Intestinal methane production is associated with decreased weight loss following bariatric surgery

Abstract

To determine whether methane and hydrogen on breath test affects weight loss after bariatric surgery, 156 subjects (pre-surgery BMI ≥33) were recruited ≥4 months after surgery. Pre- and post-surgery weights and BMIs were recorded. Post-surgery methane and hydrogen levels were determined. % total weight loss and % change in BMI were prorated to six months after surgery. M+/H+ subjects (N=13) exhibited lower prorated % change in BMI vs. all other subjects (N=144) (p=0.13), and significantly lower prorated % total weight loss (p=0.036). These findings may suggest that subjects with positive breath methane and hydrogen lose less weight following bariatric surgery.

Keywords: Bariatric surgery; Breath test; Methane; Methanogen.