Laparoscopic Magenstrasse and Mill Gastroplasty (M&M): Midterm Results.

BACKGROUND: The Magenstrasse and Mill gastroplasty (M&M) is a gastric restrictive procedure without band or stomach resection. Short-term evaluation of the laparoscopic procedure showed low morbidity and satisfactory results on weight loss. Evidence of the validity of the technique in the longer term is scarce. METHODS: Data from patients who underwent M&M procedure from May 2012 to September 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative clinical characteristics and data up to 4 years after operation were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 132 patients were included in this study with a mean age of 46 ± 13.4 years. The mean body mass index (BMI) at the time of procedure was 43 ± 4.5 kg/m2. Mean percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) was 67, 67, 58, and 57% at 1, 2, 3, and 4 years, respectively. The remission rate for diabetes was 36%. About half of the insulin-dependent patients could stop their insulin treatment. Hypertension was resolved in 33.8% of the patients after 4 years. Incidence of vitamin and mineral deficiency was low throughout the study period, less than or equal to 3% for vitamin B12 and 1% for ferritin. Incidence of gastroesophageal reflux did not exceed 15% during the study. Over 75% of the patients reported a good or very good quality of life following the surgery. CONCLUSION: These results confirm the validity of M&M as a bariatric procedure. The low incidence of vitamin deficiencies and gastroesophageal reflux might be the important asset of M&M over other existing techniques.

A 5-Year History of Laparoscopic Gastric Band Removals: an Analysis of Complications and Associated Comorbidities.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to examine the factors contributing to laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) removals among adults > 18 years of age. We hypothesized that female patients with multiple comorbidities would have increased removals. DESIGN: This retrospective exploratory study uses internal records and standard statistical methods of analysis. RESULTS: Eighty-five bands were removed (11.8% males, 88.2% females). The average BMI was 40.7 (n = 83). 2.4% of patients had removals between 0 and 12 months, 18.8% between 39 and 51 months, and 35.3% between 39 and 64 months. 8.2% of treatment times were unknown. The average treatment time was 67.9 months. 48.2% of patients had ≥ 2 comorbidities, GERD (44.2%) being the most frequent. 49.4% of patients reported dysphagia as the reason for band removal. 22.4% of removals were associated with band failures, none with port complications. The reason for band removal was unknown in 21.2% of patients. 67.1%, 32.9%, and 23.5% attended 30-, 60-, and 90-day follow-up appointments, respectively. Weight post-band removal surgery at 30, 60, and 90 days was noted to be - 0.4%., 0.9%, and 0.4%, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study supports current literature suggesting LAGB may not be an effective long-term surgical intervention for obesity. Patients with > 2 comorbidities had increased rates of removal. Dysphagia was noted to be the primary reason cited for LAGB removal. Postoperative follow-up was found to be a significant challenge for LAGB removal patients. Further study is warranted to explore if these poor follow-up rates should be considered when risk stratifying LAGB patients for revisional surgery.

Insulin Clearance After Oral and Intravenous Glucose Following Gastric Bypass and Gastric Banding Weight Loss.

OBJECTIVE: Hepatic insulin clearance is a significant regulator of glucose homestasis. We hypothesized that the improvement in insulin clearance rates (ICRs) under fasting conditions and in response to oral and intravenous (IV) glucose would improve similarly after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and adjustable gastric banding (AGB) as a function of weight loss; the difference in ICR after oral and IV glucose stimulation will be enhanced after RYGB compared with AGB, an effect mediated by glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: In study 1, the ICR was calculated under fasting condition (F-ICR), after oral glucose (O-ICR), and after an isoglycemic IV glucose clamp (IV-ICR) in individuals from an established cohort with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) before, after 10% matched weight loss, and 1 year after either RYGB (n = 22) or AGB (n = 12). In study 2, O-ICR was studied in a separate cohort of individuals with T2DM (n = 22), before and 3 months after RYGB, with and without exendin(9-39) infusion. RESULTS: In study 1, age, BMI, T2DM duration and control, and ICR did not differ between RYGB and AGB preintervention. Weight loss at 1 year was two times greater after RYGB than after AGB (31.6 ± 5.9% vs. 16.6 ± 9.8%; P < 0.05). RYGB and AGB both significantly increased F-ICR, O-ICR, and IV-ICR at 1 year. ICR was inversely associated with insulinemia. The difference between IV-ICR and O-ICR was significantly greater after RYGB versus AGB. GLP-1 antagonism with exendin(9-39) led to an increase in O-ICR in subjects post-RYGB. CONCLUSIONS: Weight loss increased ICR, an effect more pronounced after RYGB compared with AGB. Our data support a potential role for endogenous GLP-1 in the control of postprandial ICR after RYGB.

Upper Gastrointestinal Function in Morbidly Obese Adolescents Before and 6 Months After Gastric Banding.

BACKGROUND: The effects of laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) placement on upper gastrointestinal tract function in obese adolescents are unknown. Therefore, our aim was to determine the short-term effects of LAGB on esophageal motility, gastroesophageal reflux, gastric emptying, appetite-regulatory hormones, and perceptions of post-prandial hunger and fullness. METHODS: This study was part of a prospective cohort study (March 2009-December 2015) in one tertiary referral hospital. The study included obese adolescents (14-18 years) with a body mass index (BMI) > 40 (or ≥ 35 with comorbidities). Gastric emptying was assessed by 13C-octanoic acid breath test, pharyngeal, and esophageal motor function by high-resolution manometry with impedance (HRIM), and appetite and other perceptions using 100-mm visual analogue scales. Dysphagia symptoms were scored using a Dakkak questionnaire. Data were compared pre- and post-LAGB placement and at a 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: Based upon analysis of 15 adolescents, at the 6-month follow-up, LAGB placement: (i) led to a significant reduction in weight and BMI; (ii) increased fullness and decreased hunger post-meal; (iii) increased symptoms of dysphagia after solid food; and, despite these effects, (iv) caused little or no changes to appetite hormones, while (v) effects on gastric emptying, esophageal motility, esophageal bolus transport, and esophageal emptying were not significant. CONCLUSION: In adolescents, LAGB improved BMI and altered the sensitivity to nutrients without significant effects on upper gastrointestinal tract physiology at the 6-month follow-up.

Metabolic Effects of Sleeve Gastrectomy and Laparoscopic Greater Curvature Plication: an 18-Month Prospective, Observational, Open-Label Study.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic greater curvature plication (LGCP) is an innovative restrictive technique designed to reduce gastric volume by plication at the region of greater curvature. The long-term efficacy, safety, and the metabolic effects of this procedure are the subject of this study. METHODS: One hundred twenty-seven patients were enrolled; 84 underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and 43, LGCP. LSG and LGCP were then compared during long-term follow-ups in terms of glycemic control, hormone and lipid secretion, and changes in body composition. Measured parameters included serum glucose, triglycerides, high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, testosterone, estradiol, leptin, adiponectin, ghrelin, fatmass, and lean body mass. RESULTS: Significant weight-loss and a reduced body composition resulted from either procedure vs. baseline (i.e., pre-surgery), with levels of fasting glucose and glycated hemoglobin also showing statistically significant reductions (at 3 and 18 months for either surgery). Intergroup comparisons for glycemic parameters yielded no statistically significant differences. However, a dramatic reduction in ghrelin was detected following LSG, falling from pre-surgery levels of 140.7 to 69.6 ng/L by 6 months (P < 0.001). Subsequently, ghrelin levels increased, reaching 107.8 ng/L by month 12. Conversely, after LGCP, a statistically significant increase in ghrelin was seen, rising from 130.0 ng/L before surgery to 169.0 ng/L by month 12, followed by a slow decline. CONCLUSIONS: Good metabolic outcomes were obtained following LGCP, which might be mediated via altered glucose metabolism and GI hormones. Nevertheless, this method is less effective than LSG, possibly due to its preservation of the entire stomach, including secretory regions.

Revisional Surgery After Failed Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: Retrospective Analysis of Causes, Results, and Technical Considerations.

BACKGROUND: A failed laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) presents a challenging problem for bariatric surgeons. The aim of this study was to evaluate the indications, treatment strategies, and surgical outcomes of patients who underwent a revisional surgery after a failed LSG. METHODS: This retrospective study included the outcomes of 32 patients who required a revisional surgery from a series of 500 primary LSGs. The patients' demographic data, indications for revisional surgery, perioperative complications, and postoperative outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 500 patients underwent primary LSGs during the study period, and 32 of these patients were subjected to revisional bariatric surgery after a failed LSG. Weight regain, poor weight loss, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were the most common causes of revision. A revisional LSG (r-LSG) was performed in 23 patients, while 9 patients received a revisional laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (r-LRYGB). There were complete sleeve pouch dilations in 10 patients. A residual fundus and antrum dilation was detected in 5 and 8 patients, respectively. The r-LRYGB procedure was performed for GERD-related symptoms in 6 patients and 3 other patients underwent r-LRYGB due to the intake of high-caloric foods. The mean operative time, length of hospital stay, and complication rates of revisional surgeries were significantly higher than the total cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Although r-LSG and r-LRYGB seem to be safe and effective treatment options after a failed LSG, revisional procedures were associated with an increased complication rate. Attention to technical details of the primary LSG may reduce the revision requirements.

Consequences of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth in Obese Patients Before and After Bariatric Surgery.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) has been described in obese patients. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the prevalence and consequences of SIBO in obese patients before and after bariatric surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From October 2001 to July 2009, in obese patients referred for bariatric surgery (BMI >40 kg/m2 or >35 in association with comorbidities), a glucose hydrogen (H2) breath test (BT) was performed before and/or after either Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) or adjustable gastric banding (AGB) to assess the presence of SIBO. Weight loss and serum vitamin concentrations were measured after bariatric surgery while a multivitamin supplement was systematically given. RESULTS: Three hundred seventy-eight (mean ± SD) patients who performed a BT before and/or after surgery were included: before surgery, BT was positive in 15.4 % (55/357). After surgery, BT was positive in 10 % (2/20) of AGB and 40 % (26/65) of RYGBP (p < 0.001 compared to preoperative situation). After RYGBP, patients with positive BT had similar vitamin levels, a lower caloric intake (983 ± 337 vs. 1271 ± 404 kcal/day, p = 0.014) but a significant lower weight loss (29.7 ± 5.6 vs. 37.7 ± 12.9 kg, p = 0.002) and lower percent of total weight loss (25.6 ± 6.0 vs. 29.2 ± 6.9 %, p = 0.044). CONCLUSION: In this study, SIBO is present in 15 % of obese patients before bariatric surgery. This prevalence does not increase after AGB while it rises up to 40 % of patients after RYGBP and it is associated with lower weight loss.

Long-Term Results After Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding for Morbid Obesity: 18-Year Follow-Up in a Single University Unit.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) remains one of the most performed bariatric procedures worldwide, but a few long-term studies have been reported often with limited data at time of longest follow-up. We review our 18-year LAGB experience with special regard to weight loss failure and long-term complications leading to band removal. METHODS: We performed 897 LAGB procedures from April 1996 to December 2007: 376 using the perigastric dissection and 521 using the pars flaccida dissection. We performed a retrospective analysis of the data of this consecutive series. Failure was defined as band removal with or without conversion to another procedure or excess weight loss (EWL%) <25 %. RESULTS: There were 120 men and 770 women. Mean age was 39.5 years, and mean BMI was 45.6 kg/m2. Mean follow-up was 14.6 years (range 101-228 months) with 90 % follow-up beyond 10 years. Ten (1.1 %) had early complications and 504 (56 %) late complications. Overall, 374 (41.6 %) bands were explanted for complications, weight regain, or intolerance. Mean 15-year EWL% in patients with band in place was 41.73 %. Over time, band failure rate increases from 18.4 % at 2 years to 43 % at 10 years and more than 70 % beyond 15 years. CONCLUSIONS: Despite good initial results, late complications, weight regain, and intolerance lead to band removal in nearly half of the patients over time. However, given that there is no good information on alternative procedures in the long term and considering its reversibility and safety still has a place in the treatment of morbid obesity for informed and motivated patients.

Manometry of the Upper Gut Following Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Indicates That the Gastric Pouch and Roux Limb Act as a Common Cavity.

BACKGROUND: The motility of the upper gut after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) is underexplored. We aimed to investigate the oesophago-gastro-Roux limb motor activity during fasting and after food intake. METHODS: Eighteen morbidly obese patients were examined at least 2 years after RYGBP. A high-resolution manometry catheter was positioned to straddle the oesophagogastric junction, the gastric pouch and the proximal Roux limb using transmucosal potential difference measurements. Three patients with vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) were also studied. RESULTS: During the fasting state, the gastric pouch had low or no activity whereas the Roux limb exhibited regular migrating motility complexes (MMCs) being initiated just distal to gastroenteroanastomosis. Median cycle duration was 72 min, and the median propagating velocity of the phase III MMC phase was 2.7 cm/min (n = 8). When patients were asked to eat until they felt comfortably full, intraluminal pressure increased by 6 to 8 cmH2O without any significant difference between gastric pouch and the Roux limb (n = 9). The increased intraluminal pressure following food intake correlated neither to weight loss nor to meal size or rate of eating. CONCLUSIONS: A successful RYGBP is associated with MMC in the Roux limb during fasting. The gastric pouch and the Roux limb behaved as a common cavity during food ingestion. Data do not support the hypothesis that the alimentary limb pressure in response to food intake influences either meal size or weight loss.

Preoperative weight loss with intragastric balloon decreases the risk of significant adverse outcomes of laparoscopic gastric bypass in super-super obese patients.

BACKGROUND: Extreme obesity increases morbi-mortality in bariatric surgery. We previously showed that significant weight loss can be obtained within 3 months in super-super obese patients (BMI > 60 kg/m(2)) with an intragastric balloon (IGB). Here, we explored the potential benefit of preoperative IGB on the outcome of laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGBP) in super-super obese patients. METHODS: In this case-control study, we compared the records of 60 consecutive super-super obese patients (66.5 ± 3.4 kg/m(2)) submitted to a LGBP between 2004 and 2009, with preoperative IGB (n = 23, cases) or without (n = 37, controls). We analyzed the clinical outcome of surgery and a composite end point of significant adverse events defined as the presence of at least one of the following conditions: conversion to laparotomy, intensive care unit stay for more than 2 days, and overall hospital stay superior to 2 weeks. RESULTS: All baseline clinical and biological characteristics were homogenous between both groups. IGB was maintained during 155 ± 62 days and induced a loss of 5.5 ± 1.3 kg/m(2) (11.2 ± 3.2% of excess body mass index) at the time of LGBP, associated with a decrease in systolic blood pressure and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase level (p < 0.05 vs. baseline). Operative time was lower in the IGB group (146 ± 47 vs. 201 ± 81 min in controls; p < 0.01). Significant adverse events occurred less frequently after LGBP in the IGB group (2 vs. 13 in controls; p < 0.05). All patients were alive at 1 year and overall weight loss was similar in both groups (52.4 ± 17.3 vs. 50.3 ± 12.7 percent of excess BMI loss in controls; NS). CONCLUSIONS: IGB prior to LGBP in super-super obese patients significantly reduced excess BMI. It was associated with a shorter operative time and a lower overall risk of significant adverse outcomes.

Superior appetite hormone profile after equivalent weight loss by gastric bypass compared to gastric banding.

The goal of this study was to understand the mechanisms of greater weight loss by gastric bypass (GBP) compared to gastric banding (GB) surgery. Obese weight- and age-matched subjects were studied before (T0), after a 12 kg weight loss (T1) by GBP (n = 11) or GB (n = 9), and at 1 year after surgery (T2). peptide YY(3-36) (PYY(3-36)), ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), leptin, and amylin were measured after an oral glucose challenge. At T1, glucose-stimulated GLP-1 and PYY levels increased significantly after GBP but not GB. Ghrelin levels did not change significantly after either surgery. In spite of equivalent weight loss, leptin and amylin decreased after GBP, but not after GB. At T2, weight loss was greater after GBP than GB (P = 0.003). GLP-1, PYY, and amylin levels did not significantly change from T1 to T2; leptin levels continued to decrease after GBP, but not after GB at T2. Surprisingly, ghrelin area under the curve (AUC) increased 1 year after GBP (P = 0.03). These data show that, at equivalent weight loss, favorable GLP-1 and PYY changes occur after GBP, but not GB, and could explain the difference in weight loss at 1 year. Mechanisms other than weight loss may explain changes of leptin and amylin after GBP.

Circulating levels of insulin-like growth factor-II/mannose-6-phosphate receptor in obesity and type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: The extracellular domain of the insulin-like growth factor II/mannose-6-phosphate receptor (IGF-II/M6P-R) is present in the circulation, but its relationship with plasma IGF-II is largely unknown. As IGF-II appears to be nutritionally regulated, we studied the impact of obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D) and weight loss on circulating levels of IGF-II and its soluble receptor. METHODS: Twenty-three morbidly obese non-diabetic subjects were studied before and after gastric banding (GB), reducing their BMI from 59.3+/-1.8 to 52.7+/-1.6 kg/m(2). Lean controls (n=10, BMI 24.2+/-0.5 kg/m(2)), moderately obese controls (n=21, BMI 31.8+/-1.0 kg/m(2)) and obese T2D patients (n=20, BMI 32.3+/-0.8 kg/m(2)) were studied before and after a hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp. RESULTS: Morbidly obese subjects had elevated IGF-II/M6P-R and IGF-II levels, which both decreased following GB (IGF-II/M6P-R: from 0.97+/-0.038 to 0.87+/-0.030 nmol/l, P=0.001; IGF-II: from 134+/-7 to 125+/-6 nmol/l, P=0.01), as did fasting plasma glucose and insulin (P<0.05). However, the metabolic parameters correlated with neither IGF-II nor IGF-II/M6P-R. Obese diabetics had increased IGF-II/M6P-R as compared with lean and obese controls (0.82+/-0.031 vs. 0.70+/-0.033 vs. 0.74+/-0.026 nmol/l; P<0.03) and levels were unaffected by clamp. In the latter cohort, IGF-II/M6P-R but not IGF-II correlated with HbA1c, and fasting plasma C-peptide, insulin and glucose (0.34

Vivência de mulheres que se submeteram à gastroplastia / The women's existence that they underwent the gastroplasty / Vivencia de las mujeres que se submeteram a la gastroplastía

A gastroplastia reduz as co-morbidades e melhora a qualidade de vida, resgatando a auto-estima e inclusão social do obeso mórbido. O estudo teve como objetivo investigar a vivência de mulheres que se submeteram à gastroplastia, a partir de seus discursos. Trata-se de um estudo exploratório com abordagem qualitativa, do qual participaram 16 pacientes mulheres que se submeteram à cirurgia bariátrica. Os dados foram coletados nos meses de junho a julho de 2007, por meio da técnica de entrevista semi-estruturada, com a utilização do sistema de gravação, as quais foram analisadas qualitativamente, à luz da técnica do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo. Emergiram as seguintes ideias centrais: elevação da auto-estima e bem-estar psicológico; promoção de bem-estar físico; mudança negativa no pós-operatório imediato e mediato; mudança positiva após a fase de adaptação; possibilidade de maior socialização; satisfação familiar e pessoal enquanto mulher e maior disposição, segurança e melhor estado de humor. Conclui-se, portanto, que, a gastroplastia é um tratamento cirúrgico para obesos mórbidos, que remete à perda ponderal, melhora a auto-estima, mas que traz consequências negativas. Daí a importância do cuidar destas pacientes desde a decisão de se submeter à cirurgia até a total reabilitação.

The gastroplasty reduces the co-morbities and it improves the life quality, rescuing the self-esteem and social inclusion of the obese morbid. The study had as objective investigates the women's existence that you/they underwent the gastroplasty, starting from your speeches. It is treated of an exploratory study with qualitative approach, of which 16 patient women that underwent the bariatric surgery participated. The data were collected in the months of June to July of 2007, through the semi-structured interview technique; with the use of the recording system, which qualitative approach was analyzed, to the light of the technique of the Collective Subject's Speech. The following central ideas emerged: elevation of the self-esteem and psychological well-being; promotion of physical well-being; negative change in the postoperative immediate and mediate; positive change after the adaptation phase; possibility of larger socializacion; family and personal satisfaction while woman and larger disposition, safety and better humor state. It is ended, therefore, that, the gastroplasty is a surgical treatment for obese morbid, that it sends to the loss body weight, it improves the self-esteem, but that brings negative consequences. Then the importance of taking care of these patients from the decision of submitting to the surgery to total rehabilitation.

El gastroplastía reduce el co-morbities y mejora la calidad de vida, mientras rescatando la autoestima y la inclusión social del obeso mórbido. El estudio tenido como el objetivo investiga la existencia de las mujeres que los sufrían el gastroplastía, mientras empezando de sus discursos. Se trata de un estudio exploratorio con acercamiento cualitativo de que 16 mujeres pacientes que sufrían la cirugía del bariatric participaron. Los datos eran reunido por los meses de junio a julio de 2007, a través de la técnica de la entrevista semi-estructurada; con el uso del sistema magnetofónico que el acercamiento cualitativo fue analizado, a la luz de la técnica del Discurso del Asunto Colectivo. Las ideas centrales siguientes surgieron: la elevación de la autoestima y bienestar psicológico; la promoción de bienestar físico; el cambio negativo en el postoperatorio inmediato y mediato; el cambio positivo después de la fase de adaptación; la posibilidad de socializacion más grande; la familia y la satisfacción personal mientras la mujer y disposición más grande, seguridad y estado de humor bueno. Por consiguiente, ha acabado que, el gastroplasty es un tratamiento quirúrgico para obeso mórbido, que envía al peso de cuerpo de pérdida, mejora la autoestima, pero eso trae las consecuencias negativas. Entonces la importancia de cuidar de estos pacientes de la decisión de someter a la cirugía para sumar la rehabilitación.

Long-term health and psychosocial outcomes from surgically induced weight loss: results obtained in patients not attending protocolled follow-up visits.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity management is focused at weight loss to obtain health, psychological and social benefits. Outcomes from controlled trials, however, do not reflect the everyday routine practice. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the results from surgically induced weight loss in patients devoid of a protocol-wise follow-up, who were visited at home. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent a vertical banded gastroplasty or a gastric bypass between 1980 and 1997 were eligible. Body weight and height were measured. Patients filled out questionnaires on health status (Nottingham Health Profile (NHP)), psychological symptoms (Symptom Check List (SCL-90-R)), personality traits (Dutch Personality Questionnaire (DPQ)) and eating behaviour (Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (DEBQ)). RESULTS: Out of 451 operated patients the addresses of 313 subjects could be traced and 236 (75%) agreed to participate. They maintained a mean (s.d.) loss of 32.1 (22.6) kg and 45.2 (29.3) % of excess weight, 8.2 (4.5) years after the operation, about two-third of the largest weight loss they achieved after 17 months postoperatively. The NHP and SCL-90-R conformed to norm values in males except for energy, sleep and emotional reactions. Females differed from norm values in every aspect and even women achieving a BMI<30 kg/m(2) did not catch up to norm values. Weight loss was inversely related to physical immobility and pain. Personality traits (DPQ) showed a higher grievance and dominance and a lower rigidity and self-esteem compared to norm values. Females scored higher in inadequacy and lower in social inadequacy. Eating patterns (DEBQ) showed mainly emotional eating and restrained eating. Effect sizes of >/=0.8 s.d. were chosen to reflect the clinical relevance of statistically significant findings. Pain, disturbances in sleep, energy and mobility and emotional and restrained eating proved to be clinically relevant. In subjects operated >5 years ago, a higher sensitivity, a higher inadequacy and a lower social inadequacy were observed compared to more recently operated subjects. A more restrained eating pattern was related to an operation of recent date. CONCLUSIONS: Surgically induced weight losses are satisfactory in the long-term, even in patients not attending a strict follow-up protocol. Health, psychological symptoms, personality traits and eating behaviour were related to weight loss and time lapse since the operation and did not return to reference normal-weight subject values.

My story: a personal perspective on bariatric surgery.

Because of the increased incidence of obesity today, bariatric surgery is now considered to be an acceptable treatment modality. However, much of the information that exists in the media focuses on the procedure itself, not on the preoperative and postoperative issues that can be just as important to address. As a certified registered nurse practitioner who deals with these patients on a daily basis, and as a patient who has had both the vertical banded gastroplasty and the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, I consider myself as having a better understanding of the entire process than most. Everyone who chooses bariatric surgery has his or her own motivating factors, whether it be to feel better, to get off his or her medications, or to better control or resolve his or her comorbid conditions; the list is endless. The most important factor is educating oneself and knowing all there is to know about whatever procedure is desired. Insurance companies are now requiring nutritional consults preoperatively that lay the foundation for bariatric patients postoperatively. It is imperative as a healthcare consumer to ask questions, attend classes and support groups, and follow the guidelines that the surgeon has established so as to be successful. I have been through it all and understand the process from beginning to end. I also have extraordinary compassion, sensitivity, and empathy for the bariatric patients, because of my previous experiences. People who have never had a weight problem cannot begin to understand the plight of those who do. I try to guide the patients and point them in the right direction; however, the decisions that they make are ultimately theirs.

Energy expenditure during treadmill walking before and after vertical banded gastroplasty: a one-year follow-up study in 11 obese women.

OBJECTIVE: To find out whether weight reduction induced by vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) alters the energy expenditure in severely obese women during treadmill walking. DESIGN: A prospective one year follow-up study, patients being their own controls. SETTING: University hospital, Sweden. SUBJECTS: A consecutive series of 11 women who had VBG. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Indirect calorimetry, body mass index (BMI), preset and comfortable walking speeds, heart rate, perceived exertion, and quality of life. RESULTS: 11 patients were evaluated. Mean BMI (kg/ml) decreased from 41 (range 36-46) before to 32 (range 25-37) 12 months postoperatively. The energy expenditure decreased significantly both at comfortable and preset walking speeds. The comfortable walking speed increased from 2.7 km x h(-1) (range 1.3-3.4) before operation to 3.8 (range 2.0-4.2) one year postoperatively (p = 0.003). All bodily variables in the SF-36 questionnaire showed improvement from 6 months onwards. CONCLUSION: Weight reduction in women reduces the energy expenditure during walking both at comfortable and preset speeds. The comfortable walking speed is increased. The improvements are reflected in the patients' own assessment.