Prospective Study on the Consequences of Weight Loss After Bariatric Surgery on Obese Patients' Spine.

This prospective study examines how significant weight loss following bariatric surgery (sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass) affects the spine in obese patients, particularly regarding back pain, spinal alignment, and fat accumulation around the nerves (epidural lipomatosis). Many patients continue to experience back and leg pain even after losing substantial weight, and this study aims to identify what factors explain whether back pain improves or worsens after surgery. Adults over 18 with a BMI above 40 (or above 35 with obesity-related health conditions) who are scheduled for bariatric surgery at Pompidou Hospital in France and can be followed for at least one year are eligible. Participation involves clinical evaluations, X-rays of the spine, and MRI scans before and after surgery. This summary was prepared as patient-facing educational content using AI assistance.