Background

Weight loss surgery has been proven to improve comorbidities and quality of life by lowering excess weight. Indications for weight loss surgery include morbid obesity with BMI ≥40, or obesity with BMI ≥ 35 with comorbidities. However, patients with a lower BMI may benefit from excess weight loss. We therefore examined the outcomes of weight loss in patients with a BMI ≥ 35 or BMI ≥ 30 with comorbidities that have weight loss surgery.

Methods

Thirty patients who underwent weight loss surgery (sleeve gastrectomy vs roux-en-Y gastric bypass) were enrolled in the study. Data was analyzed from 2017-2021. Seventy-seven percent (23/30) of patients who were enrolled had beyond six months of follow-up data available. Patients that had less than six months of data for analysis were excluded. Change in BMI, body weight, and excess body weight loss percentage (EBWL%) were analyzed.

Results

Mean BMI at study commencement was 33.47. At the time of data analysis, mean BMI was 26.56. Mean excess percentage weight loss was 55.03%. Nearly 60% of patients lost a minimum of 50% of their excess body weight. Nine of sixteen patients (56.25%) with comorbidities had improvement or resolution. There were no complications or mortalities for study participants.

Conclusions

Weight loss surgery outcomes in patients with lower BMI is comparable to traditional BMI statutes. Our study population with lower BMI showed improvement of comorbidities and excellent weight loss. Strong consideration should be given to lowering BMI threshold for weight loss surgery in accordance with societal guidelines.