Effect of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy on Calcium Homeostasis: A Single-Center Study

Abstract

Background: Treatment of obesity includes medical and surgical options. Bariatric surgery is a relatively new and successful therapy for  obesity. The laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is one of the most common operations done to manage obesity.

Objective: This study aimed to assess calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D levels in patients who performed LSG.

Subjects and method: This retrospective study included 64 cases. The cases were divided into two major groups. Group 1 included obese  patients who underwent LSG and took vitamin D and calcium supplements and group 2 that included obese patients who  underwent LSG and did not take supplements. Anthropometric measures were performed for all participants. Routine lab investigations  and calcium and phosphorus levels were determined by spectrophotometry.

Results: In group 1, there were highly significant increases in calcium and vitamin D levels at 3 months after LSG when compared to  before LSG (P<0.001). However, phosphorus levels showed no significant differences (P=0.242). In group 2, there were highly significant  decreases in the levels of serum calcium, and vitamin D at 3 months after LSG when compared to before LSG (P<0.001, for each).  Additionally, phosphorus levels showed a significant decrease (P=0.006).

Conclusion: The anthropometric measures, lipid profile, and  fasting and two hours post-prandial blood glucose levels showed marked decreases mediated by weight loss by LSG. In addition, calcium,  phosphorus, and vitamin D showed a marked decline after LSG by 3 months, which was compensated by supplementation.