Bone Mineral Density Trends During the First Year After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy-a Cohort Study on 241 Patients

Purpose Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is an effective weight loss procedure, but detrimental effects on bone health have been described. We aimed to assess the dynamics of regional and total bone mineral density (BMD) in a cohort of patients undergoing LSG and to capture gender differences in terms of evolution. Materials and Methods We conducted a retrospective study on 241 patients who underwent LSG to determine the regional and total BMD changes at 6 and 12 months after the intervention. Results One hundred ten males and 140 females (97 pre-, 43 postmenopausal) were included. Mean baseline body mass index (BMI) was 44.16 +/- 6.11 kg/m(2) in males and 41.60 +/- 5.54 kg/m(2) in females, reaching 28.62 +/- 4.26 kg/m(2) and 27.39 +/- 4.2 kg/m(2), respectively, at 12 months. BMD showed a continuous decline, with significant loss from 6 months postoperatively. There was a positive correlation between BMD and BMI decline at 12 months (r = 0.134, p < 0.05). Total BMD loss at 12 months was significantly greater in males than premenopausal females, independent of BMI variation and age. During the first 6 months, men lost significantly more bone mass than premenopausal and postmenopausal women (BMD variation was 2.62%, 0.27%, 1.58%, respectively). The second period (6-12 months) was similar in all three groups, revealing a further steady (similar to 1.4%) BMD decline. Conclusions Our results are consistent with previous findings that LSG negatively impacts BMD, stressing the importance of bone health-oriented measures in postoperative care. Moreover, the impact that seems more significant in males warrants future exploration, as it might change clinical practice.