Fobi has tracked his patients' progress. That report is scheduled to be published soon, says Fobi. Roseanne, who had the Fobi surgery two years ago and lost 78 pounds, has praised the procedure on her talk show. Her daughter had the Fobi Pouch operation two years ago, and Fobi tells WebMD that she's doing great, too. Even Roseanne's nanny, who had the surgery in 1992, has maintained her weight loss, Fobi says.
Recovery includes a four-day hospital stay, plus three to six weeks at home.
Fobi has trained about 50 U.S. doctors to do the procedure, and their names are available through the American Society of Bariatric Surgery. He has not yet received authorization to officially use his name in association with the procedure. As with other bypass surgeries, complications may include vomiting, nausea, vitamin deficiencies, protein deficiencies, and rapid weight loss, which can cause dizziness. Most patients learn to overcome these side effects, if no other cause is found. Support groups are available.