Long-Term Beneficial Effects of Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery on Functionality and Body Posture in Obese Patients

Background: Employing different procedures with the aim of treating obesity may improve the adverse consequences of obesity, especially disabilities secondary to pain or musculoskeletal deficits. The present study aimed to assess the long-term beneficial effects of weight reduction following obesity treatment by surgical interventions on musculoskeletal pain and body posture in obese patients. Methods: 60 morbidly obese patients aged higher than 30 years and having a body mass index of at least 40 kg/m2 who were candidates for laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery for obesity treatment took part in the present prospective interventional case series study. The data related to spinal pain were collected using the standardized neck disability index (NDI) and Roland-Morris questionnaires immediately before and 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after the surgery. The postural status was assessed using a plumb line. Results: The mean weight and body mass index, as well as the mean NDI score and Roland-Morris score, considerably reduced during 12 months after the surgical intervention as compared to before the surgery. Of all the measured postural parameters, foot pronation significantly improved. In addition, anteroposterior pelvic tilt, lumbar lordosis, elevated and dropped shoulder and head lateral tilt significantly reduced within 12 months after the surgery. The downward trends of the changes in weight, body mass index, NDI score, and Roland-Morris score were all significant after the surgery. Conclusions: The surgical treatment of obesity can effectively reduce disability resulting from spinal pain and can correct postural deviations.