Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy as One-Step Procedure for Patients with Obesity: Long-Term Outcomes of a Single Center

Abstract

Background: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has become the most popular procedure in the past decade. The aim of this study is to evaluate the weight loss and weight regain (WR) results of LSG at a single center. Materials and Methods: The patients who underwent LSG between 2015 and 2018 were examined. The percentage of excess weight loss (EWL%), percentage of total weight loss (TWL%), and body mass index (BMI) were reported. WR was defined as patients who regained >25% of the peak median EWL%. Failure in weight loss (FWL) was defined as EWL% <50%. Comorbidity resolutions were recorded. Results: A total number of 202 patients were included in the study. The median follow-up time was 59 (interquartile range: 18) months. The baseline median BMI was 47.6 kg/m2. The peak median EWL and TWL were 89.5% and 42%, respectively. The median EWL and TWL at the median 5 years follow-up were 70% and 34%, respectively. No WR was reported in the first 3 years. The number of patients with WR and rates during the follow-up were as follows: 2 (1%) in 4 years, 25 (12%) in 5 years, 42 (21%) in 6 years, 58 (29%) in 7 years, and 62 (31%) patients in 8 years follow-up. The WR group has a significantly shorter time to reach the peak median EWL% and the lowest median BMI. FWL was observed in 38 patients, and 31 (82%) of them also showed WR. Total remission rates of hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus were 65% and 77%, respectively. Conclusion: Although LSG shows excellent outcomes in short-term follow-ups, more extended follow-ups showed unsatisfying results. In 8 years, almost one in three patients showed WR in this series. The patient-based treatment options might be more appropriate in bariatric surgeries.