Longitudinal analysis of body compositions following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Authors

• Zubaidah Nor Hanipah, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
• Gabriela de O Lemos, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
• Sophia Ramirez, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
• Venkata Satya Dhulipala, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
• Karteek Popuri, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
• Mirza Faisal Beg, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canada
• Shengping Yang, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
• Philip R. Schauer, LSU Health Sciences Center - New OrleansFollow
• Vance L. Albaugh, LSU Health Sciences Center - New OrleansFollow
• Steven B. Heymsfield, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-21-2026

Publication Title

Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery

Abstract

Background: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is associated with substantial weight loss and improved obesity-related comorbidities. However, outcomes on body composition, particularly skeletal muscle (SM), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) remain inconsistent due to limitations in measurement techniques. Objective: Evaluate longitudinal changes in SM, VAT, and SAT volumes (cm3) following RYGB using Data Analysis Facilitation Suite (DAFS), an automated computed tomography (CT) analysis software. Methods: In this prospective pilot study, nine female patients underwent low-dose abdominal and pelvic CT imaging at baseline, 3-, and 6-months post-RYGB. Volumetric analysis from the ninth thoracic veterbra (T9) to the sacrum was performed using DAFS. Changes in SM, VAT, and SAT were assessed using paired t-tests. Results: Participants (mean ± SD; age 35 ± 9 years, BMI 48 ± 10 kg/m²) experienced substantial weight loss (14 ± 5% at 3 months, 25 ± 7% at 6 months; p < 0.001). SAT and VAT volumes decreased significantly by 21% and 27% at 3 months, and by 31% and 47% at 6 months, respectively (all p < 0.001). In contrast, SM volume showed a significant decline of 14% at month 3 (p < 0.001) and then plateaued thereafter. Conclusion: The changes over time differ substantially among SM, VAT and SAT after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, reflecting the distinct physiological responses and metabolic improvement of different tissue types. Larger and longer clinical studies are needed to validate these findings.

PubMed ID

41723283

Volume

411

Issue

1

Recommended Citation

Nor Hanipah, Zubaidah; de O Lemos, Gabriela; Ramirez, Sophia; Dhulipala, Venkata Satya; Popuri, Karteek; Beg, Mirza Faisal; Yang, Shengping; Schauer, Philip R.; Albaugh, Vance L.; and Heymsfield, Steven B., "Longitudinal analysis of body compositions following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass" (2026). School of Medicine Faculty Publications. 4499.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/som_facpubs/4499
10.1007/s00423-026-03994-8