Medium-Term outcomes after Roux-en-Y-Gastric Bypass: Experience from a Tertiary Healthcare Center from India

Background: Roux en Y gastric bypass (RYGB) has been highly effective in weight loss and it has been the procedure of choice for patients suffering from diabetes. There is a high attrition rate in long-term follow-up. Hence, limited long-term data are available. Methodology: We collected retrospectively data from a prospectively maintained institutional database. To increase the long-term follow-up rate, a telephonic interview was conducted with patients who had not come for long-term follow-up. Standard definitions were used for weight loss, weight regain, comorbidities, comorbidity resolution, and nutritional parameters. Results: Of 142 patients who underwent laparoscopic RYGB between 2008 and 2018, 125 patients (M: 33, F: 92; Age: 42.4 ± 5.2 years) were included in the study. The mean % weight loss at 1, 3, 5, and 7 years was 28.9, 31.8, 31.3, and 31.7, respectively. Mean % excess body mass index loss (% EBMIL) at 1, 3, 5, and 7 years was 67.6 ± 18, 73.7 ± 17.9, 71.7 ± 20.7, and 69.5 ± 24.6, respectively. Median weight regain at 3, 5, and 7 years was 8.4%, 12.7%, and 24% of weight lost. Significant weight regain was seen in 1 patient at 3 years and 3 patients at 5 and 7 years of follow-up. Among patients suffering from diabetes, 50.9% had remission and 45.3% had improvement at 1 year. At 5 years, this was 56% and 40%, respectively. Among patients suffering from hypertension, at 5 years, remission was seen in 11 (64.7%) out of 17. Significant improvements were seen in hypothyroidism, OSA, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and lipid profile. There was a statistically significant decrease in mean levels of fasting blood sugar, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), hemoglobin, serum calcium, insulin, c-peptide, serum albumin, and total protein and there was an increase in mean Vitamin D levels at 1 year follow-up. There was a decrease in mean levels of folate, total iron-binding capacity, parathyroid hormone, and alkaline phosphatase and an increase in mean Vitamin B12, iron, and ferritin postsurgery. However, this was statistically not significant. Nutritional deficiencies were noted. Seven complications were noted out of 142 procedures and no surgery-related mortality. Three patients had significant weight regain beyond 5 years. Conclusion: RYGB is a safe and effective bariatric procedure with well-sustained results in long run. Nutritional supplementation is required to correct deficiencies.