Avery Brown

Background Bariatric surgery has long been established as an effective treatment option for obesity and diabetes [Kalainov et al. in J Am Acad Orthop Surg [32(10):427–438, 2025] and Ogden et al. in JAMA 311(8):806–806, 2025. 10.1001/jama.2014.732]. Recently, GLP-1 Receptor Agonists’ (GLP-1RAs) use has expanded as an alternative therapy for weight loss and diabetes management. While GLP1RAs are known to be safe and effective, few have compared long term outcomes of GLP-1RAs versus the “gold standard” of bariatric surgery among Medicare/Medicaid patients, who make up the largest payer group in the U.S. [Kalainov et al. in J Am Acad Orthop Surg [32(10):427–438, 2025]. Methods This was a retrospective, multicenter study of obese, type-2 diabetic patients (T2D) ≥ 18 years old, who initiated weekly injectable semaglutide or tirzepatide or underwent bariatric surgery between January 1st, 2018 to July 31st, 2024. Patients with a baseline BMI ≤ 35, those with prior GLP1-RA use, or any prior bariatric procedure were excluded from analysis. The primary outcome of interest was % total body weight loss 3 months to 3 years post intervention among bariatrics surgery patients vs. GLP1-RA patients (any GLP1-RA prescription and 12 months continuous GLP1-RA prescription). Results 7667 patients were included for analysis (7200 GLP1-RA, 467 bariatric surgery). Bariatric surgery patients were younger (median (IQR): 43 (34, 53) vs. 65 (54, 72); p < 0.001) and more likely to be female (67.5% vs. 60.8%; p < 0.01) and Hispanic (58.7% vs. 19.4%; p < 0.001) while GLP1-RA users were more likely to be white (58.5% vs. 10.7%; p < 0.001). In models adjusting for demographic and clinical characteristics, bariatric surgery was associated with a 22.9% total weight loss 3 years following surgery compared to 2.3% for patients with any GLP1-RA use, and 15.9% vs 2.4% for patients with 12 months consecutive GLP1-RA use (22.9 [21.0–24.8] vs 2.3 [0.5–4.1], 15.9 [6.9–24.9] vs. 2.4 [6.7–11.5]. Conclusions Among obese, T2D, publicly insured patients, bariatric surgery was associated with greater weight loss than GLP1-RAs at all measured periods from 3 months to 3 years post op.

Background Early postoperative small bowel obstruction (ESBO) following roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is a feared complication, generally estimated to occur in 1–2% of cases. Most surgeons advocate for prompt surgical exploration for ESBO after RYGB. There is currently a paucity of literature regarding conservative management approaches to ESBO after RYGB. Objectives To determine the safety and efficacy of non-operative management of early small bowel obstruction following RYGB. Setting Academic-affiliated municipal hospital. Methods We performed a retrospective review of all patients at a single institution who underwent RYGB between July 1, 2020 and April 30, 2024 and were readmitted within 30 days of the procedure due to a small bowel obstruction. Mesenteric defects were closed with permanent suture in 100% of cases. Results 2430 RYGBs were performed, 54 patients (2.2%) developed ESBO. The average interval from time of surgery to diagnosis of ESBO was 7.3 days [range 2–26 days]. The vast majority of patients (n = 43; 80%) were successfully managed conservatively including nasogastric decompression (n = 20; 47%). Most (73%) of the patients requiring reoperation were found to have kinking at the anastomosis or dense adhesions from the cut end of the staple line. Conclusions This study demonstrates that non-operative management may be a safe and effective treatment option for the majority of RYGB patients who develop ESBO. Clinical judgement is required to identify those who would benefit from early exploration.

Introduction GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RAs) are increasingly prescribed as an alternative to bariatric surgery for weight loss, and may pose as an alternative to conversion Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass (cRYGB) in patients with insufficient weight loss or weight recurrence after sleeve gastrectomy [A C, N C, A I. Postoperative morbidity and weight loss after revisional bariatric surgery for primary failed restrictive procedure: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. International Journal of Surgery; 2022;Jensen et al. in Obes Surg 33:1017–1025, 2023; Jamal et al. in Obes Surg 34:1324–1332, 2024; Lautenbach A, Wernecke M, Stoll FD, Meyhöfer SM, Meyhöfer S, Aberel J. 1422-P: The potential of semaglutide once-weekly in patients without Type 2 Diabetes with weight regain or insufficient weight loss after bariatric surgery. Diabetes 2022; 71(Supplement_1);]. Methods and procedures Adult patients ≥ 18 years old, who previously underwent a sleeve gastrectomy and were subsequently treated with weekly injectable Semaglutide or Tirzepatide, or treated with conversion from sleeve gastrectomy were included for analysis. Patients converted for GERD, GLP1-RA use with BMI ≤ 35, or pre operative GLP1-RA use were excluded. Post operative weights and Hgb A1C were assessed from 3 months to 3 years post intervention (start of GLP1-RA or surgery). T-test, ANOVA, and chi-squared analysis were used to compare groups, while multivariable linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the effect of bariatric surgery on %TBWL at 3 years post intervention when adjusting for baseline characteristics. Results 4901 patients were included for analysis (3004 cRYGB, 1897 GLP1-RA). There was no difference in pre-intervention weight (242.8 ± 44.4 GLP1-RA vs 242.3 ± 57.8 cRYGB, p = .993). cRYGB patients had a higher baseline Hgba1c (6.19 ± 1.4 vs 5.85 ± 1.2, p < 0.001). cRYGB was associated with significantly greater weight loss at all post operative time points up to 3 years post intervention, (26.1 vs 13.7%, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in Hgba1c control between treatments at all post intervention time points (all p > 0.05). In the multivariate linear regression analysis, when adjusting for sex, baseline BMI, baseline age, and non-white race, cRYGB was associated with an 11% greater %TBWL compared to those who were treated with a GLP1-RA. Conclusions For patients who have had insufficient weight loss or weight recurrence following sleeve gastrectomy, conversion to RYGB offers greater, long-term weight loss compared to GLP1-RAs. Graphical Abstract

Background Conversion from sleeve gastrectomy (SG) to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) may be indicated for patients due to insufficient weight loss or weight regain. Objectives To assess weight loss outcomes and factors predictive of improved weight loss in patients undergoing RYGB after SG and create an algorithm to estimate postoperative weight loss in these patients. Setting University Hospital. Methods Retrospective review of patients who underwent conversion from SG to RYGB from 2015 to 2022 was performed, assessing pre-and post-operative weights for each procedure. Results 114 patients were included (84% female, pre-SG BMI 49.3 ± 10.2). Post-SG, patients achieved a maximum %TBWL of 31.2% ([6.6–58.2] ± 10.1%), %EWL of 56.8%([13.3–97.3] ± 16.4%), and total body weight regain of 53.9%([0.0–144.4] ± 31.3%). Conversion to RYGB resulted in peak %TBWL of 18.8% at 8 months, leveling off at 13.5% thereafter. Factors predictive of greater weight loss post-conversion included higher BMI at time of SG (each 5 kg/m² increase yielded 0.8% greater %TBWL [95% CI 0.5–1%, p < 0.0001]) and peak %EWL ≥ 40% after SG (yielding 5.5% more %TBWL, 95%CI 3.9–7.1%, p < 0.0001). Conversely, those who had ≥ 20% weight regain after SG had 4.1% less %TBWL (95%CI 2.5–5.7%, p < 0.0001) after conversion. These factors were used to create BE-CALM, an algorithm to predict %TBWL one year after conversion to RYGB. Conclusions Conversion from SG to RYGB is effective for further weight loss. Patients who have higher starting BMI, ≥ 40% %EWL or ≤ 20% weight regain after SG demonstrate the most effective weight loss post-conversion.

Background Sleeve gastrectomy has become a gold standard in addressing medically refractory obesity. Robotic platforms are becoming more utilized, however, data on its cost-effectiveness compared to laparoscopy remain controversial (1–3). At NYU Langone Health, many of the bariatric surgeons adopted robotic surgery as part of their practices starting in 2021. We present a retrospective cost analysis of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) vs. robotic sleeve gastrectomy (RSG) at New York University (NYU) Langone Health campuses. Methods All adult patients ages 18–65 who underwent LSG or RSG from 202 to 2023 at NYU Langone Health campuses (Manhattan, Long Island, and Brooklyn) were evaluated via electronic medical records and MBSAQIP 30-day follow-up data. Patients with prior bariatric surgery were excluded. Complication-related ICD-10/CPT codes are collected and readmission costs will be estimated from ICD codes using the lower limit of CMS transparent NYU standard charges (3). Direct charge data for surgery and length of stay cost data were also obtained. Statistical T-test and chi-squared analysis were used to compare groups. Results Direct operating cost data at NYU Health Campuses demonstrated RSG was associated with 4% higher total charges, due to higher OR charges, robotic-specific supplies, and more post-op ED visits. Conclusions RSG was associated with higher overall hospital charges compared to LSG, though there are multiple contributing factors. More research is needed to identify cost saving measures. This study is retrospective in nature, and does not include indirect costs nor reimbursement. Direct operating costs, per contractual agreement with suppliers, are only given as percentages. Data are limited to 30-day follow-up.