Bariatric surgery outcomes in Medicare beneficiaries

Background The Medicare population is increasing while the prevalence of obesity remains high. Bariatric surgery is the most efficacious treatment of obesity and its comorbidities. The objective of this investigation was to assess trends in utilization, readmission, mortality, and cost of bariatric surgery in the Medicare population. Methods Utilizing the Medicare Provider Analysis and Review database, patients with clinically severe obesity undergoing laparoscopic Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB), laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG), and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) from 2011–2015 were identified. Trends in procedure selection, readmissions, mortality, and cost were examined. A multivariable logistic regression analysis to evaluate factors associated with readmission and mortality was performed. Results Of the 73,718 patients identified, 53,949 (73%) of patients were enrolled in Medicare due to disability, 19,191 (26%) due to age, and 578 (