ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: It is evident that morbidly obese patients have a low health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL), and this low HRQoL has become a common reason for them to seek bariatric surgery. Several HRQoL studies demonstrate a dramatic postoperative improvement, but most of these have had a short follow-up period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional study for HRQoL was conducted to study 486 patients (average age of 50.7 ± 10.0 years, with 84 % of them being female) operated with gastric bypass (GBP) in the period 1993 to 2003 at the University Hospitals of Örebro and Uppsala. Mean follow-up after gastric bypass was 11.5 ± 2.7 years (range 7-17). Two HRQoL instruments were used, SF-36 and the Obesity-related Problems scale (OP). The study group was compared with two control groups, both matched for age and gender, one from the general population and one containing morbidly obese patients evaluated and awaiting bariatric surgery. RESULTS: The study group scored better in the SF-36 domains (all four physical domains and the vitality subscore) and OP scale compared to obese controls, but their HRQoL scores were lower than those of the general population. HRQoL was better among younger patients and in the following subgroups: men, patients with satisfactory weight loss, satisfied with the procedure, free from co-morbidities and gastrointestinal symptoms, employment, good oral status and those not hospitalised or regularly followed up for non-bariatric reasons. CONCLUSION: Long-term follow-up after GBP for morbid obesity showed better scores in most aspects of HRQoL compared to obese controls but did not achieve the levels of the general population. Patients with better medical outcome after gastric bypass operation had better HRQoL.
Subject(s)
Gastric Bypass , Health Status , Obesity, Morbid/surgery , Quality of Life , Adult , Comorbidity , Cross-Sectional Studies , Employment , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Gastric Bypass/methods , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Obesity, Morbid/epidemiology , Obesity, Morbid/psychology , Personal Satisfaction , Postoperative Period , Weight LossABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB) as treatment of morbid obesity results in substantial weight loss. Most published long-term studies have included few patients at the last follow-up point. The aim of the present study was to explore long-term results in a large cohort of patients 7-17 years after gastric bypass. METHODS: All 539 patients who had undergone primary RYGB from 1993 to 2003 at Uppsala and Örebro University Hospitals received a questionnaire regarding their postoperative status. Blood samples were obtained and the medical charts studied. RESULTS: Of the 539 patients, 384 responded (71.2% response rate, mean age 37.9 yr, body mass index 44.5 kg/m(2) at surgery, 317 women, and 67 men). At a mean follow-up of 11.4 years (range 7-17), the body mass index had decreased to 32.5 kg/m(2), corresponding to an excess body mass index loss of 63.3%. Similar weight loss was observed, regardless of the length of follow-up. Orally treated diabetes resolved in 72% and sleep apnea and hyperlipidemia were improved. Revisional bariatric surgery had been performed in 2.1% and abdominoplasty in 40.2%. The gastrointestinal symptoms were considered tolerable. The overall result was satisfactory for 79% of the patients and 92% would recommend Roux-en-Y gastric bypass to a friend. Attendance to the annual checkups was 37%. Vitamin B12 supplements were taken by 72% and multivitamins by 24%. CONCLUSION: At 11 years, substantial weight loss was maintained and revisional surgery was rare. Surprisingly few patients were compliant with the recommendation of lifelong supplements and yearly evaluations; however, patient satisfaction was high.
