Effects of weight loss after biliopancreatic diversion on metabolism and cardiovascular profile

Background: Obesity is associated with increased prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. Biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) for morbid obesity has been reported to produce anemia and malnutrition in short-term follow-up. The aim of our study was to analyze the effect of weight reduction on cardiovascular profile, renal function and nutritional status. Methods: 35 morbidly obese patients underwent BPD. We analyzed the presence of cardiovascular risk factors, renal status, proteinuria and nutritional status before and 1 year after BPD. Results: Excess weight loss was 67% at 1 year after BPD. All cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia) improved during follow-up. We could not find any relevant signs of malnutrition in the patients. Microalbuminuria decreased and proteinuria disappeared after weight loss. We observed less urinary calcium and citrate excretion, with an increase in oxaluria, but these changes did not increase the incidence of renal stones. Conclusions: BPD was followed by improved cardiovascular profile and a lower pro-inflammatory state. BPD did not produce significant malnutrition, anemia or renal stone disease.