Early weight loss in adolescents following bariatric surgery predicts weight loss at 12 and 24 months

Background Growing evidence supports the efficacy of paediatric bariatric surgery. However, there is a paucity of data examining adolescent outcomes post surgery. Among adults, studies have shown that early weight loss is associated with long-term weight loss. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the association between early weight loss at 3 months with longer-term weight loss at 12 and 24 months in adolescents post surgery. We hypothesized that patients who have greater weight loss within the first 3 months will have greater weight loss at 12 and 24 months post surgery. Methods A retrospective chart review of bariatric surgery patients (n = 28) was conducted. Anthropometric measurements at baseline and 3, 12, and 24 months were analysed. Results Percent of excess weight loss (%EWL) at 3, 12, and 24 months were 33.6 +/- 11.3%, 55.0 +/- 20.5%, and 55.1 +/- 27.1%, respectively. %EWL at 3 months was positively associated with %EWL at 12 and 24 months (P < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic curve results identified a cut-off of greater than or equal to 30%EWL at 3 months predicted successful weight loss, defined as greater than or equal to 50%EWL at 12 and 24 months. Conclusion These findings demonstrate that majority of weight loss among adolescents occurs within the first postoperative year. Greater %EWL by 3 months post surgery predicts successful and sustained weight loss over time.