Medical and Psychosocial Outcomes of Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Cross-sectional Findings at 4-Year Follow-up

In conjunction with the Louisiana Office of Group Benefits, the Louisiana State University School of Medicine conducted a study to examine 4-year medical and psychosocial outcomes of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) surgery in patients insured by a state-run managed care program. Forty severely obese participants (body mass index > 40 and < 60 kg/m(2)) underwent LRYGB surgery. Four years later, self-reported data on weight, blood pressure, blood glucose, and cholesterol were collected from the participants via telephone, and chart reviews for most recent weight and laboratory measures available were requested from physicians of record. Participants also completed self-report measures of quality of life, depressive symptoms, binge eating, quality of eating style, and overall satisfaction with the surgery via telephone. Patients lost an average of 62% of excess weight. In addition, the sample showed favorable medical outcomes in terms of blood pressure, lipid profiles, and blood glucose. Patients reported low depression, good quality of life, high satisfaction with surgery, and no binge eating 4 years post-surgery. However, many participants reported concerns about eating habits as well as excessive intake of high-fat, high-calorie foods. Overall, these results suggest healthy levels of psychosocial and medical functioning 4 years after LRYGB and highlight the need for long-term dietary counseling and support post-surgery.