Abstract
BACKGROUND: Obesity is a global epidemic, with rising prevalence rates in both developed and developing countries. In Saudi Arabia, the prevalence exceeds the global average, reaching 35%, and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. This study explores changes in quality of life (QoL) following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) among adults in the Aseer region, an area previously unexamined in this context. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted involving patients who underwent LSG in Abha between January 2018 and December 2023. The study included 385 participants, selected from an initial pool of 450 after excluding individuals with incomplete data. QoL was assessed using the RAND 36-Item Health Survey, which evaluates various domains such as physical functioning, emotional well-being, and general health perception. RESULTS: Postoperative assessments revealed significant improvements in QoL, with patients reporting enhanced physical and emotional health. Mean scores demonstrated notable gains, particularly in energy/fatigue and emotional well-being domains. A substantial majority (79%) expressed satisfaction with their weight loss outcomes. Furthermore, many participants experienced significant improvements in obesity-related comorbidities, including diabetes and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Statistical analyses identified key predictors of patient satisfaction, such as age, education level, and income. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the effectiveness of LSG as a viable intervention for obesity management in the Aseer region, leading to improved health-related quality of life. It underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to obesity treatment that combines surgical intervention with ongoing lifestyle support. Future research should focus on long-term outcomes and the psychological aspects of post-bariatric surgery to optimize patient care. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into obesity management and QoL enhancement following surgery in Saudi Arabia.