Long-term effect of bariatric surgery on respiratory function in severe uncomplicated obesity

Background: Obesity can have profound adverse effects on the respiratory system. The long-term effects of weight loss attained by bariatric surgery on pulmonary function tests (PFT) are not well known. The aim of the study was to find out whether weight reduction induced by laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is associated with a sustained improvement of the pulmonary functional parameters in the severely obese. Materials & methods: A consecutive series of 32 obese patients who had laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding were studied. BMI, walking distance, dyspnea and PFT were evaluated at baseline and after 12, 24 and 30 months after surgery. Results: 32 patients (24 females, age mean 36 ± 11 years) were evaluated. Mean BMI (kg/m2) decreased from 43 ± 6 before to 35 ± 5 12 months postoperatively. The BMI remained decreased 24 and 30 months after surgery. In obese PFT increased 12 months postoperatively and it remained increased 24 and 30 months after bariatric surgery. Similarly, the distance walked...