DOES BILIO-INTESTINAL BYPASS STILL HAVE A ROLE IN THE TREATMENT OF SUPER-OBESITY

Background: Super-obesity (BMI > 50) is life-threatening. The jejunoil eal bypass had potential long-term problems, and weight loss with gast roplasty may be inadequate, Methods: From 1988 to 1995, 19 patients wi th morbid obesity had jejunoileal bypass with anastomosis of the fundu s of the gallbladder to the proximal end of the bypassed jejunum. Of t hese patients, 11 were superobese, with ages 19-49 years, weight 125-1 72 kg, mean excess weight 97 kg (73-119) and BMI 56 (50-67), Results: Mean weight loss at 3 years was 60 kg, There was no mortality and no m ajor complications. Patients had 5-6 stools per day and some flatulenc e. There have been no hepatic, renal, calcium or electrolyte problems, Diseases secondary to obesity resolved, Conclusion: Bilio-intestinal bypass has been effective and safe thus far.