How Weight Loss Surgery
Affects Elderly

Weight Loss Surgery To Reduce Obesity - Research Into Gastric Reduction Surgery

Effects of Bariatric Surgery in Older Patients

Because of an increased morbidity in older patients who may not be as active as younger individuals, there remain concerns that they may not tolerate the operation well or lose adequate amounts of weight.

Methods

The database of patients who had undergone bariatric surgery since 1980 and National Death Index were queried for patients <60 and >/= 60 years of age. Gastric bypass (GBP) was the procedure of choice after 1985. Data evaluated at 1 and 5 years included:

- weight lost
- % weight lost (% WL)
- % excess weight loss (% EWL)
- % ideal body weight (% IBW)
- mortality, complications, and obesity comorbidity.

Results

Eighty patients underwent bariatric surgery: age 63 +/- 3 years, 78% women, 68 white, 132 +/- 22 kg, BMI 49 +/- 7 kg/m, 217 +/- 32%IBW. Preoperative comorbidity, was greater (P < 0.001) in patients >/= 60 years. There were no operative deaths but 11 late deaths. Complications: 4 major wound infections, 2 anastomotic leaks, 10 symptomatic marginal ulcers, 5 stomal stenoses, 3 bowel obstructions, 26 incisional hernias (non-laparoscopic), and 1 pulmonary embolism. At 1 year after surgery (94% follow-up), patients lost 38 +/- 11 kg, 57% EWL, 30% WL, BMI 34.5 +/- 7 kg/m, % IBW 153 +/- 31. Comorbidities decreased (P < 0.001); however, % WL and % EWL and improvement in hypertension and orthopedic problems, although significant, were greater in younger patients. At 5 years after surgery (58% follow-up), they had lost 31 +/- 18 kg, 50% EWL, 26% WL, BMI 35 +/- 8 kg/m, and % IBW 156 +/- 36.

Conclusions

Bariatric surgery was effective for older patients with a low morbidity and mortality. Older patients had more pre- and post-operative comorbidities and lost less weight than younger patients. However the weight loss and improvement in comorbidities in older patients were clinically significant.

Authors:
Sugerman HJ, DeMaria EJ, Kellum JM, Sugerman EL, Meador JG, Wolfe LG. Division of General Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University,
Richmond, VA, USA.

Source:
National Library of Medicine

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Laparoscopic or open bariatric surgery, such as gastric banding or bypass is not an easy solution to morbid obesity and weight loss. It is a serious surgical procedure, involving health risks. To produce lasting weight loss it requires a long-term patient commitment to eating a healthy diet and following a regular program of physical exercise. Life-long use of nutritional supplements may also be necessary. So, before deciding, discuss your options fully with your doctor. © 2003-2008 Bariatric-Surgery.Info - Terms - Contact - Information - Resources - Add URL