Gender and age specific dynamics of health-related postoperative outcome measures following the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

Background: A variety of bariatric surgical techniques have been implemented to manage obesity, including the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).The aim of the study was to compare the pre and postoperative features of patients undergoing LSG, analyze the dynamics of BMI and BAROS indices and to assess the impact of body appearance concern on the postoperative outcomes.

Methods: A total of 591 participants were divided into 3 age groups (20-39, 40-59 and over 60 years of age). The Charlson Comorbidity Index was used to assess comorbidity in patient groups. The rate of complications, assessment of psychological well-being and number of hospital days for patients were used to compare the features of postoperative recovery in different age groups.

Results: In the young and middle-aged groups, the BMI reduction speed was similar, and significantly higher than in the elder group with a faster rate of BMI reduction in female participants. Higher scores of BAROS were revealed in the young and middle-aged groups for the 0-1 and 1-6 month periods. The 12-month assessment revealed much higher BAROS scores for male subgroups, compared to female participants. The BAROS scores decreased gradually in female groups within the assessment periods and was the lowest in the third assessment.

Conclusions: The pattern of BAROS reduction can be the result of lower psychological and social well-being scores in female participants who reported significant weight reduction in 6-12 month period with paradoxically decreased quality of life scores explained by the impact of body appearance concern on the postoperative outcomes.