Weight regain after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass has a large negative impact on the Bariatric Quality of Life Index

Abstract

BackgroundDespite initial successful weight loss, some patients may experience weight regain following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).ObjectiveTo assess the impact of weight regain on bariatric patients’ quality of life (QoL).MethodsThis was a prospective cross-sectional study. Fifty-six consecutive RYGB patients were recruited and divided into weight-regain and weight-stable cohorts. QoL was assessed using the Bariatric Quality of Life (BQL) questionnaire. The BQL Index scores of the weight-regain and weight-stable groups were compared using Student’s t-test. Additionally, the BQL Index score of the weight-regain group was compared with that of historical prebariatric patients. Predictors of BQL were assessed using univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses.ResultsOf 56 RYGB patients, 41 (73%) had weight regain. On average, patients had body mass index (BMI) of 37 ±7.5 kg/m2 and gained 34 ±26% of maximal weight initially lost. Weight-regain patients had lower BQL Index scores than weight-stable patients (44.8±6 vs 53±7, p<0.001). Patients with weight regain had similar BQL Index scores as the prebariatric patients despite lower BMI (BMI of 39.7±6.8 vs 47.2±7.6, p<0.05; BQL Index of 44.8±6 vs 41.6±10.4, p=0.144, respectively). Years from RYGB, BMI and amount of weight regain were associated with BQL Index on a univariate analysis (β=−0.55,−0.52, −0.7; p<0.0001). Only weight regain was a significant predictor of BQL on a multivariate analysis (β =−0.56; p=0.001).ConclusionWeight regain had a negative impact on bariatric patients’ QoL. Patients who regained at least 15% of maximal weight lost appeared to have as low QoL as those who had not undergone bariatric surgery despite a lower BMI.

Predictors of a Healthy Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q) Score 1 Year After Bariatric Surgery

“…Bariatric patients' quality of life is known to be influenced by BMI [33], the extent of weight loss [34] and weight regain [35], and by the persistence of obesity-related diseases [33]. We therefore hypothesized that these factors, along with age, sex, type of procedure and surgical complications might interfere with the postoperative improvement of eating disorders.…”

The Role of the Gut Microbiota in Sustained Weight Loss Following Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery

“…Despite the significant weight loss, a proportion of patients experience weight regain or failure of sustained weight loss (Karmali et al, 2013). Studies have shown approximately 15-35% of patient experience insufficient weight loss (less than 50% excess weight loss) or experience significant weight regain (more than 15% of maximal weight loss) following RYGB (Jirapinyo, Abu Dayyeh, & Thompson, 2017). Weight regain may start as early as 1-2 years following surgery.…”

Perceived and Preferred Social Support in Patients Experiencing Weight Regain After Bariatric Surgery—a Qualitative Study

“…Although bariatric surgery is an effective method for weight loss, less successful outcomes have been reported, including substantial weight regain. Apart from recurrence of medical risks, weight regain may also have a negative impact on the quality of life (QoL) [1]. One and a half to 2 years post-surgery, most patients have either stabilized their weight, or in some cases regained some weight [2].…”