Changes in bone mineral content after surgical treatment of morbid obesity

Weight loss reduces bone mass and increases the risk of osteoporosis. This study was undertaken to assess changes of bone metabolism following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and adjustable silicone gastric banding (ASGB) as compared to nonoperated controls of morbidly obese subjects. Fourteen female and 5 male patients with a mean (±SEM) age of 44.3 ± 1.8 years participated in the 24-month prospective study. Nine patients underwent ASGB, 4 patients RYGB operation, and 6 patients were included in the control group. Bone metabolism was assessed by determination of serum parathyroid hormone (PTH), osteocalcin, urinary deoxypyridinoline, and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) before, and 6, 12, and 24 months after intervention. The body mass index (BMI) decreased from 41.0 ± 1.1 to 34.0 ± 1.4 kg/m 2 in the ASGB group ( P = .001), from 42.7 ± 2.2 to 30.5 ± 2.2 kg/m 2 in the RYGB group ( P = .006), and remained unchanged in the control group (from 41.2 ± 1.2 to 41.4 ± 1.4 kg/m 2) after 24 months. Bone mineral content (BMC) showed no significant change in the ASGB group (from 3,079 ± 140 to 3,064 ± 129 g) and in the control group (from 2,945 ± 130 to 2,940 ± 111 g), whereas it decreased from 2,968 ± 111 to 2,621 ± 139 g in the RYGB group ( P = .005). The loss in BMC was accompanied by significant increases in urinary deoxypyridinoline ( P < .05) and in serum osteocalcin ( P < .01) after RYGB, suggesting both, increased bone resorption and increased bone formation. The authors were aware of the fact that the study groups were small and conclusions need to be regarded as preliminary. However, the RYGB operation resulted in enhanced weight loss and significant net loss of bone mass in comparison to ASGB and obese control subjects. Patients losing large amounts of body weight should be monitored regularly regarding prevention of osteoporosis.