Effect of Bariatric Surgery on Physical Function and Metabolic Rate

Abstract

Laparoscopic banding and gastric bypass surgeries have demonstrated to be effective methods for inducing weight loss in the morbidly obese. Limited information is available regarding the changes in physical function, metabolic rate and respiratory quotient (RQ) associated with weight loss experienced post bariatric surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine physical function, metabolic rate, resting energy expenditure and RQ associated with weight loss experienced post bariatric surgery. METHODS: Six morbidly obese 160.08 ± 60.48 kg, BMI = 56.08 ± 10.13 male (n=2) and female (n=4) subjects age 41.50 ± 8.22 years were recruited from a private surgical practice to participate in the study. Five subjects underwent laparoscopic banding and one subject gastric bypass. Subjects completed pre-operative testing (T-1) 46.83 ± 35.36 days before surgery and post-operative testing (T-2) 52.83 ± 17.23 days after surgery. Testing consisted of height, weight, heart rate, blood pressure, sit to stand test, 4m walk test, electrical impedance of the upper extremity, lower extremity, resting energy expenditure and RQ. RESULTS: Weight decreased significantly and there was a non-significant trend toward a decrease in RQ. There were no significant changes in sit to stand test, 4 m walk test and energy expenditure when corrected for body weight measured by oxygen consumption.TABLECONCLUSION: Weight loss was associated with a trend toward increased fat metabolism as indicated by decreased RQ. Despite the significant reduction in weight there were no changes in sit to stand test or 4 m walk test. These findings suggest that movement patterns are primarily influenced by established neurological patterns independent of weight loss.