Preoperative weight loss decreases the operative time of gastric bypass at a Veterans Administration hospital.

Background: This study assessed whether preoperative weight loss resulted in favorable outcomes after open Roux-en Y gastric bypass (RYGB).
Methods: A retrospective review of all patients who underwent RYGB at the DVAMC was undertaken. Patients were divided into: patients who did not lose weight within 3 months preoperatively (n=25) and group II, those who did (n=15).
Results: Both groups had similar demographics, body mass index, comorbid conditions, and American Society of Anesthesiology class. Group II lost 28.2+/-6.5 lbs (8.3% of body weight) within 3 months before RYGB. Operative time was longer in group I compared to group II (180.0+/-0.0 vs 161.0+/-0.0 min; p=0.05). Both groups had the same rate of postoperative complications and the same long-term weight loss at a 2-year follow-up (n=6 both groups).
Conclusions: An 8% reduction of body weight is associated with a decrease in operative time. These preliminary data suggest that preoperative weight loss results in a technically less challenging operation in the super-obese patient.