Faculty Collaboration Database

Laparoscopic gastric bypass results in decreased prescription medication costs within 6 months. J Gastrointest Surg 2004 Dec;8(8):983-7

Date

12/09/2004

Pubmed ID

15585385

DOI

10.1016/j.gassur.2004.09.042

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-10044284359 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   25 Citations

Abstract

The prevalence of obesity has reached epidemic proportions. The treatment of obesity-related health conditions is costly. Although laparoscopic gastric bypass is expensive, health care costs in obese patients should decrease with subsequent weight loss and overall improved health. Specifically, monthly prescription medication costs should decrease quickly after surgery. Fifty consecutive laparoscopic gastric bypass patients at a university-based bariatric surgery program were enrolled in the study. Medication consumption was prospectively recorded in a database. Patients' monthly prescription (not over-the-counter) medication costs before surgery and 6 months postoperatively were calculated. Retail costs were determined by a query to drugstore.com, an online pharmacy. Generic drugs were selected when appropriate. Costs for diabetic supplies and monitoring were not included in this analysis. Patients were mostly female (86%). Mean body mass index preoperatively was 51 kg/m2. Mean excess weight loss at 6 months was 52%. Patients took an average of 3.7 prescription medications before surgery compared with 1.7 after surgery (P < 0.05). All patients took nonprescription nutritional supplements, including multivitamins, oral vitamin B12, and calcium postoperatively. Laparoscopic gastric bypass resulted in a significant improvement in comorbid health conditions as early as 6 months after surgery. In an unselected group of patients, this led to a substantial overall mean monthly prescription medication cost savings, especially in those with gastroesophageal reflux disease, hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia.

Author List

Gould JC, Garren MJ, Starling JR

Author

Jon Gould MD Chief, Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Body Mass Index
Comorbidity
Cost Savings
Databases, Factual
Drug Prescriptions
Female
Gastric Bypass
Humans
Laparoscopy
Male
Obesity, Morbid
Prescription Fees
Prospective Studies
Time Factors
Weight Loss