A nationwide survey on bariatric surgery in France:: two years prospective follow-up

Background: Most studies on bariatric surgery outcomes have been performed in clinical trials (eg. the SOS) or reflect the clinical experience and practice of specific and experienced centers. Little is known about the current practice at a nationwide level. Methods: This is a systematic nationwide study on the 2-year outcome of all consecutive 1,236 bariatric operations performed in France. Data on mortality, weight loss, complications, and patient satisfaction were collected independently from the medical and surgical team involved in the patients' care. Results: 87.3% of the patients underwent an adjustable gastric banding (ABG), 8.6% a vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG), 3.8% a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) and 0.3% a biliopancreatic diversion (BPD). Loss of follow-up was 12% at year 1 and 18% at year 2. The rate of laparoscopic procedures was 98% for ABG and 73% for RYGBP. Mortality rate was 0.16% in the operative period and 0.27% during follow-up. Excess weight loss ranged from 43% (AGB) to 66% (RYGBP). Co-morbidities improved in more than 70% of patients. Conclusion: Outcomes of bariatric surgery in routine practice (mortality, weight loss, course of co-morbidities, and quality of life) are similar to the results published in clinical trials.