New surgical procedures have revolutionized the treatment of morbid
obesity (more than 100% overweight), a condition associated with serious
medical complications and for which conservative treatment has been largely
ineffective. These procedures, which are surprisingly safe, produce large
weight losses and marked improvement in hypertension, diabetes, and other
disorders influenced by obesity. Striking changes also occur in vocational
and psychosocial functioning, including marital and sexual relations, in
eating behavior, in food preferences, and in body image. The emotional
state of patients during weight loss following surgery is far superior to
that during attempts at weight reduction by other methods. The surgical
procedures appear to produce a major biological change, perhaps lowering a
body weight set point.Abstract Teaser