Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Bariatric surgery is the most successful treatment for patients with severe and complex obesity.

Aims: To assess clinical outcomes after bariatric surgery in a specialist centre.

Setting: Specialist weight management service in a university teaching hospital.

Methods: We performed an observational analysis of clinical outcomes for patients who underwent bariatric surgery during the period 31^st July 2010 and 31^st December 2010. All patients had assessment of their weight and body mass index (BMI), nutritional status, co-morbid conditions and medications. The results at the 36-month follow up are reported.

Results: A total of 76 patients (63 women) had bariatric surgery (61 gastric bypass, 13 sleeve gastrectomy and 2 gastric banding). The follow up rate at median 36 months after surgery was 90% (68 patients). Patients achieved significant reduction in BMI (Table 1). Significantly fewer patients were on hypoglycaemic and antihypertensive medications and continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP). No changes were observed in the numbers of patients taking anti-depressants and analgesics. Levels of haemoglobin, serum iron, folate and vitamin B12 were similar or significantly higher than baseline.

Conclusion: At a median follow up of 36 months, bariatric surgery was associated with significant reduction in weight and resolution or improvement in co-morbid conditions without compromising serum levels of key micronutrients.