Bariatric Patient Profiles After RYGB and SG Surgery: A 24-Month Observation of Metabolic Changes and Qualitative Malnutrition

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Introduction: Bariatric surgery, including laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), is an effective treatment for severe obesity and its metabolic complications. This study aimed to assess and compare the clinical outcomes of both procedures over a 24-month follow-up. Few studies have compared 24-month SG and RYGB results in terms of metabolic and nutritional profiles in the Polish cohort. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 54 patients (27 SG, 27 RYGB) treated between 2018 and 2022. Anthropometric (body weight, BMI), biochemical (lipid profile, glucose, HbA1c, and liver enzymes), and nutritional (iron, ferritin, and vitamin B12) parameters were measured at 1, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Results: Both surgical techniques led to a significant reduction in body weight and BMI during the first postoperative year. After 24 months, weight stabilization was observed in the RYGB group, while statistically significant weight regain occurred in the SG group (p < 0.0001). HDL levels significantly increased and triglyceride levels decreased in both groups (p < 0.0001), with no significant changes in LDL levels. AST, ALT, decreased dramatically at the first measurement in both methods, while a greater decrease in glycemia was recorded with the SG method (at the same time). A significant reduction in ferritin and vitamin B12 levels was observed in both groups but was more pronounced after RYGB. Iron levels increased until 12 months, followed by a decline by month 24. Conclusions: Both RYGB and SG are effective for weight loss and metabolic improvement. RYGB demonstrates greater long-term weight stability but carries a higher risk of nutritional deficiencies. SG should be the first method to consider due to its lower risk, invasiveness, and lower risk of nutritional deficiencies.