Efficacy of bariatric surgery in a Colombian population

Abstract Background Obesity (OB) is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of ≥ 30 kg/m2. It has a high risk of mortality due to its association with comorbidities. Bariatric surgery (BS) is indicated for a BMI of 40 kg/m2 or of 35 kg/m2 if concurrent with a metabolic disorder. Methods A retrospective observational study of patients subjected to BS, such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), sleeve gastrectomy (SG), and adjustable gastric band (AGB). A survey was applied to determine the BMI and patterns of comorbidities before and after BS. Results The study included 30 patients who underwent 25 RYGB, 4 SG and 1 AGB procedures. A total of 17 patients were evaluated at the one-year follow-up and all showed improvement in comorbidities and weight loss, with a mean excess BMI loss (%EBMIL) of 89.5% At the two-year follow-up, 3 patients reported a %EBMIL of 75%. At the three-year follow-up, 10 patients had a %EBMIL of 70.8%%, but 70% (7/10) still had a BMI > 30 kg/m2. Type 2 diabetes mellitus resolved in all (12/12) and the doses of antihypertensive drugs were reduced in 86.4% of hypertensive patients (11/13). Half of the patients followed a diet. Conclusion In our service, BS was effective one year after the procedure. After three years, BMI > 30 kg/m2 persisted in 70% of patients All diabetics were cured. The doses of antihypertensives were lowered in 86.4% of hypertensive patients. Ultrasound scan detected no fatty liver diseases at the one-year follow-up of 85.7% of patients.