Clinical outcomes after bariatric surgery: A five-year matched cohort analysis in seven US states

Shari Danielle Bolen, Hsien Yen Chang, Jonathan P. Weiner, Thomas M. Richards, Andrew D. Shore, Suzanne M. Goodwin, Roger A. Johns, Thomas H. Magnuson, Jeanne M. Clark

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

35 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Bariatric surgery is the most effective weight loss treatment, yet few studies have reported on short- and long-term outcomes postsurgery. Methods: Using claims data from seven Blue Cross/Blue Shield health plans serving seven states, we conducted a non-concurrent, matched cohort study. We followed 22,693 persons who underwent bariatric surgery during 2003-2007 and were enrolled at least 6 months before and after surgery. Using logistic regression, we compared serious and less serious adverse clinical outcomes, hospitalizations, planned procedures, and obesity-related co-morbidities between groups for up to 5 years. Results: Relative to controls, surgery patients were more likely to experience a serious [odds ratio (OR) 1.9; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.8-2.0] or less serious (OR 2.5, CI 2.4-2.7) adverse clinical outcome or hospitalization (OR 1.3, CI 1.3-1.4) at 1 year postsurgery. The risk remained elevated until 4 years postsurgery for serious events and 5 years for less serious outcomes and hospitalizations. Some complication rates were lower for patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery. Planned procedures, such as skin reduction, peaked in postsurgery year 2 but remained elevated through year 5. Surgery patients had a 55% decreased risk of obesity-related co-morbidities, such as type 2 diabetes, in the first year postsurgery, which remained low throughout the study (year 5: OR 0.4, CI 0.4-0.5). Conclusions: While bariatric surgery is associated with a higher risk of adverse clinical outcomes compared to controls, it also substantially decreased obesity-related co-morbidities during the 5-year follow-up.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)749-763
Number of pages15
JournalObesity Surgery
Volume22
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2012

Keywords

  • Bariatric surgery
  • Cohort study
  • Complications
  • Obesity treatment
  • Outcomes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Nutrition and Dietetics

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