Study Clarifies Relationship Between Weight Loss History and Bariatric Surgery Outcomes

Patients’ weight loss success after bariatric surgery can be influenced by many factors. However, it has been widely believed that patients considering weight loss surgery should have a history of failed conventional weight loss attempts. Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding and Dr. George Fielding from NYU Langone Medical Center both took part in a study that investigated the connections between a patient’s previous weight loss and postoperative weight loss results in Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB).

Study Overview

In this study, 462 LAGB patients were included for researchers to determine if the maximum amount of previous weight loss was predictive of postoperative weight loss after LAGB. Patients’ dietary as well as exercise history was considered. Inclusion criteria consisted of the following: patients were at least 18 years old and an initial BMI of at least 35. The researchers looked at the maximum amount of weight loss at any time pre-referral, and at least two years of postoperative follow-up. Patients having previously undergone weight loss surgery were excluded.

The study that Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding conducted found that patients with at least 50 pounds previous weight loss lost more excess weight and reduced their BMI by more. These patients were more likely to experience weight loss success, and less likely to have suboptimal weight loss at two years post surgery.  

Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding’s Findings

This study showed that an individual’s prior weight loss is, in fact, a significant predictor of weight loss after LAGB. Patients who struggled with previous weight loss may achieve greater results with a sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).

These findings help clarify the relationship between weight loss history and outcomes of bariatric surgery, and emphasize the need for careful data gathering prior to surgical intervention.

Preoperative Weight Loss as Indicator

With so many options today for weight loss surgeries, this study helps demonstrate which individuals may be more likely to reach success with the LAGB. Despite commonly-held beliefs that patients considering bariatric surgery have experienced many failed attempts at nonsurgical weight loss methods, Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding and the other research team members determined that dieting history has a more practical importance when considering bariatric surgery.

The researchers also found that patients having relatively less personal experience with attempts at weight loss may be less prepared to follow through with the postoperative dietary and behavioral changes needed for successful results long-term. This allows clinicians to manage their patients’ postsurgical weight loss expectations and adjust interventions appropriately.

If you are interested in learning more about your weight loss options, including the work of Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding and Dr. George Fielding, learn more by visiting the NYU Langone Weight Management Program here.