Adding Evidence to an Evidence-Based Classification for Recurrent Weight Gain after Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery from a Norwegian National Registry.

BACKGROUND: In 2023, the first evidence-based classification for recurrent weight gain (RWG) after metabolic and bariatric surgery was introduced. It uses early and late follow-up weight loss benchmarks based on standard deviations (SD) of percentage total weight loss(%TWL) results from the large Dutch Audit for Treatment of Obesity (DATO) registry (n > 18,000). We aimed to validate this classification and confirm its clinical relevance with an external cohort. METHODS: The DATO-based classification defines all RWG as grade 1, as long as weight-loss does not drop below DATO's late-follow-up minus one SD benchmark (20%TWL). Grade 3 represents clear outliers whose RWG evolves below DATO's late follow-up minus two SD benchmark (10%TWL), with grade 2 in-between. Grades 2a/3a represent initial suboptimal clinical response, with nadir %TWL never exceeding DATO's early-follow-up minus one SD benchmark (25%TWL). Grades 2b/3b represent late clinical deterioration from nadir weight loss ≥ 25%TWL. We compared baseline characteristics, SD based benchmarks, RWG and comorbidities from the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry Norway (SOReg-N) with these DATO-derived grades. RESULTS: The SOReg-N population (n = 3064) was comparable at baseline, with more sleeve gastrectomies (54% versus DATO 22.5%). The SD benchmarks were at early follow-up minus one SD 25.8%TWL, at 5 years minus one SD/minus two-SD 17.2%TWL/7.0%TWL (DATO 25%TWL/20%TWL/10%TWL). Percentage of patients and amount of RWG were similar to DATO. In line with DATO, comorbidities were predominant in grades 2a/3a, with least improvement in grade 3a. Also, grade 3b showed more favorable characteristics at baseline. CONCLUSION: The SOReg-N cohort confirmed the weight-loss benchmarks defining the DATO-derived grades, the distribution of patients and their RWG across the grades, and correlations between grades and comorbidities. Male gender, older age and comorbidities were predominant among patients with initial suboptimal clinical response (RWG grades 2a/3a), but not for late clinical deterioration (RWG grades 2b/3b). This classification can be used for populations with diverse weight loss trajectories and offers an evidence-based guide for clinical decision-making and standardization.

Surgical Aspects of Sleeve Gastrectomy Are Related to Weight Loss and Gastro-esophageal Reflux Symptoms.

INTRODUCTION: A large variation in outcome has been reported after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) across countries and institutions. We aimed to evaluate the effect of surgical technique on total weight loss (TWL) and gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). METHODS: Observational cohort study based on data from the national registries for bariatric surgery in the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden. A retrospective analysis of prospectively obtained data from surgeries during 2015-2017 was performed based on 2-year follow-up. GERD was defined as continuous use of acid-reducing medication. The relationship between TWL, de novo GERD and operation technical variables were analyzed with regression methods. RESULTS: A total of 5927 patients were included. The average TWL was 25.6% in Sweden, 28.6% in the Netherlands, and 30.6% in Norway (p < 0.001 pairwise). Bougie size, distance from the resection line to the pylorus and the angle of His differed between hospitals. A minimized sleeve increased the expected total weight loss by 5-10 percentage points. Reducing the distance to the angle of His from 3 to just above 0 cm increased the risk of de novo GERD five-fold (from 3.5 to 17.8%). CONCLUSION: Smaller bougie size, a shorter distance to pylorus and to the angle of His were all associated with greater weight loss, whereas a shorter distance to angle of His was associated with more de novo reflux.