Evolution of Lipid Profiles after Bariatric Surgery

Background The most commonly encountered dyslipidemia in obese individuals is characterized by a cluster of interrelated plasma lipid and lipoprotein abnormalities including hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL cholesterol values, and increased small, dense LDL cholesterol particles. The aim of this study was to assess the changes in lipid profiles at baseline (pre-operatively) and at follow-up (6, 12, and 18 months) after a laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP). A retrospective observational study was performed involving all patients who consecutively underwent a LRYGBP between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2009. Fasting lipids sub-fractions (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides) were measured and HOMA-IR calculated pre-operatively and at follow-up post-LRYGBP. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were used to assess the relationship between excess weight loss (EWL) and lipid sub-fractions. ANOVA was used to assess the differences between each lipid sub-fraction at various time-points. Methods One hundred twenty eight ( N = 128) medical charts were reviewed, and those containing data on lipid fractions at the three follow-up time-points were analyzed. One hundred fourteen patients ( N = 114), 84 of whom were women (73.7%), were finally included in the study. Results Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and HOMA-IR were significantly reduced after LRYGBP ( P