Twelve-Month Outcomes after Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery among Youths Participating in a Structured Preparation and Follow-Up Program: Results of the Youth with Extreme Obesity Study

Abstract

Introduction: While invasive and associated with risks, metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) can promote sustained weight loss and substantial health benefits in youths with extreme obesity. The path toward informed decision making for or against MBS is poorly characterized and postoperative follow-up to assess risks and benefits is inconsistent. In youths with extreme obesity, we aimed to evaluate decision making toward MBS, as well as MBS outcomes and adherence with follow-up and recommendations in the setting of a structured pre- and post-MBS program. Methods: Participants were recruited in the setting of the multicenter “Youth with Extreme Obesity Study” (YES). YES is a cohort study in adolescents and young adults aged 14–24 years with obesity (BMI ≥30.0 kg/m²) who were recruited at four medical centers and one job center in Germany between 2012 and 2018. Participants at two medical centers with BMI ≥35 kg/m², aged 14–24 years, and interested in pursuing MBS were included in the subproject 3 “Safety and effectiveness of weight loss surgery in adolescents with severe obesity within a structured pre- and post-surgery treatment program – an observational study” that comprised a 2-months pre- and 12-months post-MBS program. Results: Twenty-eight of 169 youths (17%) with BMI ≥35 kg/m² were interested in MBS. Twenty-six fulfilled published eligibility criteria for MBS and participated in the structured pre-MBS preparation program. Of these, 9 participants (2 females) decided against, and 17 (n = 11 females) decided for MBS (sleeve gastrectomy). The 12-month follow-up rate was high (16/17 [94%]) and all participants achieved significant weight reduction (ΔBMI: −16.1 ± 5.6 kg/m²). Eleven of 16 participants (69%) reported taking the prescribed dietary supplements in the first year after MBS, but only five of them (31%) did so daily. In contrast to the high 12-month retention rate, follow-up after completion of the structured program was low at 24-months (9/16 [56%]) and at 36-months (5/15 [36%]), respectively. Conclusion: Participants demonstrated active decision making for or against MBS and high adherence with the structured pre- and 12 months post-MBS program, but participation was low thereafter. These findings endorse the need for longer term structured post-MBS programs to capture long-term outcomes and provide adequate care in this vulnerable group at the transition to adulthood.