Health-related quality of life before and after bariatric surgery in adolescents.
BACKGROUND
Recent data reaffirm decreased health-related quality of life (HRQL) in obese adults and children. Health-related quality of life is markedly improved after bariatric surgery in adults. Little HRQL data are available in adolescents undergoing bariatric surgery.


METHODS
Sixteen patients (14-20 years old) underwent gastric bypass. Thirteen patients completed a general HRQL measure (Short Form 36 [SF-36]) before surgery. Of these, 9 completed the SF-36 again at various follow-up times, as well as a measure of weight-related quality of life (Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Lite). Three patients completed postsurgical forms only. Data were analyzed using t test and analysis of variance. Results are reported as mean +/- SD.


RESULTS
Mean age and body mass index at operation were 18.5 +/- 1.7 years and 54 +/- 7.6 kg/m(2). Postoperatively, patients lost an average of 66% +/- 29% excess weight over a mean follow-up of 17 +/- 12 (range, 1-39) months. Mean preoperative SF-36 physical component score was 34.7 +/- 10 and mental component score was 40.6 +/- 13.5 (adult population mean = 50.0 +/- 10 for each). At last follow-up, mean physical component score had increased to 55.5 +/- 5, and mental component score, to 55.2 +/- 8.6 (P < .0001). Adolescent Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Lite scores after surgery did not differ from means for normal weight adults (93% +/- 7% vs 96% +/- 7%, P = .15).


CONCLUSIONS
Health-related quality of life in adolescents and young adults undergoing bariatric surgery improves dramatically in early follow-up. Long-term data are needed to definitively study this surgical therapy for obesity in adolescents.
Loux
Tara J
TJ
Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA.
Haricharan
Ramanath N
RN
Clements
Ronald H
RH
Kolotkin
Ronette L
RL
Bledsoe
Samuel E
SE
Haynes
Beverly
B
Leath
Teresa
T
Harmon
Carroll M
CM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000713:Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y; D005260:Female; D015390:Gastric Bypass; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000601:surgery*; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011788:Quality of Life