Clustering of Health Risk Behaviors in Mexican and Puerto Rican Men: Results from the Latino Men's Health Initiative.

Engaging in multiple health risk behaviors simultaneously may increase the risk for cardiometabolic diseases. This study examined the prevalence and clustering of three health behaviors (physical activity, fruit and vegetable consumption, and smoking) among Latino men. The participants were 99 Mexican and 104 Puerto Rican men who participated in a study addressing culture- and obesity-related factors. The health behaviors were obtained from self-reported and anthropometric assessments through objective measurements. Among all participants, 5% had no health risk behaviors, 30% had one, 47% had two, and 18% had all three; their most common health risk behavior cluster was low physical activity and low fruit and vegetable consumption (28%). Among Puerto Rican men, 7% had no health risk behaviors, 24% had one, 51% had two, and 18% had all three; their most common health risk behavior cluster was current smoker and low fruit and vegetable consumption (28%). Among Mexican men, 3% had no health risk behaviors, 36% had one, 43% had two and 19% had all three; their most common health risk behavior cluster was low physical activity and low fruit and vegetable consumption (33%). The findings highlight the need for lifestyle interventions that target multiple health risk behaviors related to cardiometabolic diseases in Latinos.

Mexican and Puerto Rican Men's Preferences Regarding a Healthy Eating, Physical Activity and Body Image Intervention.

This study examined the logistical, practical, and cultural preferences of Latinos regarding the design of a healthy eating, physical activity, and body image intervention. Puerto Rican and Mexican men (n = 203) completed an interview as part of an NIH-funded study. Overall, 66.5% preferred the intervention to be in Spanish only or both Spanish and English; 88.67% said it was moderately, very or extremely important for the intervention leader to be bilingual; and 66.01% considered it moderately to extremely important for the leader to be Hispanic or Latino. Most participants (83.74%) reported they would be willing to attend an intervention that met twice per week and 74.38% said they would be willing to attend an intervention that met for 1.5 to 2 h, twice weekly. Overall, the majority said they would be moderately to extremely interested in attending an exercise program if it consisted of aerobics with Latin or salsa movements (74.88%) and if it consisted of aerobics with Latin or salsa music (70.44%). Some participants were moderately to extremely interested in attending an intervention if it included dichos (Latino sayings) (65.02%) and cuentos (folktales or stories) (69.46%). The findings have implications for lifestyle and body image interventions aimed at preventing cardiometabolic diseases.

Effects of Exercise Mode on Improving Cardiovascular Function and Cardiorespiratory Fitness After Bariatric Surgery: A Narrative Review.

ABSTRACT: Obesity affects 600 million people globally and increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. Bariatric surgery is an increasingly popular therapeutic intervention for morbid obesity to induce rapid weight loss and reduce obesity-related comorbidities. However, some bariatric surgery patients, after what is considered a successful surgical procedure, continue to manifest obesity-related health issues, including weight gain, reduced physical function, persistent elevations in blood pressure, and reduced cardiorespiratory fitness. Cardiorespiratory fitness is a strong predictor of mortality and several health outcomes and could be improved by an appropriate exercise prescription after bariatric surgery. This review provides a broad overview of exercise training for patients after bariatric surgery and discusses cardiorespiratory fitness and other potential physiological adaptations in response to exercise training.

Metabolic Surgery Outcomes in U.S. Patients with Class I Obesity.

Background: Although numerous studies outside the United States (U.S.) have explored weight loss and comorbidity resolution among patients with class I obesity (body mass index [BMI] 30-34.9 kg/m2) after metabolic surgery, few U.S.-based studies have been conducted. Objective: Our aim was to compare weight loss and comorbidity resolution among U.S. patients with class I obesity, who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) versus Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Methods: Weight loss and comorbidity data among only patients with class I obesity, who underwent LSG or RYGB, were examined. Between April 2009 and April 2017, 1215 metabolic surgeries were performed with 30 patients meeting the inclusion criteria (17 LSG and 13 RYGB). Results: Percent total weight loss (%TWL) for LSG peaked at 12 months (20.85%), while RYGB %TWL peaked at 18 months (21.65%). Percent excess weight loss (%EWL) peaked at 12 months after LSG (83.59%) and 18 months after RYGB (98.29%). Overall follow-up was 56.3%, 36.7%, and 43.3% at 12, 18, and 24 months. LSG and RYGB were both successful with regard to resolution of medical comorbidities at 12 months. Conclusion: RYGB and LSG appear to have similar, successful outcomes among U.S. patients with class I obesity for weight loss and comorbidity resolution.

Psychosocial interventions to reduce eating pathology in bariatric surgery patients: a systematic review.

Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for severe obesity; however, a subset of patients experience suboptimal outcomes. Psychosocial interventions that address eating pathology may ameliorate negative consequences, although their efficacy has not been examined. Thus, a systematic review to evaluate the impact of psychosocial randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on eating pathology in adults pre and post-bariatric surgery was conducted. Six scientific databases were searched for psychosocial trials assessing eating pathology as an outcome. Ten RCTs representing seven distinct interventions were identified (i.e., four preoperative and six postoperative). Trials utilized cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, acceptance-based treatment, motivational interviewing, and psychoeducational interventions. Findings provide initial support for reducing eating pathology pre and postoperatively in the short-term (i.e., 6 months); however, the small number of RCTs and heterogeneity among postoperative trials made it difficult to draw conclusions. Additional longitudinal studies are needed to determine the long-term impact of psychosocial interventions that address eating pathology in bariatric surgery patients endorsing significant eating pathology.

Micronutrient Deficiencies in Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy.

The purpose of this study was to conduct a literature review to examine micronutrient deficiencies in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. We conducted a literature review using PubMed and Cochrane databases to examine micronutrient deficiencies in SG patients in order to identify trends and find consistency in recommendations. Seventeen articles were identified that met the defined criteria. Iron, vitamin B12 and vitamin D were the primary micronutrients evaluated. Results demonstrate the need for consistent iron and B12 supplementation, in addition to a multivitamin, while vitamin D supplementation may not be necessary. Additional prospective studies to establish a clearer picture of micronutrient deficiencies post-SG are needed.

Factors Associated with Weight Loss After Metabolic Surgery in a Multiethnic Sample of 1012 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic surgery is the most effective method for weight loss in the long-term treatment of morbid obesity and its comorbidities. The primary aim of this study was to examine factors associated with percent total weight loss (%TWL) after metabolic surgery among an ethnically diverse sample of patients. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on 1012 patients who underwent either a sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) at our institution between January 2008 and June 2015. RESULTS: African Americans had a lower %TWL than non-Hispanic/Latino Whites at 6, 9, 12, 18, and 48 months. At all timeframes, there was a negative association between pre-surgery TWL and %TWL after surgery. Female sex was negatively associated with %TWL at 3 months only. Higher initial BMI was also associated with greater post-operative %TWL at 18, 24 and 36 months. Older patients had lower %TWL at 6, 9, 12 and 24 months post-surgery. Patients who received RYGB had greater %TWL than those who received SG at 3, 6, 9, 12, 24 and 36 months. CONCLUSIONS: African Americans had a lower %TWL than non-Hispanic/Latino Whites at most time points; there were no other significant race/ethnicity or sex differences. BMI (greater initial BMI), age (lower) and RYGB were associated with a greater post-operative %TWL at certain post-surgery follow-up time points. A limitation of this study is that there was missing data at a number of time points due to lack of attendance at certain follow-up visits.

Robotic-Assisted Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Learning Curve Assessment Using Cumulative Sum and Literature Review.

Purpose: Robotic-assisted Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RARYGB) is a procedure that is used with increasing frequency in the United States. Among other bariatric procedures, RARYGB is a good model for the robotic platform because it allows hand-sewn suturing and energy devices application. The aim of this study was to conduct a literature review of robotic approach in RARYGB, its learning curve using the cumulative sum (CUSUM) method, and our experience as Center of Excellence recognized by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). Methods: A total of 67 patients were included. Results revealed that the learning curve was achieved after case 11. Eighteen studies were included in the pooled analysis. Results: An increase in the operative time was noted at case 46, in which a second phase was identified. A significant difference between these two phases was found only related to previous bariatric surgery. The outcomes of this series were comparable with the ones available in the literature. Conclusions: The robotic platform is increasing its role in complex procedures such as RARYGB. The hand-sewn technique may offer important advantages in terms of shorter learning curve, reduced conversion rate, and lower leakage rate.

Body Image, Physical Activity and Cultural Variables Underlying Race and Ethnicity among Latino Men.

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity is a significant public health concern among Latino men. Common correlates of obesity that have been examined in previous studies are diet, physical activity, and body image. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine whether or not there are differences in body image, physical activity and cultural variables between Mexican and Puerto Rican men. METHODS: Participants completed a health and culture interview, anthropometric measures, a dietary assessment, and an objective measure of physical activity. The results are from the 203 participants who completed the health and culture interview. RESULTS: Mexicans and Puerto Ricans did not differ in their current and ideal body image, body image discrepancy, body satisfaction or how they described their weight. Puerto Ricans watched a greater number of hours of television per day than Mexicans (p < .01). There were no significant differences in their participation in any regular activity designed to improve or maintain their physical fitness, the number of times or length they engaged in this activity, or in their perceived exertion during this activity. Puerto Ricans reported a higher level of familism (p < .01) and machismo (p < .05) than Mexicans. There were no ethnic differences in folk illness beliefs, fatalism or personalism, acculturation level, acculturative stress, or ethnic identity. CONCLUSIONS: Results are discussed in relation to the development of healthy eating, physical activity and body image interventions for Puerto Rican and Mexican men.

Colorectal cancer screening among Hispanics/Latinos in the HCHS/SOL sociocultural ancillary study.

Latino adults are more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) at later stages compared to white adults which may be explained by disparities in screening rates. The aim of this study was to examine factors associated with three CRC screening indicators [i.e., 1) any CRC screening ever (via, fecal occult blood test (FOBT), sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy); 2) FOBT in last year, 3) sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy in last 10 years) among US Hispanics/Latinos. We analyzed population-based data collected in 2008-2011 from 2265 adults aged 50-75 from San Diego, Bronx, Miami and Chicago from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos Sociocultural Ancillary Study. Based on the Behavioral Model of Health Services Use, the following correlates of CRC screening were examined: predisposing (i.e., age, education, income, acculturation), enabling (i.e., recent physician visit, insurance, recent mammogram), and need (i.e., health-related quality of life and family/personal history of cancer) factors. Separate logistic regression models were analyzed for the three CRC screening indicators. Enabling factors associated with all CRC screening indicators included: health insurance, a recent physician visit, and a mammogram in the last year (women only). For women, being older, more acculturated (i.e., English language or foreign-born but in the US for 10 or more years), and having a personal history of cancer was associated with at least one CRC screening. Findings suggest that improving access and utilization of care among Hispanics/Latinos may be critical for earlier CRC diagnosis and survival.

SBM recommends policy support to reduce smoking disparities for sexual and gender minorities.

The Society of Behavioral Medicine supports the inclusion of gender and sexual minorities in all local, state, and national tobacco prevention and control activities. These activities include surveillance of tobacco use and cessation activities, targeted outreach and awareness campaigns, increasing access to culturally appropriate tobacco use dependence treatments, and restricting disproportionate marketing to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities by the tobacco industry, especially for mentholated tobacco products.

Surgical Treatment of Obesity in Latinos and African Americans: Future Directions and Recommendations to Reduce Disparities in Bariatric Surgery.

Introduction: Obesity and metabolic syndrome are increasingly prevalent in the United States, particularly among African Americans and Latinos. Bariatric surgery has become one of the primary treatment modalities for obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, fewer Latinos and African Americans are undergoing bariatric surgery than whites. The aim of this article is to describe the disparities in seeking and accessing bariatric surgery, describe the outcomes following bariatric procedures in Latinos and African Americans, and offer recommendations and future research directions that may assist in addressing these disparities. Methods: Original research and review articles published in English were reviewed. Results: Potential reasons why Latinos and African Americans have low rates of seeking bariatric surgery are described. Disparities in access to care and financial coverage, low rates of referral by primary care providers, and cultural attitudes toward obesity in conjunction with mistrust of the healthcare system are discussed as potential contributors to the low rate of bariatric surgery in Latinos and African Americans. Finally, disparities in bariatric surgery outcomes, comorbidities, and complications are reviewed. Conclusions: Additional research studies in bariatric surgical disparities are needed. Recommendations and future directions that may help to reduce disparities in bariatric surgery are discussed.

Impact of Abdominal Lipectomy on Post-Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery Weight Loss.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal lipectomy after bariatric surgery is recommended because of residual excess skin resulting in difficulty with maintaining hygiene, recurrent infections, and functional impairment, interfering with daily activities. There is a dearth of literature examining weight loss outcomes in patients undergoing abdominal lipectomy post sleeve gastrectomy (SG). The purpose of this study was to examine whether post-SG patients who received abdominal lipectomy achieved greater percent excess weight loss (%EWL) than post-SG patients who did not receive abdominal lipectomy. METHODS: Retrospective study of patients who underwent minimally invasive SG at the University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System from March 2008 to June 2015 was conducted. The cohort was divided into 2 groups: patients who underwent abdominal lipectomy after SG (PS-SG) and patients who underwent SG alone (SG). Demographics, comorbidities, and %EWL were examined. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients were included in the PS-SG group versus 287 patients in the SG group. Significant differences were found in %EWL at 24 (P < 0.0001), 36 (P < 0.005), and more than 36 months (P < 0.005) follow-up between groups, with a greater %EWL in patients in the PS-SG group versus the SG group. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study revealed that patients in the PS-SG group achieved greater %EWL than patients with SG alone. Although larger studies are needed, this study supports using abdominal lipectomy as an adjunctive procedure to assist with long-term weight loss as part of the overall treatment of bariatric surgery patients.

Cultural Variables Underlying Obesity in Latino Men: Design, Rationale and Participant Characteristics from the Latino Men's Health Initiative.

Overweight and obesity are associated with significant health problems and rates of obesity are high among Latino men. This paper describes the design, rationale and participant characteristics of the key demographic variables assessed in an NIH-funded study (R21-CA143636) addressing culture and several obesity-related variables (diet, physical activity, and body image) among Mexican and Puerto Rican men using a community-based participatory research framework. Participants completed objective measures (height, weight, body fat, hip, waist), a health and culture interview, a diet questionnaire, and used an accelerometer to measure their level of physical activity. A total of 203 participants completed the measures and the health and culture interview and 193 completed all study components. Puerto Ricans were older than Mexicans (p < .0001) and there were significant differences in marital status (p < .05), country of birth (p < .05), smoking (p < .05) and work status (p < .001). There were no significant differences in religion, education, health insurance, Body Mass Index, body fat, hip and waist measurements, and the language preference of the interview. Results have implications for the development of a future intervention that incorporates the role of cultural factors into a community participatory obesity intervention for Latino men.

Management of laparoscopic adjustable gastric band erosion.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) was a popular procedure in the USA and Europe in the past decade. However, its use has currently declined. Band erosion (BE) is a rare complication after LAGB with a reported incidence rate of 1.46 %. Controversies exist regarding the management, approach and timing for the band removal. The aim of this study is to describe the rate, clinical presentation and perioperative outcomes of BEs at our institution and provide overall recommendations regarding the diagnosis and management of BE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is a single-center, retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database. Data were collected from all consecutive patients who underwent a LAGB and band revisional surgeries at the University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System from December 2008 to September 2015. We identified patients who underwent gastric band removal due to a BE and analyzed their outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 576 LAGBs were performed at our institution. Nine patients underwent surgery for BE at our hospital. The average time between the primary surgery and the removal of the band was 68.5 (42.9) months. Abdominal pain, nausea and/or vomiting were the most frequently mentioned symptoms. In all patients, a minimally invasive approach was used to remove the band. The mean length of hospitalization was 2.6 (1.1) days. The only complication was a pneumonia (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: BE is one of the most severe complications of LAGB. The minimally invasive approach provided us with the opportunity to repair the fistula, and it was associated with a prompt recovery with very little morbidity. In general, it is recommended that the band be removed at the time of the diagnosis of the BE. Endoscopic band removal can be utilized with patients who have a more advanced BE and migration into the gastric lumen.

Bariatric surgery outcomes in ethnic minorities.

BACKGROUND: The primary aim of this study was to examine percent excess weight loss (%EWL) across and between racial groups at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months follow-up in patients who received sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) operation. We hypothesized that ethnic minorities (blacks and Hispanics) would have a lower %EWL than whites at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months for both SG and RYGB operations. The secondary aim was to examine %EWL within racial groups at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months as a function of the type of bariatric operation. We hypothesized that whites, blacks, and Hispanics would have a greater %EWL with RYGB than with SG. METHODS: A total of 749 patients who underwent an SG or an RYGB operation from January 2008 to June 2014 were included. Data were collected from patients' electronic medical records. Self-reported data on race/ethnicity were also obtained from the electronic medical record and were classified into the following categories: white, Hispanic/Latino, African American or black, or other. RESULTS: Results revealed overall differences in %EWL between blacks and whites (P < .05) and no overall differences in %EWL between Hispanics and whites (P = .697). Follow-up analyses revealed that Hispanics differed from blacks in %EWL at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months (all P < .01) and that whites differed from blacks at 6 months (P < .05). There were no significant differences between whites and Hispanics during any follow-up period. Overall, the %EWL differed by operation type (P < .01), with RYGB associated with greater %EWL than SG. When stratified by race, the only difference was found in blacks, who had a greater %EWL after RYGB compared with SG (P < .01). CONCLUSION: Our primary hypothesis was partially supported, as blacks but not Hispanics had a lower %EWL compared to whites at 6 months. An interesting finding is that blacks had a lower %EWL than Hispanics at every time point. Moreover, our secondary hypothesis was partially supported. Results revealed that overall RYGB was related to greater %EWL compared with SG, and within racial groups, among blacks only, RYGB was associated with a greater %EWL compared with SG.

Sleeve gastrectomy surgery in obese patients post-organ transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Among organ transplant recipients, a common side effect of immunosuppressive therapy is the development of obesity, which affects a third of the patients within 3 years after transplantation. Bariatric surgery represents a possible surgical option for weight loss among posttransplant patients. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine percent excess weight loss (%EWL), and percent weight loss (%WL) and perioperative and postoperative complications in posttransplant obese patients after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) compared with nontransplant patients. We hypothesize that transplant patients who undergo SG will not significantly differ in their perioperative or postoperative complications or in their %EWL and %WL compared with nontransplant patients who undergo SG. The second aim was to evaluate the impact of SG on graft function and immunosuppressive therapy in transplant patients. SETTING: University hospital. METHODS: Among 500 consecutive patients who underwent SG from January 2008 to June 2014, 10 patients were organ transplant recipients. The following variables were compared between groups: patient demographic characteristics and co-morbidities, type of transplant surgery, date of transplant surgery, pretransplant body mass index (BMI), date of bariatric surgery, prebariatric surgery BMI, operative time, length of hospitalization, postoperative complications, and change in BMI, %EWL, and %WL. Data were also collected on renal, liver, and pancreas graft function parameters and changes in immunosuppressive medications. RESULTS: Six patients had a kidney transplant, 2 patients had a liver transplant, and 2 had a pancreas transplant. No significant differences were observed in %EWL or %WL at 6 and 12 months follow-up between transplant and nontransplant patients. No transplant patients were lost to follow-up at 6 and 12 months. Among nontransplant patients, 36.7% and 35.7% were lost to follow-up at 6 and 12 months, respectively. No postoperative complications were registered in the transplant group. SG did not negatively affect the graft function. CONCLUSION: Initials results found that there were no significant differences in %EWL or %WL at 6 and 12 months follow-up between transplant and nontransplant patients. There were also no perioperative and postoperative complications among transplant patients after SG.

Self-Reported Cancer Prevalence among Hispanics in the US: Results from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos.

Cancer has surpassed heart disease as the leading cause of death among Hispanics in the U.S., yet data on cancer prevalence and risk factors in Hispanics in regard to ancestry remain scarce. This study sought to describe (a) the prevalence of cancer among Hispanics from four major U.S. metropolitan areas, (b) cancer prevalence across Hispanic ancestry, and (c) identify correlates of self-reported cancer prevalence. Participants were 16,415 individuals from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL), who self-identified as Cuban, Dominican, Mexican, Puerto Rican, Central or South American. All data were collected at a single time point during the HCHS/SOL baseline clinic visit. The overall self-reported prevalence rate of cancer for the population was 4%. The rates varied by Hispanic ancestry group, with individuals of Cuban and Puerto Rican ancestry reporting the highest cancer prevalence. For the entire population, older age (OR = 1.47, p < .001, 95% CI, 1.26-1.71) and having health insurance (OR = 1.93, p < .001, 95% CI, 1.42-2.62) were all significantly associated with greater prevalence, whereas male sex was associated with lower prevalence (OR = 0.56, p < .01, 95% CI, .40-.79). Associations between study covariates and cancer prevalence also varied by Hispanic ancestry. Findings underscore the importance of sociodemographic factors and health insurance in relation to cancer prevalence for Hispanics and highlight variations in cancer prevalence across Hispanic ancestry groups. Characterizing differences in cancer prevalence rates and their correlates is critical to the development and implementation of effective prevention strategies across distinct Hispanic ancestry groups.

Surgical management of super-super obese patients: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass versus sleeve gastrectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Among morbidly obese adult patients (BMI >40 kg/m(2)), those who are super-super obese (BMI >60 kg/m(2)) present particular challenges for bariatric surgeons. Surgical management of super-super obese (SSO) patients has been associated with higher morbidity and mortality and increased surgical risk. The optimal surgical management of these patients is controversial. The aim of this study was to compare perioperative outcomes, percent excess weight loss (%EWL), and percent weight loss (%WL) in super-super obese patients who underwent either SG or RYGB. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a nonrandomized, controlled, retrospective review of 89 SSO patients who underwent SG or RYGB at the University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System from January 2008 to June 2014. Patient demographics, pre-surgical comorbidities, perioperative parameters, post-operative complications (leak, conversion to open surgery, and 30-day mortality), and post-operative outcome months were examined. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients underwent SG (nine robotic sleeve and 68 laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy), and 12 underwent RYGB. The mean pre-operative BMI was 63.4 kg/m(2) (SD = 3.7 kg/m(2)). The mean operative time was 88.4 min (SD = 31.7) for the SG patients and 219.2 min (SD = 80.2) for the RYGB patients. There were no significant differences in complications or length of hospitalization between the groups. There were significant differences in %EWL and %WL at 12- and 24-month follow-up between groups (p's < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results from this sample of patients, SG and RYGB appear to be viable procedures for the surgical management of super-super obese patients. RYGB, however, provides a significantly higher %EWL and %WL at 12 and 24 months compared to SG, which in turn, yields acceptable but lower %EWL and %WL.

Does Age Influence Bariatric Surgery Outcomes?

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate presurgical comorbidities, perioperative and postoperative complications, and postsurgical outcomes of minimally invasive bariatric surgery in patients aged 55 years and older to determine if age should be used as a selection criteria for bariatric surgery. Methods: A total of 750 patients underwent sleeve gastrectomy or robotic-assisted Roux-en-Y gastric bypass from January 2008 to June 2014. Patients were divided into three groups according to age: <55 years old; ≥55 to <65 years old; and ≥65 years old. Demographics, presurgical comorbidities, perioperative and postoperative complications (leaks or conversions to open surgery), and postsurgical outcomes were compared across the different groups. Results: Significant differences in presurgical comorbidities were found across age groups (p<0.001). Results from descriptive statistics revealed that patients younger than 55 years of age had a greater number of complications-defined as leaks (n=1) or conversions to open surgery (n=2)-than did patients older than 55 years of age. There were no significant differences across age groups regarding length of stay. Linear regression analysis failed to reveal significant associations between age and percentage excess weight loss at 6, 12, and 24 months follow-up. Conclusions: These initial results suggest that patient selection for bariatric surgery should not be based on age alone.