Changes in Functional Walking Distance and Health-Related Quality of Life After Gastric Bypass Surgery

Abstract

Background and PurposeEarly physical functional changes after gastric bypass surgery (GBS) are unclear, and the relationship between these changes and health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) has not been reported. We measured distances from a 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and scores on the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) before and after GBS.Subjects and MethodsTwenty-five people undergoing GBS completed the SF-36 and 6MWT presurgically and at the 3-month and 6-month follow-up visits. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured during 6MWTs.ResultsPresurgical walking distance (X̅±SD; 414.1±103.7 m) was 55%±14% of normative values. Distances increased significantly at 3 months (505.2±98.0 m) and at 6 months (551.5±101.2 m). Final RPEs decreased significantly, and HR-QOL improved significantly. Both physical and mental health components of the SF-36 improved significantly. Distance was inversely correlated with body mass throughout the study and positively correlated with the SF-36 Physical Component Summary change from 3 to 6 months.Discussion and ConclusionsImproved functional capacity was associated with enhanced HR-QOL. At 6 months, walking distances remained 75% of those for age-matched peers who had normal weight.