Effect of preoperative eating patterns and preoperative weight loss on the short- and mid-term weight loss results of sleeve gastrectomy

Introduction: Weight loss depends directly on the adhesion to the postoperative diet in patients undergoing a sleeve gastrectomy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of different preoperative feeding patterns and the adhesion to a preoperative diet on short and mid- term postoperative weight loss.

Material and methods: A prospective study of all morbidly obese patients undergoing a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy as a bariatric procedure between 2008 and 2012 was performed. Preoperative feeding patterns and weight loss, preoperatively and postoperatively at 12 and 24 months, were evaluated.

Results: A total of 50 patients were included, with a mean preoperative BMI of 51,2+7,9 kg/m(2). All the patients presented a feeding pattern of big eaters, 44% of snackers, 40% of sweet eaters and 48% reported regular ingestion of «light» soft drinks. Mean preoperative excess weight loss (EWL) was 13,4% (range 10-31,4%). At 12 months mean EWL was 83,7% and at 24 months 82,4%. Pre and postoperative EWL showed a direct correlation at 12 and 24 months. Mean EWL was significantly lower in snackers, sweet eaters and those drinking «light» soft drinks regularly.

Conclusion: Preoperative weight loss correlates directly with postoperative weight loss at 1 and 2 years. Snackers, sweet eaters and «light» soft drink consumers, associated with a big eater pattern, achieve a significantly lower postoperative weight loss.