Obesity-related Medical Conditions Research Articles

Long-term Outcome of the Dutch Common Channel Trial (DUCATI): Preservation of Superior Weight Loss Results Without Significant Malnutrition Side Effects.

The optimal bowel limb lengths for laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) to maximize weight loss while minimizing nutritional deficiencies in severe obesity treatment remain a topic of debate. The multi-center Dutch Common Channel Trial (DUCATI) aims to compare the outcomes of a very long Roux Limb Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (VLRL-LRYGB) with a standard Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (S-LRYGB). A total of 444 patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1, double-blind manner to undergo either VLRL-RYGB or S-LRYGB. Five-year follow-up data were assessed, concentrating on weight loss, obesity-related medical conditions, complications, re-operations, and malnutrition. Both groups had comparable total alimentary lengths (RL + CC). The VLRL-LRYGB group demonstrated significantly greater %TWL (32.2% vs. 28.6%, p = 0.002) and %EWL (81.2% vs. 70.3%, p = 0.002) at 5years. Eight (3.6%) patients in the VLRL-LRYGB group versus 2 (0.9%) in the S-LRYGB group (p = 0.055) needed modification surgery for malabsorption. Suboptimal clinical response rate was significantly higher (22.0% vs. 8.3%) in S-LRYGB group. No significant differences for nutrient deficiencies in favor of the S-LRYGB group were found. A 100-cm common channel with a relatively long Roux limb provides superior, sustainable weight loss over 5years, without significantly increased rate of malabsorption-related re-operations. These results suggest that a longer Roux limb can still ensure adequate micronutrient uptake in the total alimentary tract. These findings should be considered in discussions regarding the optimal Roux-en-Y limb length for severe obesity treatment.

Longitudinal economic burden of incident complications among metabolic syndrome populations

BackgroundThis study quantifies the longitudinal economic burden for a wide spectrum of incident complications, metabolic syndrome (MS)-related risk factors, and comorbidities in patients with MS.MethodsThis retrospective study utilized linked data from the 2013 National Health Interview Survey and the 2012–2021 National Health Insurance Research Database to identify MS individuals and their characteristics. The incidence rate of each complication was calculated as the number of complication events in the study period divided by the total person-years during follow-up. The healthcare costs of complications were analyzed using a generalized estimating equation model to determine the cost impact of complications after adjustment for patients’ characteristics. Sensitivity analyses on variables with high missing rates (i.e., cause of death, body mass index) were performed.ResultsAmong 837 identified MS individuals over 8.28 (± 1.35) years of follow-up, the most frequent complications were microvascular diseases (incidence rate for nephropathy/retinopathy/neuropathy: 6.49/2.64/2.08 events per 100 person-years), followed by cardiovascular diseases (2.47), peripheral vascular diseases (2.01), and cancers (1.53). Death was the costliest event (event-year cost per person: USD 16,429) and cancers were the most expensive complications (USD 9,127−11,083 for non-MS- and MS-related cancers). Developing non-MS/MS-related cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity-related medical conditions increased annual costs by 273% (95% CI: 181−397%)/175% (105−269%), 159% (118−207%), and 140% (84−214%), respectively. Microvascular diseases had the lowest cost impact on annual costs (i.e., 27% [17−39%]/27% [11−46%]/24% [11−37%] increases for nephropathy/neuropathy/retinopathy, respectively). Having existing comorbidities increased annual costs by 20% (osteoarthritis) to 108% (depression). Having morbid obesity (i.e., body mass index ≥ 35 kg/m2) increased annual costs by 58% (30−91%).ConclusionsThe economic burden from costly incident complications (i.e., cardiovascular diseases, peripheral vascular diseases, cancers), MS-related risk factors (i.e., morbid obesity), and comorbidities (i.e., depression) highlight the urgent need for early intervention to prevent MS and its progression. The comprehensive cost estimates reported in this study can facilitate the parameterization of economic analyses to identify cost-effective interventions for these patients.

Revisional Bariatric Surgery After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass for Bile Reflux: a Single-Center Long-Term Cohort Study.

Revisional bariatric surgery (RBS) after primary Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is indicated for the efficient management of specific complications such as bile reflux. Published literature on this topic remains scarce as we aim to evaluate the long-term outcomes (10years) of RBS for bile reflux after RYGB. We conducted a single-center retrospective study of patients who underwent primary RYGB complicated by bile reflux and had RBS between 2008 and 2023. Our cohort was divided into two groups based on the etiology of bile reflux. Long-term surgical outcomes and nutritional status were reported and compared between the groups. A total of 41 patients (100% primary RYGB; 90.2% female, 97.6% white) were included. 56.1% (n = 23) of patients underwent Roux limb lengthening and the remaining 43.9% (n = 18) had a gastrogastric fistula takedown, with no significant differences in terms of intraoperative complications, estimated blood loss (p = 0.616), length of hospital stay (p = 0.099), and postoperative complications between the two groups. Long-term resolution of obesity-related medical conditions was demonstrated for all the evaluated comorbidities. Lastly, there was no reported mortality, bile reflux recurrence, or micro- and macro-nutrient deficiencies over the total follow-up period of 10years. In our cohort, RBS after a primary RYGB for bile reflux management demonstrated safe and efficient short- and long-term surgical outcomes without any reported bile reflux recurrence or mortality. Adequate supplementation and close patient follow-up remain essential to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with RBS as further studies are required to support our findings.

Comprehensive outcomes after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with a near-complete 15-year follow-up

BackgroundLaparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass has a well-established safety and efficacy profile in the short and mid-term. Long-term outcomes remain limited in the literature, especially for follow-up periods of >10 years. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the long-term durability and safety of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass over a near-complete 15-year follow-up. MethodsThis is a single-center retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent primary laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass between 2008 and 2009 with ≥14-year follow-up. Data collected and analyzed were weight loss, obesity-related medical condition resolution and recurrence, weight recurrence, complication rate, and mortality rate. ResultsA total of 264 patients were included. Patients were predominantly female (81.8%), and the mean age and preoperative body mass index were 48.5 ± 12.2 years and 44.9 ± 7.3 kg/m2, respectively. The maximum mean percentage total weight loss achieved at 1 year was 31.5% ± 5.7% and was consistently >20% throughout follow-up. Sustained resolution of obesity-related medical conditions was achieved with a remission rate of 60.8% for type 2 diabetes mellitus, 46.7% for denoted dyslipidemia, and 40% for hypertension. Obesity-related medical condition recurrence was observed with a recurrence rate of 24.1% for type 2 diabetes mellitus, 17.9% for hypertension, and 14.8% for denoted dyslipidemia. Significant factors associated with weight loss were maximum percentage total weight loss and preoperative type 2 diabetes mellitus. Over 15 years, the weight recurrence rate was 51.1%, with predictors of higher preoperative body mass index and preoperative type 2 diabetes mellitus. ConclusionLaparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass provides sustainable weight loss over a 15-year period, with consistent long-term weight-loss outcomes and resolution of obesity-related medical conditions sustained for ≥10 years after surgery.

Predicting short-term thromboembolic risk following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass using supervised machine learning.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is a widely recognized bariatric procedure that is particularly beneficial for patients with class III obesity. It aids in significant weight loss and improves obesity-related medical conditions. Despite its effectiveness, postoperative care still has challenges. Clinical evidence shows that venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of 30-d morbidity and mortality after RYGB. Therefore, a clear unmet need exists for a tailored risk assessment tool for VTE in RYGB candidates. To develop and internally validate a scoring system determining the individualized risk of 30-d VTE in patients undergoing RYGB. Using the 2016-2021 Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation Quality Improvement Program, data from 6526 patients (body mass index ≥ 40 kg/m2) who underwent RYGB were analyzed. A backward elimination multivariate analysis identified predictors of VTE characterized by pulmonary embolism and/or deep venous thrombosis within 30 d of RYGB. The resultant risk scores were derived from the coefficients of statistically significant variables. The performance of the model was evaluated using receiver operating curves through 5-fold cross-validation. Of the 26 initial variables, six predictors were identified. These included a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with a regression coefficient (Coef) of 2.54 (P < 0.001), length of stay (Coef 0.08, P < 0.001), prior deep venous thrombosis (Coef 1.61, P < 0.001), hemoglobin A1c > 7% (Coef 1.19, P < 0.001), venous stasis history (Coef 1.43, P < 0.001), and preoperative anticoagulation use (Coef 1.24, P < 0.001). These variables were weighted according to their regression coefficients in an algorithm that was generated for the model predicting 30-d VTE risk post-RYGB. The risk model's area under the curve (AUC) was 0.79 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.63-0.81], showing good discriminatory power, achieving a sensitivity of 0.60 and a specificity of 0.91. Without training, the same model performed satisfactorily in patients with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with an AUC of 0.63 (95%CI: 0.62-0.64) and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty with an AUC of 0.76 (95%CI: 0.75-0.78). This simple risk model uses only six variables to assist clinicians in the preoperative risk stratification of RYGB patients, offering insights into factors that heighten the risk of VTE events.

The feasibility and outcomes of metabolic and bariatric surgery prior to neoplastic therapy

BackgroundMetabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is a potent intervention for addressing obesity-related medical conditions and achieving sustainable weight loss. Beyond its conventional role, MBS has demonstrated potential to serve as a transitional step for patients requiring various interventions. However, the implications of MBS in the context of neoplasia remain understudied. ObjectivesTo explore the feasibility of MBS as a possible attempt to reduce surgical and treatment risks in patients with benign tumors or low-grade cancers. SettingMulticenter review from twelve tertiary referral centers spanning 8 countries. MethodsA retrospective review of patients with a diagnosis of primary neoplasia, deemed inoperable or high-risk due to obesity, and receiving primary MBS prior to neoplastic therapy. Data encompassed baseline characteristics, neoplasia characteristics, MBS outcomes, and neoplastic therapy outcomes. ResultsThirty-seven patients (median age 52 years, 75.7% female, median BMI of 49.1 kg/m2) were included. There were 9 distinct organs of origin of primary neoplasia, with the endometrium (43.2%) being the most common, followed by the pancreas, colon, kidney and breast. Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) was the most commonly performed MBS procedure (78.4%), with no MBS-related complications or mortalities reported over an average of 4.3 ± 3.9 years. Thirty-one patients (83.8%) eventually underwent neoplastic surgery, with a mean BMI decrease from 49.9 kg/m2 to 39.7 kg/m2 at surgery over an average of 5.8 ± 4.8 months. There were 2 (6.7%) documented mortalities associated with neoplastic surgical intervention. ConclusionsThis study highlights the potential feasibility of employing MBS prior to neoplastic therapy in patients with low-grade, less aggressive neoplasms in the context of obesity. This underscores the importance of providing a personalized, case-to-case multidisciplinary approach in the management of these patients.

The association between BMI and self-reported health among a Brazilian sample: a cross-sectional study.

To examine the association between Body Mass Index (BMI) and self-rated health status among a representative sample of the Brazilian population. This study consists of a secondary analysis of the existing 2019 Brazilian National Health Survey (PNS). Logistic regression models were then used to examine the association between self-reported health status and BMI, while controlling for obesity-related medical conditions and socio-demographic characteristics. The representative sample included 34,021 men and 34,430 women, comprising a total sample of 68,451. Men living with obesity (BMI ≥ 30kg/m2) had, on average, a lower self-reported health status score (OR = 0.69, p < 0.01) compared to men within a healthy weight BMI range (18.5-25kg/m2). Women living with obesity had, on average, a lower self-reported health status score (OR = 0.56, p < 0.01) compared to women within a healthy weight BMI range (18.5-25kg/m2). There was also a statistically significant negative association (p < 0.01) between our obesity-related medical conditions and self-reported health for men and women. We also find some evidence of a non-linear association between BMI and health status for men. The findings indicate that there is a statistically significant negative association between BMI and self-reported health for Brazilian men and women living with obesity. These findings reinforce the importance of addressing this growing public health challenge and the value of preventive measures and effective public health programs that focus on improving overall health and quality of life for individuals living with obesity.

Single Anastomosis Duodenoileostomy with Sleeve: A Comprehensive Review of Anatomy, Surgical Technique, and Outcomes.

Single anastomosis duodenoileal bypass with sleeve (SADI-S) is a recently endorsed metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) procedure in the US. Despite its favorable characteristics, the utilization of SADI-S remains limited, accounting for a mere 0.25% of all MBS procedures performed. This review aims to offer an updated examination of the technique, while also presenting the safety and outcomes associated with SADI-S on both the short and long term. The safety of SADI-S is well-established, with short-term complication rates as low as 2.6%. A common channel length of 300cm has consistently shown a lower incidence of malabsorption complications compared to shorter lengths. Bile reflux after SADI-S is relatively rare with an incidence of only 1.23%. SADI-S demonstrated sustained total weight loss (%TWL) at 5years (37%) and 10years (34%) postoperatively. Resolution of weight-related medical conditions was also significant after SADI-S, with remission rates of diabetes mellitus as high as 86.6% with over 5years of follow-up. SADI-S is a safe and effective MBS procedure that has shown impressive and sustainable results in terms of weight loss and improvement in obesity-related medical conditions. Careful limb length selection is essential in minimizing the risk of nutritional deficiencies. SADI-S holds great promise as a valuable option for individuals seeking effective weight loss and improvement in associated health conditions.

Risk reduction of non-hormonal cancers following bariatric surgery.

Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is the most effective intervention for weight loss leading to significant resolution of obesity-related medical conditions. Recent literature has demonstrated risk reduction of certain cancer types after MBS. Studies have shown an overall reduction in the risk of hormonal cancer, such as breast and endometrial cancer. However, the association between bariatric surgery and the incidence of various types of non-hormonal cancer such as esophageal, gastric, liver, gallbladder, colorectal, pancreatic and kidney cancer remains contested. The aim of this study was to highlight obesity and its relationship to cancer development as well as bariatric surgery and its role in cancer reduction with focus on non-hormonal cancers.

Feasibility and Outcomes of Simultaneous Gastric Bypass with Paraesophageal Hernia Repair in Elderly Patients.

Paraesophageal hernias (PEH) have a higher incidence in patients with obesity. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) with concomitant PEH repair is established as a valid surgical option for PEH management in patients with obesity. The safety and feasibility of this approach in the elderly population are not well elucidated. We performed a multicenter retrospective cohort study of patients aged 65 years and older who underwent simultaneous PEH repair and RYGB from 2008 to 2022. Patient demographics, hernia characteristics, postoperative complications, and weight loss data were collected. Obesity-related medical conditions' resolution rates were evaluated at the last follow-up. A matched paired t-test and Pearson's test were used to assess continuous and categorical parameters, respectively. A total of 40 patients (82.5% female; age, 69.2 ± 3.6 years; BMI, 39.4 ± 4.7 kg/m2) with a mean follow-up of 32.3 months were included. The average hernia size was 5.8 cm. Most cases did not require mesh use during surgery (92.5%) with only 3 (7.5%) hernial recurrences. Postoperative complications (17.5%) and mortality rates (2.5%), as well as readmission (2.5%), reoperation (2.5%), and reintervention (0%) rates at 30-day follow-up were reported. There was a statistically significant resolution in gastroesophageal reflux disease (p < 0.001), hypertension (p = 0.019), and sleep apnea (p = 0.014). The safety and effectiveness of simultaneous PEH repair and RYGB are adequate for the elderly population. Patient selection is crucial to reduce postoperative complications. Further studies with larger cohorts are needed to fully assess the impact of this surgery on elderly patients with obesity.

WEIGHT LOSS AND QUALITY OF LIFE AFTER ONE ANASTOMOSIS GASTRIC BYPASS: A 2-YEAR FOLLOW-UP STUDY.

•One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) led to significant weight loss after 2 years. •OAGB associated was well-succeeded in regards to weight loss in most individuals. •OAGB led to significant improvement of quality of life (QoL) assessed by the BAROS system. •"Self-steem" and "work capacity" were the most positively affected QoL domains after OAGB. Background - Studies assessing quality of life (QoL) after one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) are currently scarce. Objective - To analyze the main weight loss outcomes and QoL in individuals undergoing OAGB during a 2-year follow-up. Methods - This is a retrospective study based on a prospectively collected database including individuals which underwent OAGB at a tertiary-level university hospital. After 2-years, excess weight loss was assessed, and post-surgical therapeutical success was determined using Reinhold's criteria. QoL was assessed through the Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcomes System (BAROS). Results - Out of 41 participants, 90.2% were female and the average age was 38±8.3 years old. The average body mass index significantly decreased from 37.1±5.6 kg/m2 to 27±4.5 kg/m2 after 2-years (P< 0.001). The mean percentage of excess weight loss was 84.6±32.5%. Regarding weight loss outcomes, 61% were considered "excellent", while 26.8% were "good" according to Reinhold's criteria. With regards to QoL assessed by BAROS, most individuals achieved a score classified as either "excellent" (26.8%), "very good" (36.6%), or "good" (31.7%). The highest degrees of satisfaction achieved were in the domains "self-esteem" and "work capacity", in which 75.6% and 61%, respectively, were classified as "much better". Conclusion - OAGB associated with significant weight loss and resolution of obesity-related medical conditions, as well as relevant QoL improvement assessed by the BAROS system.

African American Patients Experience Worse Outcomes than Hispanic Patients Following Bariatric Surgery: an Analysis Using the MBSAQIP Data Registry.

Obesity rates in Hispanics and African Americans (AAs) are higher than in Caucasians in the USA, yet the rate of metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) for weight loss remains lower for both Hispanics and AAs. Patient demographics and outcomes of adult AA and Hispanic patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) procedures were analyzed using the MBSAQIP dataset [2015-2018] using unmatched and propensity-matched data. In total, 173,157 patients were included, of whom 98,185 were AA [56.7%] [21,163-RYGB; 77,022-SG] and 74,972 were Hispanic [43.3%] [20,282-RYGB; 54,690-SG]). Preoperatively, the AA cohort was older, had more females, and higher BMIs with higher rates of all tracked obesity-related medical conditions except for diabetes, venous stasis, and prior foregut surgery. Intra- and postoperatively, AAs were more likely to experience major complications including unplanned ICU admission, 30-day readmission/reintervention, and mortality. After propensity matching, the differences in ED visits, treatment for dehydration, 30-day readmission, 30-day intervention, and pulmonary embolism remained for both SG and RYGB cohorts. Progressive renal insufficiency and ventilator use lost statistical significance in both cohorts. Conversely, 30-day reoperation, postoperative ventilator requirement, unplanned intubation, unplanned ICU admission, and mortality lost significance in the RYGB cohort, but not SG patients. Outcomes for AA patients were worse than for Hispanic patients, even after propensity matching. After matching, differences in major complications and mortality lost significance for RYGB, but not SG. These data suggest that outcomes for RYGB may be driven by the presence and severity of pre-existing patient-related factors.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Among Obese Patients in Oman

Studies characterizing Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) are limited in Oman. This study aims to assess the prevalence of NAFLD in obese Omani patients and find its relationship with other obesity-related medical conditions. Fifty-five adult obese patients were evaluated via medical history, clinical examination, and laboratory tests. Patients with any possible risk of liver injury were excluded. Diagnosis of NAFLD relied on ultrasonography criteria. Data were entered and analyzed in SPSS (version 22). The prevalence of NAFLD was calculated using frequency and percentages. Out of the total patient population, 37 (67.3%) have had NAFLD. Most of the patients (81%) were below 50 years of age. Systolic hypertension was present in 45.9%, while diastolic hypertension was present in 43.2%. AST and ALT levels were significantly increased (p&lt;0.001) in most patients; 81.1% and 73%, respectively. Fasting blood sugar (FBS) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were higher in NAFLD patients (p&lt;0.01). Mean levels of LDL, uric acid, and total cholesterol were significantly higher in the NAFLD patients (p&lt;0.01). In conclusion, NAFLD and related metabolic complications are prevalent in obese Omani individuals. Keywords. NAFLD, Obesity, Oman

C-L Psychiatry Vital in Assessing Patients Before, After Bariatric Surgery

C-L Psychiatry Vital in Assessing Patients Before, After Bariatric Surgery

Outcomes following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) vary by sex: Analysis of 83,059 women and men with morbid obesity

BackgroundPreviously we have reported variation in pre-operative clinical characteristics between women and men undergoing laparoscopic roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). However, variation by sex in post-operative outcomes following LRYGB has not been investigated. MethodsPre-operative data was compared to follow-up data at 12 months after surgery on 83,059 patients from the Surgical Review Corporation's BOLD database. Data included age, weight, BMI, and 31 obesity-related medical conditions. ResultsMen had increased weight, actual weight lost, and BMI. Women had higher rates of gastrointestinal and mental health disorders. Men failed to resolve cardiopulmonary/vascular and metabolic derangements, abdominal hernia, and were more functionally impaired than women. ConclusionsOverall, women may benefit more from LRYG than men, as their pre-operative conditions showed greater improvement at 12 months post-op. This advance knowledge may aid LRYGB planning and improve outcomes.

PSY20 - Health State Utilities and High Body Mass Index: Evidence from who Study of Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE)

To provide age- and sex-specific health state utilities (HSUs) and examine their associations with overweight/ obesity in the Ghanaian population. Data from the World Health Organization’s 2008 Study of Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE) was used. HSUs were derived, first by mapping EQ-5D-3L profiles to responses from the health state descriptions in SAGE. The UK population norms were applied in the baseline scenario to calculate HSUs. Multilevel linear regressions that utilize the identity link were used to evaluate associations between HSUs and overweight/ obesity. Responses from 3,946 adults aged 18-79 years were analysed. The mean (95 % confidence interval) HSU was 0.661 (95% CI: 0.652, 0.670) for the analytical sample, 0.690 (95% CI: 0.679, 0.702) for men and 0.626 (95% CI: 0.612, 0.640) for women. Mean HSU was significantly higher for overweight respondents compared to those with normal BMI. There was statistically significant negative association between HSUs and being a woman (-0.048; 95% CI: -0.066, -0.029) compared to being a man, women with class I obesity (-0.047; 95% CI: -0.091, -0.002) compared to women with normal BMI, ages 50-79 years compared to 18-29 years and all obesity-related medical conditions. The study provides HSUs by sex and age in the Ghanaian population. Mean HSU was significantly higher in overweight respondents in the population; and class I obesity (BMI= 30.00 to ≤ 35.00kg/m2) was negatively associated with HSUs in women.

Organization of future training in bariatric gastroenterology

A world-wide rise in the prevalence of obesity continues. This rise increases the occurrence of, risks of, and costs of treating obesity-related medical conditions. Diet and activity programs are largely inadequate for the long-term treatment of medically-complicated obesity. Physicians who deliver gastrointestinal care after completing traditional training programs, including gastroenterologists and general surgeons, are not uniformly trained in or familiar with available bariatric care. It is certain that gastrointestinal physicians will incorporate new endoscopic methods into their practice for the treatment of individuals with medically-complicated obesity, although the long-term impact of these endoscopic techniques remains under investigation. It is presently unclear whether gastrointestinal physicians will be able to provide or coordinate important allied services in bariatric surgery, endocrinology, nutrition, psychological evaluation and support, and social work. Obtaining longitudinal results examining the effectiveness of this ad hoc approach will likely be difficult, based on prior experience with other endoscopic measures, such as the adenoma detection rates from screening colonoscopy. As a long-term approach, development of a specific curriculum incorporating one year of subspecialty training in bariatrics to the present training of gastrointestinal fellows needs to be reconsidered. This approach should be facilitated by gastrointestinal trainees’ prior residency training in subspecialties that provide care for individuals with medical complications of obesity, including endocrinology, cardiology, nephrology, and neurology. Such training could incorporate additional rotations with collaborating providers in bariatric surgery, nutrition, and psychiatry. Since such training would be provided in accredited programs, longitudinal studies could be developed to examine the potential impact on accepted measures of care, such as complication rates, outcomes, and costs, in individuals with medically-complicated obesity.

Identify the Most Suitable Sources of Protein and Their Costs for the Dr. Poons Metabolic Diet Program

The objective of the Dr. Poon’s Metabolic Diet Clinic is to help patients improve their obesity related medical conditions through lifestyle modifications. One of the modifications is nutrition. Patients are counseled on the importance of the essential nutrients and to avoid the foods that promote obesity and disease. Human must ingest protein to survive, but protein can be expensive. Patients who have limited food budgets may find it hard to maintain a high protein, low carbohydrate lifestyle. Furthermore, not all protein sources are equal in their biological values. This study tries to identify protein sources that have good biological values and are relatively inexpensive, so our patients can utilize their food budget wisely.

Mo1542 Endoscopic Evaluation of Excluded Stomach After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery Using Double Balloon Enteroscopy: a Multicenter Retrospective Analysis.

Mo1542 Endoscopic Evaluation of Excluded Stomach After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery Using Double Balloon Enteroscopy: a Multicenter Retrospective Analysis.

Why Patients Seek Bariatric Surgery: Does Insurance Coverage Matter?

Despite increasing prevalence of bariatric surgery, little is known about why patients seek out this treatment option. Heads Up is an observational study sponsored by a large benefits management group that examines surgical and nonsurgical approaches to weight management in obese adults. This study examined patients' reasons for choosing surgery. The sample included 360 adult obese patients seeking bariatric surgery who were invited to volunteer for a surgical or a medical weight loss program by their insurer. Participants rank ordered their top three reasons as a deciding factor for choosing to consider surgery. The top three reasons were concerns regarding health (52%), current obesity-related medical conditions (28%), and improved physical fitness (5%). Overall, 13% endorsed insurance coverage as one of their top three choices. When insurance coverage is assured, health and functionality issues were the major reasons reported for obese adults choosing to undergo bariatric surgery.