BackgroundThe prevalence of obesity continues to increase worldwide. Because obesity is associated with a number health-related problems as well as a shortened life span, treating obesity is an important clinical concern. Although various treatments are currently available, many are not efficacious in the long term. Therefore, additional medical treatment options for morbidly obese individuals must be explored. In this study, we examined the effects of the intragastric balloon MedSil® on anthropometric measures and hormones associated with lipid and energy metabolism.MethodsTwenty-two obese patients underwent insertion of the intragastric balloon MedSil® following a clinical exam, body composition scan, and collection of blood samples. Six months following implantation of the balloon, additional anthropometric and serological measures were taken.ResultsSix months following insertion of the MedSil® balloon, we observed significant decreases in body weight, body mass index, and fat mass. Compared with baseline levels, ghrelin serum levels were increased significantly, while leptin, FGF21, and glycated hemoglobin levels significantly decreased, 6 months after balloon insertion.ConclusionsThe MedSil® intragastric balloon is a safe and effective treatment for morbid obesity, with positive effects on anthropometric measures and lipid metabolism.

IntroductionSurgical intervention in obesity is today the most effective treatment method in high level obesity management. Bariatric interventions not only ensure body weight reduction, but may influence dietary habits.AimTo assess changes in adipose hormones and dietary habits in obese patients after sleeve gastrectomy.Material and methodsThe study set comprised 37 subjects (29 females and 8 males) 24 to 68 years old with body mass index 43.0 ±4.9 kg/m2. Pre-operative examination included baseline measurements of body composition. Dietary habits and intake frequency were monitored by a questionnaire method. Follow-up examinations were carried out in a scope identical to the pre-operative examination, 6 and 12 months after surgery, respectively.ResultsThe average patient weight loss 12 months after surgery was 31.7 kg. Excess weight loss was 55.2 ±20.6%. Patients reported reduced appetite (p < 0.001), increasingly regular food intake (p < 0.001), intake of more meal portions per day (p = 0.003) and a decrease in consuming the largest portions during the afternoon and evening (p = 0.030). Plasma levels of fasting glucose, leptin and ghrelin significantly decreased (p = 0.006; p = 0.0.043); in contrast, the level of adiponectin significantly increased (p < 0.001).ConclusionsSleeve gastrectomy and follow-up nutritional therapy resulted in a significant body weight reduction within 1 year after surgery. An improvement of certain dietary habits in patients was registered. At 12 months after surgery, there were no statistically significant differences in decreases in ghrelin and leptin concentrations between patients without changed appetite and those reporting decreased appetite.

IntroductionSurgical intervention in obesity is today the most effective treatment method in high level obesity management with long-term clinical results and satisfaction of operated patients. Bariatric interventions not only ensure body weight reduction, but may influence lipid and saccharide metabolism as well.AimTo monitor the dynamics of changes in selected lipid and glucose metabolism parameters after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in obese women.Material and methodsDuring the period from September 2010 to June 2011, 35 women, operated on by sleeve gastrectomy, were monitored within a pilot open study. Parameters of lipid and glucose metabolism were measured, and body composition was evaluated, using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Laboratory parameters were assessed prior to LSG and at 3 and 6 months after the surgery.ResultsData of the 35 study subjects are presented. Average age was 41.9 years (27-68 years). Six months after LSG, body weight reduction was achieved from 117.7 ±17.1 kg to 91.2 ±17.2 kg (p < 0.001). The body mass index (BMI) dropped from 42.7 ±4.7 kg/m2 to 33.0 ±4.9 kg/m2 (p < 0.001). The excess weight loss (EWL) was 49.01%. High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol increased from 1.29 mmol/l to 1.39 mmol/l (p < 0.025). Triacylglycerols dropped from 1.97 mmol/l to 1.31 mmol/l (p < 0.001). Glycated hemoglobin dropped from 4.03% to 3.59% (p < 0.001), and C-peptide decreased from 1703 pmol/l to 1209 pmol/l (p < 0.002). The observed changes of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, total cholesterol or fasting glucose levels were not significant. Six months after LSG, both weight and BMI significantly decreased.ConclusionsSix months after the operation, glucose homeostasis was improved. Despite the rather short-term monitoring period, our study did confirm LSG to influence not only total weight loss and fat tissue reduction but to improve risk factors, mainly glucose homeostasis and dyslipidemia, as well.