Researchers reported their findings in a recent issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings. The procedure proved effective in obtaining a durable weight loss over four years. And with it, came an overall improvement in quality of life. Patients who were previously too heavy to undergo needed joint replacement became appropriate orthopedic operation candidates.
Morbid obesity is a condition where a patient weighs two or more times the ideal weight.
Their median weight prior to surgery was 304 pounds. They ranged in weight from 200 to 529 pounds, and ranged in age from 18 to 70 years old. Patients underwent intense nutritional counseling during their hospitalization by hospital dietitians. After the surgery, the patients begin with a liquid diet and move along to pureed foods and advance to regular food over the next 11 to 12 weeks. Dietary instructions include more effective eating habits and avoiding high-calorie liquids.