American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting
In a significant long-term study, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery has shown sustained benefits in weight loss and type 2 diabetes remission. Conducted by researchers at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA, the study followed 2,045 patients over up to 20 years, presenting compelling evidence at the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting.
The participants, who underwent the procedure between 2001 and 2008, had an average age of 46 years and a body mass index (BMI) of 47.9 before surgery. Among the 677 patients with pre-operative diabetes, remission rates were notable: 54% achieved remission at three years, though this rate decreased to 38% after 15 years. For those with insulin-dependent diabetes, only about 10% experienced remission over the same period, with persistent diabetes being more common in this group.
Weight loss outcomes were also significant. Patients reached peak weight loss at 31.8% of their body weight after 18 months, stabilizing at 23% from the 10-year mark up to 20 years. The overall mortality rate after 15 years stood at 13.3%, with a higher rate of 37.4% observed in patients over 60 with diabetes. Importantly, there were no deaths directly attributable to the surgical procedure.
Dr. Anthony T. Petrick, Director of the Division of Bariatric and Foregut Surgery at Geisinger Health System and study author, emphasized the importance of this evidence, especially in light of available medical and endoscopic therapies. “The demonstration of long-term effectiveness of gastric bypass that exceeds that of these alternatives is critical to providing the right intervention for the right patient at the right time,” he stated.
The ASMBS noted that approximately 280,000 metabolic and bariatric procedures were performed in 2022, which represents only about 1% of those eligible based on BMI criteria.
Dr. Marina Kurian, ASMBS President, highlighted the study’s importance in understanding long-term outcomes due to its high follow-up rates. Although she was not involved in the research, she acknowledged its significant contribution to the field.
The study’s findings are particularly relevant given the high prevalence of obesity in the United States. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 42.4% of Americans are affected by obesity, a condition linked to weakened immune function, chronic inflammation, and increased risk of diseases such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
This research underscores the long-term benefits of gastric bypass surgery, providing critical insights for medical professionals and patients considering weight-loss surgery as a viable option for managing obesity and related conditions.
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