Staying on Track: Factors Influencing 10-Year Follow-Up Adherence After Sleeve Gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is currently the most frequently performed bariatric procedure worldwide. While its popularity continues to grow due to favorable surgical outcomes and acceptable complication rates, maintaining long-term postoperative follow-up remains a major challenge. This study aimed to identify factors influencing adherence to 10-year follow-up in patients who underwent SG and to evaluate their long-term clinical outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 150 patients who underwent SG between 2013 and 2014 at a single center in Poland. Data included demographics, obesity-related diseases, surgical details, and follow-up adherence. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of long-term follow-up. Outcomes such as weight loss, obesity-related diseases remission, and surgical complications were assessed in accordance with ASMBS guidelines.

RESULTS

Of 150 patients, 101 (67.3%) completed the 10-year follow-up. Age was the only independent predictor of long-term follow-up adherence (OR = 1.03, CI = 1.00-1.07, p = 0.048). Neither distance from the hospital nor size of the city of residence significantly impacted follow-up rates. Among the patients with follow-up, the median total weight loss (%TWL) was 21.5%, and remission of type 2 diabetes and hypertension occurred in 55.6% and 36.8% of patients, respectively. Additional surgery was performed in 16 patients, mainly due to recurrent weight gain and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Complication rate was 4.0%, with no mortality reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Older patients had slightly higher follow-up adherence after SG. Despite multiple measures to maintain contact, a substantial proportion of patients were lost to follow-up.