ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The reported prevalence of anemia after malabsorptive bariatric surgery has varied from 5% to 64% in the post-Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) population, owing to the small study sample sizes and generally poor follow-up in surgical referral practices. The present study estimated the prevalence of anemia in the post-RYGB population and determined whether an integrated healthcare system with a shared electronic medical record could improve postoperative follow-up. METHODS: The medical records from 1009 sequential patients who had undergone RYGB from 2000 to 2005 were retrospectively analyzed. All anemia data within the healthcare system's electronic medical record were accessible. RESULTS: Of the 1009 medical records, 720 contained ≥1 year of follow-up data concerning anemia. Anemia had developed or worsened in 259 patients, for a prevalence of 36% in the present sample. The anemia was moderate to severe (hemoglobin <10 g/dL) in 88 patients (12.2%.), many of whom subsequently required parenteral iron. Of the 1009 patients, the follow-up data for ≥3 years concerning anemia were available for only 357 patients (35.4%). CONCLUSION: The results of the present study have shown that in a large population of patients undergoing RYGB, the prevalence of anemia was great enough to justify more intensive long-term screening. We hope the findings from the present report influence the national screening standards for this patient population.
Subject(s)
Anemia/epidemiology , Gastric Bypass/adverse effects , Obesity, Morbid/surgery , Adult , Aged , Anemia/blood , Anemia/etiology , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Hemoglobins/metabolism , Hospital Records , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Prevalence , Prognosis , Retrospective Studies , Texas/epidemiology , Time Factors , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery has been increasingly utilized for treatment of severe obesity. Although initial weight loss following surgery is almost completely assured, little is known about long-term out-come and patient compliance with post-surgical behavioral recommendations for diet and exercise that would improve outcome. The purpose of this study was to examine the rate of noncompliance with behavioral recommendations and to identify the incidence of psychological concerns following bariatric surgery. METHOD: Subjects were identified from an active clinical data-base of prospective clinical follow-up of all bariatric surgery patients. 100 consecutive patients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass were identified, and a chart review was conducted at 6 and 12 months postoperatively to gather demographic data and identify the prevalence of noncompliance identified in monthly follow-up visits. Also, patients were asked about depression, relationship/sexual concerns, and medical complications. RESULTS: 81 women and 19 men were followed for 1 year. The majority of patients reported noncompliance in at least one area, with lack of exercise and snacking being most frequently cited (41%, 37% respectively overall). Most patients were compliant with eating protein first and avoiding sodas. At 12 months follow-up, 12% reported depression, 4% reported sexual concerns and 2% reported relationship problems. Also, 9% reported having experienced some medical complication related to their surgery. CONCLUSION: Noncompliance with behavioral recommendations is pervasive following bariatric surgery, with lack of exercise being the most likely area of noncompliance. Because of the importance of compliance with behavioral recommendations for the successful outcome of bariatric surgery, further research is warranted to further clarify the factors that impact long-term outcome and to design interventions to improve compliance.
