Visceral obesity is common in the United Arab Emirates and worldwide. Although laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) leads to effective and sustainable weight loss, its long-term beneficial impact on other risk factors, including blood lipid and fatty acid (FA) profiles, remains unknown. These two profiles were assessed in patients 3 years after undergoing LSG and in LSG candidates (controls). Lipid profiles were measured using the Cobas e411 modular analyzer, and 35 FAs were identified. The age and body mass index were 36.55 ± 8.65 years and 31.49 ± 6.43 kg/m2 in the LSG group and 35.44 ± 9.51 years and 32.29 ± 5.38 kg/m2 in the control group, respectively. The overall lipid profile was more favorable in the LSG group than in the control group. Total saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated FAs were similar between the groups, but total medium-chain FAs were more abundant in the LSG group. In endogenous FA synthesis, the estimated activity of C16Δ9 desaturase and Δ5 desaturase decreased, whereas that of elongase increased in the LSG group compared with that in the control group. The benefits of LSG on blood lipid and FA profiles in patients with 3-year LSG may be limited. Hence, lifestyle interventions combined with a long-term and strict regular follow-up regime may be warranted for patients undergoing LSG.
Keywords: fatty acids; laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy; lipids; obesity.