Our Summary

This research paper is about the link between obesity, weight loss surgeries (bariatric surgeries), and various types of cancers, particularly those affecting the digestive system (gastro-intestinal cancers). We know that being overweight can increase the risk of certain types of cancers. However, we don’t fully understand how weight loss surgeries might affect this risk. The paper also discusses how these types of cancers can be difficult to diagnose after bariatric surgery, due to vague symptoms and challenges in medical investigations. The goal of the study is to pull together all the available information on the occurrence of digestive system cancers following different types of weight loss surgeries. The paper emphasizes that while these cancers are a rare complication after weight loss surgery, they do occur and doctors should be vigilant in diagnosing them.

FAQs

  1. What is the relationship between obesity, bariatric surgery, and the development of cancers?
  2. What difficulties are encountered in diagnosing GI cancers after bariatric surgeries?
  3. Are GI cancers a common complication after undergoing bariatric surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about obesity surgery is to be aware of the potential risks associated with the surgery, including the development of gastrointestinal cancers. It is important for patients to maintain regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor for any potential complications or changes in their health. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet can help reduce the risk of developing cancer after bariatric surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for obesity surgery are those who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. Additionally, candidates for obesity surgery may have tried other weight loss methods without success and have a strong commitment to making lifestyle changes post-surgery.

Timeline

Before obesity surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluation including medical history, physical examination, blood tests, imaging studies, and psychological evaluation.
  2. Patient may be required to undergo pre-operative weight loss and dietary counseling to prepare for surgery.
  3. Patient may be placed on a specific diet or exercise regimen before surgery to reduce surgical risks.
  4. Patient may undergo counseling and education about the risks and benefits of surgery, as well as post-operative lifestyle changes.

After obesity surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes post-operative recovery period in the hospital, with monitoring for any complications.
  2. Patient is instructed on post-operative diet and lifestyle changes, including dietary restrictions and exercise recommendations.
  3. Patient may experience rapid weight loss in the months following surgery.
  4. Patient is monitored closely for any post-operative complications, such as infection, malnutrition, or vitamin deficiencies.
  5. Patient may undergo regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare team to monitor progress and address any concerns.
  6. Patient may experience improvements in obesity-related health conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea.
  7. Patient may experience improvements in quality of life and overall well-being following successful weight loss.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about obesity surgery and its potential impact on cancer risk include:

  1. What are the potential risks of developing gastrointestinal cancers after undergoing obesity surgery?
  2. Are there any specific types of cancers that I should be particularly aware of or monitor for after surgery?
  3. How often should I undergo cancer screenings or surveillance post-surgery?
  4. Are there any lifestyle changes or dietary recommendations that can help reduce my risk of developing cancer after surgery?
  5. Are there any warning signs or symptoms of cancer that I should watch out for and report to my healthcare provider?
  6. How will my obesity surgery impact my overall cancer risk in the long term?
  7. Are there any specific factors, such as family history or pre-existing conditions, that may increase my risk of developing cancer after surgery?
  8. What steps can I take to optimize my overall health and reduce my risk of cancer following obesity surgery?
  9. Are there any specific follow-up appointments or tests that I should schedule to monitor for signs of cancer post-surgery?
  10. Can you provide me with any additional resources or information about the potential link between obesity surgery and gastrointestinal cancers?

Reference

Authors: Ebrahimi R, Kermansaravi M, Khalaj A, Eghbali F, Mousavi A, Pazouki A. Journal: Obes Surg. 2019 Aug;29(8):2678-2694. doi: 10.1007/s11695-019-04007-y. PMID: 31175561