Researchers followed 114 people with severe obesity for over 5 years after they had one of two major weight loss surgeries. Both procedures - called BPD/DS and SADI-S - helped people lose significant weight and improve health problems like diabetes. While BPD/DS led to slightly more weight loss, SADI-S patients reported better quality of life. Both surgeries had similar rates of vitamin deficiencies and other complications. This study helps doctors and patients choose between these two effective but complex surgical options.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How well two different weight loss surgeries work over 5+ years in people with severe obesity
  • Who participated: 114 adults with BMI of 45 or higher who had weight loss surgery between 2015-2019
  • Key finding: Both surgeries helped over 90% of patients lose more than 20% of their total body weight after 5+ years
  • What it means for you: If you’re considering major weight loss surgery, both options appear equally effective long-term, though each has different benefits

The Research Details

This was a long-term follow-up study where researchers tracked patients for at least 5 years after their surgery. They compared two types of weight loss surgery: BPD/DS (a more traditional two-connection procedure) and SADI-S (a newer single-connection procedure). The researchers measured weight loss, health improvements, vitamin levels, and quality of life over time. They also used a special matching technique to compare similar patients more fairly.

Long-term studies like this are crucial because weight loss surgery effects can change over many years. Many studies only follow patients for 1-2 years, but this research shows what happens after 5+ years, which is more realistic for people making this major life decision.

This study followed patients for a good length of time and used proper statistical methods to compare groups fairly. However, it was done at only one hospital, so results might not apply everywhere. The sample size was moderate but adequate for detecting meaningful differences.

What the Results Show

After 5+ years, both surgeries were highly effective for weight loss. About 96% of BPD/DS patients and 91% of SADI-S patients lost more than 20% of their total body weight - a very successful outcome by medical standards. Both groups saw similar improvements in obesity-related health problems like diabetes and high blood pressure. When researchers matched similar patients more carefully, BPD/DS showed slightly better weight loss results, but SADI-S patients reported significantly better quality of life scores.

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies were common in both groups but slightly more frequent in SADI-S patients (64% vs 45%). Iron deficiency affected about half of all patients, and anemia occurred in roughly 40-45% of both groups. These nutritional issues were mostly temporary and manageable with supplements.

This study confirms what shorter-term research has suggested - that SADI-S can be as effective as the more established BPD/DS procedure. The finding that SADI-S may offer better quality of life is newer and important for patient decision-making.

The study was done at only one hospital, so results might differ elsewhere. The sample size was moderate, and some patients may have been lost to follow-up over the 5+ year period. The researchers couldn’t randomly assign surgeries, so some unmeasured factors might have influenced results.

The Bottom Line

Both surgeries appear to be excellent long-term options for people with severe obesity (BMI 45+). Choice between them might depend on whether you prioritize maximum weight loss (slightly favoring BPD/DS) or quality of life (favoring SADI-S). Regular monitoring for vitamin deficiencies is essential with either procedure.

People with severe obesity considering major weight loss surgery, their families, and healthcare providers. This research is most relevant for those with BMI of 45 or higher who haven’t succeeded with other weight loss methods.

Significant weight loss occurs within the first 1-2 years, but this study shows the benefits are maintained for at least 5+ years with proper follow-up care and lifestyle changes.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track total weight loss percentage weekly and monitor for symptoms of vitamin deficiencies like fatigue, weakness, or unusual cravings
  • Log daily vitamin and mineral supplements, and schedule regular blood tests to monitor nutritional status as recommended by your surgical team
  • Create long-term tracking goals for weight maintenance, supplement adherence, and quality of life measures over 5+ years post-surgery

This research is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Weight loss surgery decisions should always be made in consultation with qualified bariatric surgeons and healthcare teams who can evaluate individual circumstances and risks.