Sustained weight loss after duodenal–jejunal bypass liner treatment in patients with body mass index below, but not above 35 kg/m(2): A retrospective cohort study

Previous data from short term studies have shown an efficacy of the duodenal‐jejunal bypass liner (DJBL) for weight loss. However, less data is available regarding weight change after device removal and possible predictors for weight loss. This is a retrospective chart review of all patients who had DJBL inserted at the University Hospital Zurich between December 2012 and June 2015. A total of 27 patients had DJBL insertion. The median BMI at baseline was 38.5 (34.0–42.2) kg/m(2). In the 24 patients with DJBL treatment >3 months (failed implantation or early removal due to side effects in 3 patients), the mean duration of implantation was 42.9 ± 13.1 weeks. During the treatment, the mean total body weight loss (%TBWL) was 15.0 ± 8.3%. Fifteen patients had long‐term follow‐up data available (mean duration of follow‐up 4.0 ± 0.9 years). The mean weight change was 12.7 ± 12.8 kg, corresponding with a mean % weight regain of 13.3 ± 13.3%. Five patients (33.3%) subsequently underwent bariatric surgery. In patients with class I obesity (BMI <35 kg/m(2) at baseline), 4 out of 6 (66.7%) had a stable weight or only a weight regain <7%. In contrast, no patient with BMI >35 kg/m(2) at baseline was able to keep weight regain below 7%. DJBL is an effective treatment for obesity, but substantial weight regain occurs during long‐term follow up after the device removal, in particular in patients with BMI > 35 kg/m(2).