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Introduction: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is considered an effective therapy for weight loss although weight regain may be observed in a long-term follow-up. It is unclear if quality of life is sustained in a long-term follow-up when weight regain occurs.
Methods: Three groups were studied: Group A - 50 patients (88% females, age 51, BMI 37Kg/m2, time of follow-up 112 months) submitted to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass more than 7 years, Group B - 50 patients (82% females, age 44, BMI 31Kg/m2, time of follow-up 17 months) submitted to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass 1-2 years, Group C - 50 patients (80% females, age 42, BMI 47Kg/m2) morbid obese in the pre-operative period. We use the MOS 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) to analyze the quality of life differences among the 3 groups.
Results: Groups were similar for gender. Group A was older than the other groups due to the time from operation. BMI was significantly lower for Group B compared to Group C and higher for Group A compared to Group B. SF-36 parameters are depicted in Table 1. Physical Functioning, Social Functioning, Emotional Problems and Mental Health were not different when the 3 groups were compared (p=1). Role Functioning, Pain, General Health Perceptions and Vitality showed an increase after the operation and a significant decrease at the 7 year follow-up (p<0.0001) (Figure 1).
Conclusions: Some Quality of Life parameters are not changed by Roux-en-Y gastric bypass while others are improved by the operation even though a significant decreased is noted at a long term follow-up.

SF-36 Concepts for the 3 groups

	Role Functioning	Physical Functioning	Pain	General Health Perceptions	Vitality	Social Functioning	Emotional Problems	Mental Health
Group A	77(50-88)	75(6-100)	51(22-70)	72(58-84)	55(40-75)	68(40-87)	66(33-100)	66(48-83)
Group B	95(86-100)	100(75-100)	84(61-100)	92(87-100)	85(75-90)	100(87-100)	100(100-100)	90(80-92)
Group C	50(25-68)	37(0-75)	41(31-74)	54(40-75)	40(30-70)	56(37-84)	33(0-100)	58(33-75)

data presented as median (interquartile range 25-75)