title: The Greenville gastric bypass. Progress report at 3 years.
abstract: Two hundred and ten morbidly obese patients underwent a standardized gastric bypass procedure between February 1980 and November 1983. We conclude, based on 100% follow-up, that the operation is safe (operative mortality--1%, significant complications--10%) and effective (reoperation rate--4%). Only one patient failed to lose more than 25% of preoperative weight. The operation produced a mean weight loss in the group from 289 pounds (202-505) before surgery to 176 pounds (118-308) at 18 months after surgery. Stated as "per cent of ideal weight," patients lost from a preoperative mean of 214% (153-350) to 130% (88-189) at 18 months. Maximum weight loss was reached by 18 months after the procedure and was maintained during 36 months of observation in over 95% of patients. When patients were divided into four groups according to preoperative weight, weight loss occurred at a roughly similar rate, but heavier patients, although they lost more weight, plateaued at a higher weight than patients originally less obese. Striking and objective benefits were seen in patients with diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and pulmonary insufficiency.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001835:Body Weight; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005748:Gastric Fundus / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007583:Jejunum / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000628:therapy*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D013528:Surgical Staplers; D013537:Sutures; D013997:Time Factors