Alterations in taste preferences one year following sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and one anastomosis gastric bypass: a cross-sectional study

The influence of metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) on taste preferences and the pleasurable aspects of appetite may be mediated through its effects on gut hormones, potentially affecting weight loss results. Research indicates that the nature of the MBS performed significantly impacts food cravings in the year following the procedure, with no clear relationship to psychological factors or pre-surgery eating behaviors. During the period from August 2021 to August 2022, a group of adult patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 kg/m² or above, or 35 kg/m² or above with obesity-related medical complications, underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB), or sleeve gastrectomy (SG) at a tertiary academic center focused on MBS. This research included 294 patients who completed the Taste Desire and Enjoyment Change Questionnaire (TDECQ) one year after their surgical procedures, which were primary RYGB, OAGB, or SG. Most participants noted changes in their taste perception, cravings, and enjoyment of flavors after undergoing SG, RYGB, and OAGB. The study's findings suggest that the type of MBS significantly affects taste preferences. Additionally, RYGB and OAGB were associated with a more substantial decrease in the craving for sweet and fatty flavors relative to SG.