Early Weight Recidivism Following Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Prospective Observational Study

Background Although weight loss following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) can be substantial, weight recidivism is still a major concern. The aim of our work is to study early weight recidivism following LSG and to evaluate the role of gastric computed tomography volumetry (GCTV) in the assessment of patients experiencing early weight regain. Methods One-hundred and one morbidly obese patients undergoing LSG were prospectively studied. Patients were followed up for 2 years. Those who presented with weight recidivism were counseled for dietary habits and assessed for the amount of weight regain. Patients who regained weight were scheduled for GCTV. Results Twelve patients were excluded from the study. Weight recidivism was reported in 9/89 patients (10.1 %) [weight loss failure ( n = 1), weight regain ( n = 8)] and was almost always first recognized 1½–2 years after LSG. The amount of weight regain showed negative correlations with preoperative body weight and body mass index ( r = −0.643, P = 0.086 and r = −0.690, P = 0.058; respectively) and positive correlations with the distance between the pylorus and the beginning of the staple line ( r = 0.869, P = 0.005), as well as with the residual gastric volume (RGV) on GCTV 2 years after LSG ( r = 0.786, P = 0.021). Conclusions In the small group of patients who regained weight, a longer distance between the pylorus and the beginning of the staple line, as well as a higher RGV on GCTV 2 years after LSG, were both associated with increased weight regain. Gastric computed tomography volumetry with RGV measurement holds promise as a useful research tool after LSG.