Our Summary

This research paper looks at how swallowing functions in obese patients change before and after bariatric surgery (weight-loss surgery). The study used a technique called videofluoroscopy to capture images of the swallowing process in 19 obese patients (mostly women, aged 25-60) both before and after they underwent a specific type of weight-loss surgery known as laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric by-pass. The patients’ body mass index, or BMI (a measure of body fat), ranged from very high before surgery to still high but reduced after surgery. The researchers compared these patients to a control group of 19 healthy volunteers with normal BMIs.

The researchers found that before surgery, the obese patients had a longer “pharyngeal clearance” of liquid, meaning it took longer for liquid to pass through the throat compared to the healthy control group. This delay was less pronounced after surgery. They also found that after surgery, the obese patients had a longer duration of “hyoid movement” (movement of a bone in the neck that plays a key role in swallowing) when swallowing both liquid and paste-like substances.

In layman’s terms, the study shows that obesity can affect the normal process of swallowing, and that weight-loss surgery can alter these effects. The researchers found that the surgery can reduce some swallowing delays seen in obese patients, but it can also increase the amount of time certain parts of the neck move during swallowing.

FAQs

  1. How does obesity affect the swallowing process?
  2. Can weight-loss surgery change the effects of obesity on swallowing?
  3. What changes were observed in the swallowing process of obese patients after bariatric surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient considering obesity surgery that while the surgery can help with weight loss, it may also have an impact on swallowing function. It is important for patients to be aware of this potential side effect and work closely with their healthcare team to address any changes in swallowing function that may occur post-surgery. Regular follow-up appointments with a speech therapist or swallowing specialist may be recommended to monitor and manage any swallowing difficulties that arise.

Suitable For

Overall, the study suggests that obese patients who are recommended for weight-loss surgery may have changes in their swallowing function that can be improved with the surgery. Patients who are typically recommended for obesity surgery are those with a BMI over 40 or a BMI over 35 with obesity-related health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. These patients have often tried other methods of weight loss without success and are at risk for serious health complications due to their obesity. Weight-loss surgery is considered a last resort for these patients when other methods have failed to help them lose weight and improve their health.

Timeline

Before surgery:

  • Patient is evaluated by a healthcare provider and determined to be a candidate for obesity surgery
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative tests and consultations with a multidisciplinary team (surgeon, nutritionist, psychologist, etc.)
  • Patient may be required to follow a specific diet and exercise regimen before surgery
  • Patient undergoes bariatric surgery, such as laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

After surgery:

  • Patient is monitored in the hospital for a few days post-surgery
  • Patient follows a strict diet and exercise plan as directed by healthcare providers
  • Patient may experience rapid weight loss in the weeks and months following surgery
  • Patient attends follow-up appointments to monitor progress and address any complications or concerns
  • Over time, patient may experience improvements in overall health, such as reduced risk of obesity-related diseases and improved quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Questions a patient should ask their doctor about obesity surgery based on this research:

  1. How does obesity affect swallowing function, and how does weight-loss surgery impact this?

  2. What specific changes in swallowing function can I expect before and after bariatric surgery?

  3. Will I need any additional tests or evaluations, such as videofluoroscopy, to assess my swallowing function before and after surgery?

  4. What are the potential risks or complications related to changes in swallowing function after weight-loss surgery?

  5. How can I manage any swallowing difficulties that may arise following bariatric surgery?

  6. Will I need any special dietary modifications or swallowing exercises post-surgery to improve swallowing function?

  7. Are there any long-term effects on swallowing function that I should be aware of after undergoing weight-loss surgery?

  8. How soon after surgery can I expect to see improvements in my swallowing function, if any?

  9. Are there any specific factors, such as my BMI or type of weight-loss surgery, that may impact changes in swallowing function post-surgery?

  10. Can you provide me with more information or resources on the relationship between obesity, weight-loss surgery, and swallowing function?

Reference

Authors: Parreira LC, Salgado-Junior W, Dantas RO. Journal: Obes Surg. 2020 Sep;30(9):3522-3527. doi: 10.1007/s11695-020-04675-1. PMID: 32410149