Objectives: Evaluate short-term outcome of calibrated vertical gastrop
lasty 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 foll
owed for 6 months and thirty one for a year. Results: Weight loss reac
hed 28 kg at 6 months and 36 kg at 1 year with an improvement in funct
ional manifestations, especially for dyspnoea and, in half of the subj
ects, for signs of depression. New or worsened psychiatric problems we
re observed in 4 subjects, Post-prandial vomiting persisted for 1 year
in 28 patients. Dietary intake was lowered (946 +/- 61 kcal/day) as w
as protein intake (43 +/- 3 g/24 hr). Impaired glucose tolerance, rais
ed serum insulin, triglyceride and androgen levels were corrected in p
atients 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 pot
ential risks involved. Lang-term prospective studies are required to d
etermine the precise indications for this technique.