Blood Pressure Changes After Bariatric Surgery

Pathogenesis of blood pressure reduction associated with weight loss is not established. We hypothesize that monitoring of blood pressure changes after weight loss, with concomitant evaluation of cardiac output and selected biochemical parameters related to blood pressure regulation may help in the understanding of weight loss-associated decrease in blood pressure. The study protocol include measurement of blood pressure (bedside and 24h blood pressure monitoring), assessment of the cardiac function and biochemistry 1-2 days before laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and at the time of routine surgical follow-up visits after surgery ie. one week, one month, six and twelve months. Blood pressure measurements will be performed using automatic oscillometric monitors (OnTrak , Spacelabs,USA). Cardiac evaluation will include an echocardiographic assessment of the systolic and diastolic left ventricular function as well as cardiac output measurement using Doppler method. Biochemistry measures, in addition to routine blood tests needed for surgical follow-up, will include fasting insulin, high sensivity C-reactive protein, cystatin C, and NT-proBNP.