Early weight loss in adolescents following bariatric surgery predicts weight loss at 12 and 24months.

Abstract

Growing evidence supports the efficacy of paediatric bariatric surgery. However, there is a paucity of data examining adolescent outcomes post surgery. Among adults, studies have shown that early weight loss is associated with long-term weight loss. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the association between early weight loss at 3months with longer-term weight loss at 12 and 24months in adolescents post surgery. We hypothesized that patients who have greater weight loss within the first 3months will have greater weight loss at 12 and 24months post surgery. A retrospective chart review of bariatric surgery patients (n=28) was conducted. Anthropometric measurements at baseline and 3, 12, and 24months were analysed. Percent of excess weight loss (%EWL) at 3, 12, and 24months were 33.6±11.3%, 55.0±20.5%, and 55.1±27.1%, respectively. %EWL at 3months was positively associated with %EWL at 12 and 24months (P<0.05). Receiver operating characteristic curve results identified a cut-off of greater than or equal to 30%EWL at 3months predicted successful weight loss, defined as greater than or equal to 50%EWL at 12 and 24months. These findings demonstrate that majority of weight loss among adolescents occurs within the first postoperative year. Greater %EWL by 3months post surgery predicts successful and sustained weight loss over time.