Quality of Life after Bariatric Surgery among People with Obesity- Associated Comorbidities: A Systematic Review

Abstract

There is an escalating burden of morbid obesity in the world, closely linked to unhealthy lifestyle patterns such as eating habits and physical inactivity. Recently, it was shown that bariatric surgery (BS) is the gold standard treatment option for morbid obesity by resolving the obesity- related comorbidities as well as reducing excessive weight. The review aimed at assessing recent perspectives on quality of life after bariatric surgery (BS). This review was carried out in the period between 2009 and 2019 based on Google Scholar, PubMed, and Cochrane databases. After the systematic screening, 20 articles were included with retrievable data of patients' reported outcomes on sleeve gastrectomy (SG), gastric bypass (RYGB), or comparison between them. Both surgeries had positive health outcomes on weight loss, resolution of comorbidities, physical health, and sexual function. Patients were satisfied with their appearance after BS, but less satisfaction was reported with certain parts of the body due to saggy skin. Some complications might appear after surgery in the long term, which may affect certain health outcomes negatively. Both surgeries improved patients’ quality of life.  Further well- designed studies should be implemented to assess the significant differences between SG and RYGB over long- term follow- up. The development of new obesity- specific tools is required for better assessment of patients’ outcomes after BS.