Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Cross-sectional analysis was performed to study the trend in weight loss following surgery.

METHODS:

Among 194 patients involved in the study during the period 1990-1995, 86.6% were female and 87.1% were white. Median values for the initial cohort of 194 patients were as follows: age 32.5 years; height 163.8cm; preoperative weight 122.81 kg. Of these patients 67%, 30%, and 3% of the patients were categorized as morbidly obese, super obese, and obese respectively. They all underwent gastric bypass surgery.

RESULTS:

Follow-up rates were 67.9% at 1 year, 55.8% at 2 years, 62.8% at 3 years, and 70.0% at 4 years postoperation. Median BMI was reduced from 45.18 to 28.40, and median percentage loss of excess weight was 68.5% after 1 year. After 2, 3, and 4 years, median BMI values were 27.69, 28.63, and 29.40, and median percentages of excess weight loss were 71.18%, 69.28%, and 57.49%, respectively. Although the analysis at 4 years indicates that some patients experience slight weight gain, the increase was not significant and further analysis will be performed when more data points are available.

CONCLUSION:

Postoperative weight loss has been satisfactory.