Our Summary

This research paper reviewed 11 studies to determine if a type of weight loss surgery, called laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), had a higher risk of complications in older patients (over 60 years old) compared to younger ones. This type of surgery is becoming more popular among older adults due to an aging population.

The researchers found that there was no significant difference in the risk of complications between the two age groups. However, younger patients were found to lose a greater percentage of their excess weight following the procedure. There was also no significant difference between the two age groups in terms of improvement or resolution of several health conditions often associated with obesity, such as type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels. However, younger patients showed a significantly higher improvement rate in obstructive sleep apnea, a condition where the patient’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.

In conclusion, the study suggests that this weight loss surgery is as safe for older adults as it is for younger ones. Although older patients may not lose as much weight as younger ones, they can still expect a similar level of improvement in obesity-related health conditions.

FAQs

  1. Does laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) pose a higher risk for older patients compared to younger ones?
  2. Is there a difference in weight loss between older and younger patients after undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG)?
  3. Do older patients experience the same level of improvement in obesity-related health conditions as younger patients after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG)?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about gastrectomy is to follow a strict post-operative diet and exercise plan to maximize weight loss and improve overall health outcomes. It is important for patients to work closely with their healthcare team to ensure they are meeting their nutritional needs and staying physically active to support their recovery and long-term success.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for gastrectomy are those who are severely obese and have not been successful with other weight loss methods such as diet and exercise, those with obesity-related health conditions such as type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels, and those who are at a high risk for obesity-related complications such as heart disease, stroke, and sleep apnea. Older patients who are over 60 years old may also be recommended for gastrectomy if they meet the criteria for the procedure and are deemed fit for surgery by their healthcare provider.

Timeline

Before gastrectomy:

  1. Initial consultation with a healthcare provider to discuss weight loss surgery options
  2. Pre-operative evaluations and tests to assess overall health and candidacy for surgery
  3. Pre-operative diet and lifestyle changes to prepare the body for surgery
  4. Surgery itself, which involves removing a portion of the stomach to reduce its size and limit food intake

After gastrectomy:

  1. Hospital stay for monitoring and recovery
  2. Gradual transition to a liquid diet, followed by pureed foods, and eventually solid foods
  3. Regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers to monitor progress and address any complications
  4. Weight loss and improvement in obesity-related health conditions over time
  5. Continued lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and regular exercise, to maintain weight loss and overall health.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about gastrectomy include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with gastrectomy surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery period after gastrectomy surgery?
  3. What dietary changes will I need to make after the surgery?
  4. How will my eating habits and digestion be affected after gastrectomy surgery?
  5. Will I need to take any additional supplements or medications after the surgery?
  6. How often will I need to follow up with my doctor after the surgery?
  7. What kind of physical activity can I engage in after gastrectomy surgery?
  8. How will gastrectomy surgery affect my ability to absorb nutrients from food?
  9. Are there any long-term effects or complications I should be aware of after gastrectomy surgery?
  10. How successful is gastrectomy in achieving weight loss and improving obesity-related health conditions in older patients compared to younger patients?

Reference

Authors: Giordano S, Salminen P. Journal: J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A. 2020 Jan;30(1):12-19. doi: 10.1089/lap.2019.0463. Epub 2019 Dec 18. PMID: 31855106