Effects of sleeve gastrectomy on parameters of lipid and glucose metabolism in obese women – 6 months after operation

Introduction: Surgical intervention in obesity is today the most effective treatment method in high level obesity management with long-term clinical results and satisfaction of operated patients. Bariatric interventions not only ensure body weight reduction, but may influence lipid and saccharide metabolism as well.

Aim: To monitor the dynamics of changes in selected lipid and glucose metabolism parameters after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in obese women.

Material and methods: During the period from September 2010 to June 2011, 35 women, operated on by sleeve gastrectomy, were monitored within a pilot open study. Parameters of lipid and glucose metabolism were measured, and body composition was evaluated, using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Laboratory parameters were assessed prior to LSG and at 3 and 6 months after the surgery.

Results: Data of the 35 study subjects are presented. Average age was 41.9 years (27-68 years). Six months after LSG, body weight reduction was achieved from 117.7 ±17.1 kg to 91.2 ±17.2 kg (p < 0.001). The body mass index (BMI) dropped from 42.7 ±4.7 kg/m² to 33.0 ±4.9 kg/m² (p < 0.001). The excess weight loss (EWL) was 49.01%. High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol increased from 1.29 mmol/l to 1.39 mmol/l (p < 0.025). Triacylglycerols dropped from 1.97 mmol/l to 1.31 mmol/l (p < 0.001). Glycated hemoglobin dropped from 4.03% to 3.59% (p < 0.001), and C-peptide decreased from 1703 pmol/l to 1209 pmol/l (p < 0.002). The observed changes of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, total cholesterol or fasting glucose levels were not significant. Six months after LSG, both weight and BMI significantly decreased.

Conclusions: Six months after the operation, glucose homeostasis was improved. Despite the rather short-term monitoring period, our study did confirm LSG to influence not only total weight loss and fat tissue reduction but to improve risk factors, mainly glucose homeostasis and dyslipidemia, as well.