Altered gastrointestinal motility after bariatric surgery: consequences, complications and clinical considerations

Esophageal motility: a higher prevalence of dysphagia and post-obesity surgery esophageal dysfunction (POSED) is seen after bariatric surgery due to gastric restriction (intragastric high-pressure zone, esophageal outflow obstruction). Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is already common in people with obesity and may significantly increase after bariatric surgery depending on the type of procedure (LSG, not RYGB). Gastrointestinal motility: bariatric surgery results in significant acceleration of gastric emptying and of small intestinal transit (LSG > RYGB) with delay in colonic transit. Clinical considerations relevant for preoperative work-up, selection of bariatric procedure-type and postoperative follow-up of GI-motility disorders induced by bariatric surgery have been provided.