Primary experience of bariatric surgery in a newly established private obesity center

OBJECTIVES: To assess the outcomes of different types of bariatric surgeries in a single newly established private obesity center. METHODS: Retrospectively, we included patients who were entered in the registry for bariatric surgeries in the Obesity Unit, Riyadh National Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between January 2013 and September 2014, and completed one year of follow up. Baseline characteristics, percent excess weight loss, and safety data were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 79 patients were included. Based on the type of surgery, patients were divided into 3 groups: laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), laparoscopic minigastric bypass (MGBP), and laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy (SG). After one year, RYGB and MGB patients lost more weight than SG patients. No mortality, or leak were reported and one patient had reoperation after revision laparoscopic RYGB for bleeding. There was one readmission, while 4 patients visited the emergency room for vomiting and dehydration (2 patients), anemia (one patient), and port site infection (one patient). CONCLUSION: Bariatric surgeries are safe when carried out by an experienced bariatric surgeon in the private sector. The outcome of this series is similar to the published results from large international obesity databases.