Data indicate a high prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies in morbidly obese subjects. Based on these results, we strongly recommend a systematic assessment of the micronutrient status in all candidates for bariatric surgery.

We performed a randomized clinical trial assessing the effectiveness and safety of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). A total of 107 patients underwent LSG and 110 patients underwent LRYGB. The operative time was less for LSG than for LRYGB (87 ± 52.3 minutes vs 108 ± 42.3 minutes; P = 0.003). We observed a trend toward more early complications in LRYGB than in LSG (17.2% vs 8.4%; P = 0.067). Excessive body mass index loss 1 year after the operation was similar (72.3% ± 22% for LSG and 76.6% ± 21% for LRYGB). The comorbidities and quality of life were significantly improved by both procedures.

In comparison with nonobese control subjects, severely obese patients display a marked increase in hedonic hunger that is not observed in patients who have undergone gastric bypass surgery, suggesting that the operation normalizes excessive appetite for palatable foods, which may be an important pathophysiologic feature of severe obesity.

Data show a marked reduction of the hedonic drive to consume palatable food and beneficial changes in dietary habits characterized by an increased intake of protein-rich foods and vegetables and a reduced consumption of sugar-containing snacks and beverages after RYGB surgery. Based on these findings, it can be speculated that the reduction of the hedonic drive to consume palatable foods induced by RYGB surgery helps severely obese patients to establish healthier dietary habits.

Our data indicate that bariatric surgery, irrespective of the specific kind of procedure used, reverses most of the metabolic alterations associated with obesity and suggest profound changes in gut microbiome-host interactions after the surgery. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02480322.