was 64.1 years (60-72) and 75% were women. They had an average weight of 121.1 kg (72.7-204) and a mean BMI of 47.2 kg/m2 (35.8-68.9). 16 patients (40%) have shown dependency for activities of daily living, 19 (47,5%) for instrumental activities of daily living and 20 patients (50%) had a "Timedupandgo" test over 10 seconds. Statistical analysis (t-Student, Mann-Whitney, Binary Logistic Regression) has shown positive correlation of dependency in activities of daily living for BMI >49 kg/m2, dependency in instrumental activities of daily living for BMI >46,5 kg/m2, and "Timedupandgo" test greater than 10 seconds for BMI >51 kg/m2 (P<0,05). No dependency difference was observed for patients over or under 65 years age., Conclusions: Functional decline is observed in almost half of the morbid obese patients over 60 years old. It is related to increasing BMI (BMI >46,5 kg/m2) but not related to age (60 to 65 years or over 65 years). Functional decline should be considered a co-morbidity in the elderly obese patients and should be assessed before bariatric surgery in this population.

Objective: To evaluate the results of the use of liraglutide in a group of patients undergoing surgical treatment of morbid obesity with unsatisfactory weight loss or regain of more than 15% of minimum reached weight., Methods: The authors conducted a retrospective analysis of 15 operated patients who had excess weight loss <50% after two years of follow-up or regained weight more than 15% of the minimum reached weight. We included only patients who had the expected "surgical anatomy", assessed by contrast radiography and endoscopy. Mean age was 47.2 ± 12.5 years, and patients received liraglutide at doses from 1.2 to 3.0 mg/day for eight to 28 weeks follow-up., Results: Surgical treatment induced a weight loss of 34.1 ± 16.5 kg. The average weight regain after 5.3 ± 3.3 years was 14.2 ± 12.1 Kg. The average weight was significantly reduced after treatment with liraglutide (100.9 ± 18.3 kg. vs Kg 93.5 ± 17.4, p <0.0001). Six patients had nausea and two discontinued therapy due to the cost of medication., Conclusion: medical treatment directed to the control of satiety using liraglutide may be an alternative treatment of patients with poor weight loss or weight regain after surgery when no technical problem has been identified.

Background: Currently, bariatric surgery is the most effective therapy for morbid obesity, and the laparoscopic approach is considered gold-standard for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Totally robotic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass has been proposed as a major evolution in minimally invasive bariatric surgery and its use is becoming more widespread., Aim: To provide an early report of the first Brazilian case-series of totally robotic gastric bypass and perioperative short-term outcomes., Methods: All consecutive patients who underwent totally robotic gastric bypass at two recognized centers of bariatric surgery were included. Patient demographic data, body mass index, operative times, hospital stay, complications and mortality in the 30 postoperative days were recorded. The surgeons received the same training program before the clinical procedures and all the surgeries were performed under the supervision of an experienced robotic surgeon., Results: The surgeries were performed by five surgeons and included 68 patients (52 women - 76.5%), with a mean age of 40.5 years (range 18 to 59) and mean BMI of 41.3 (35.2 - 59.2). Total mean operative time was 158 minutes (range 90 to 230) and mean overall hospital stay was 48 h. Postoperative surgical complication rate (30 day) was 5.9%, with three minor and one major complication. There was no mortality, leak or stricture., Conclusion: Even with surgeons in early learning curves, the robotic approach within a well-structured training model was safe and reproducible for the surgical treatment of the morbid obesity.

Context: Bariatric surgery has proven to be the most effective method of treating severe obesity. Nevertheless, the acceptance of bariatric surgery is still questioned. The surgical complications observed in the early postoperative period following surgeries performed to treat severe obesity are similar to those associated with other major surgeries of the gastrointestinal tract. However, given the more frequent occurrence of medical comorbidities, these patients require special attention in the early postoperative follow-up. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of these complications are directly associated with a greater probability of control., Method: The medical records of 538 morbidly obese patients who underwent surgical treatment (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery) were reviewed. Ninety-three (17.2%) patients were male and 445 (82.8%) were female. The ages of the patients ranged from 18 to 70 years (average = 46), and their body mass indices ranged from 34.6 to 77 kg/m2., Results: Early complications occurred in 9.6% and were distributed as follows: 2.6% presented bleeding, intestinal obstruction occurred in 1.1%, peritoneal infections occurred in 3.2%, and 2.2% developed abdominal wall infections that required hospitalization. Three (0.5%) patients experienced pulmonary thromboembolism. The mortality rate was 0,55%., Conclusion: The incidence of early complications was low. The diagnosis of these complications was mostly clinical, based on the presence of signs and symptoms. The value of the clinical signs and early treatment, specially in cases of sepsis, were essential to the favorable surgical outcome. The mortality was mainly related to thromboembolism and advanced age, over 65 years.

Objective: To evaluate the outcome of the surgical treatment of morbidly obese patients by Adjustable Gastric Banding (ABG) followed in a multidisciplinary clinic., Methods: We studied 20 patients with BMI ranging from 36.6 to 72 kg/m2 (X = 47.51 + / - 6.1) and aged between 36 to 60 years, undergoing placement of AGB. Preoperative comorbidities were hypertension (nine), type II diabetes (four), severe sleep apnea (one), hypertriglyceridemia (four) and severe orthopedic problems (three). In the post-operative period patients were followed at a multidisciplinary clinic (surgeon, endocrinologist, psychiatrist and nutritionist). In the first six months, the orientation was of monthly visits for band adjustments and nutritional counseling. After six months the visits occurred every two or three months, as needed., Results: The operative time ranged from 40 to 180 minutes; hospital stay varied from one to ten days (X = 36 hours). Two patients required surgical reintervention for late complications: a rotation of the portal and a band superior slippage. Follow-up ranged from 28 to 36 months. The average weight loss was 29.26 kg +/- 8.8, or 24.37% +/- 6.1 of the original weight and 49.16% +/- 11.3 overweight. The average BMI ranged from 47.51 to 34.88. There was global improvement of comorbidities, markedly in the patients with greater weight loss., Conclusion: The results were satisfactory for most patients on the variables weight loss and improvement of comorbidities.

Background: Weight loss and nutritional status 5 or more years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass was prospectively documented. The hypothesis was that even after clinical adaptation, imbalances might still occur., Methods: Seventy-five consecutive patients (age 49.3 +/- 10.6 years, 89.3% females) were recruited 83.4 +/- 14.3 months after the intervention. Weight loss and nutritional abnormalities were registered., Results: Body mass index (BMI) was 56.5 +/- 10.0 preoperatively, 29.4 +/- 6. 2 by 24 months and 34.4 +/- 14.6 when last seen. Major current deficit occurred for magnesium (32.1% of the patients), hemoglobin (50.8%), iron (29.8%), ferritin (36.0%), zinc (40.5%), vitamin B(12) (61.8%), vitamin D(3) (60.5%), and beta-carotene (56.8%). Low preoperative measurements had already been unveiled for iron, transferrin, zinc, and vitamin B(12). Total drug consumption tended to decrease after operation, and present findings correlated with excess weight loss (EWL). Also presence of diabetes and BMI value were predictors of long-term EWL, along with biochemical profile by 2 years. Multivitamin supplementation and gastrointestinal complaints partially correlated with nutritional results., Conclusions: (1) Good initial weight loss with moderate late regain, anemia, and multiple nutrient deficits was the common pattern. (2) Massive weight loss, frequent vomiting, dumping syndrome, and women in reproductive age were risk factors for hemoglobin or vitamin deficits, whereas superobesity, diabetes, and use of multiple drugs were associated with EWL result. (3) Most laboratory tests became stable by 2 years and along with BMI correlated with late EWL. (4) Two-year nutritional investigation is especially recommended because of its long-term predictive value.

Background: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) has been found to be the most efficient way to lose weight and maintain the weight loss in morbid obesity. However, with the formation of a new stomach and the modification of intestinal anatomy, there are significant changes on physiological properties of these organs that lead to nutrient deficiency, including calcium. The objectives of this study were to evaluate calcium intake, bone metabolism, and prevalence of metabolic bone disease in women subjected to RYGBP after 8 years., Methods: Food frequency questionnaire and 3-day dietary recall, laboratory tests of bone metabolism and bone mineral density were accessed., Results: Calcium intake was below the recommendation in all women. Serum PTH and alkaline phosphatase were elevated, whereas vitamin D and urinary calcium were significantly lower. Also, a higher prevalence of metabolic bone disease than the one expected for the normal population at the same age was noted., Conclusion: These data suggest that metabolic bone disease could be a complication of this type of surgery.