Objectives: Evaluate short-term outcome of calibrated vertical gastroplasty in obese subjects.
Methods: Calibrated vertical gastroplasty was performed in 55 obese subjects (BMI 43 +/- 1; age range 20-59 year). There were no post-operative complications. All the subjects were followed for 6 months and thirty one for a year.
Results: Weight loss reached 28 kg at 6 months and 36 kg at 1 year with an improvement in functional manifestations, especially for dyspnoea and, in half of the subjects, for signs of depression. New or worsened psychiatric problems were observed in 4 subjects. Post-prandial vomiting persisted for 1 year in 28 patients. Dietary intake was lowered (946 +/- 61 kcal/day) as was protein intake (43 +/- 3 g/24 hr). Impaired glucose tolerance, raised serum insulin, triglyceride and androgen levels were corrected in patients with abnormal levels before surgery. Serum vitamin B1 declined.
Conclusion: These favourable results in the weight curve, functional problems and metabolic data should not mask the disadvantages and potential risks involved. Long-term prospective studies are required to determine the precise indications for this technique.