Weight control after vertical banded gastroplasty for morbid obesity

Article Abstract:

Severe obesity can have life-threatening consequences. Long-term nonsurgical treatment of morbid obesity is usually unsuccessful. The most commonly performed operation for morbid obesity is vertical ring or banded gastroplasty (stomach reconstruction). Several factors (behavioral, physical, socioeconomic and psychologic) are believed to influence the success of this procedure. A study was undertaken of 200 patients who underwent vertical banded gastroplasty for morbid obesity to determine the influence of various factors on weight loss one year after surgery. Half the patients had a band with a 4.5 centimeter circumference and the other half had a 5 centimeter band placed to control the size of the opening of the stomach. There was 97.5 percent follow-up at one year. The average weight loss was 27 percent of the patients' original weight. It was found that there was no significant influence on weight loss by: size of band placed, preoperative occupation, economic status or psychological status. The one factor that strongly influenced weight loss was postoperative eating behavior. Patients were rarely hungry between meals. Compared with patients who experienced good weight loss (greater than 20 percent of original weight), 25 percent of those with poor weight loss (less than 20 percent) drank at least four glasses of high-calorie beverages daily, and 75 percent ate large amounts of soft foods. Most of the patients who consumed excessive sweets are included in the high-calorie beverage group. It should be emphasized to patients that the operation is only a crutch to help them lose weight. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Surgery, Eating disorders, Stomach

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Weight of evidence

Article Abstract:

EFiC Ltd., supplier of air cylinders for firefighters, is taking a close look at the weight of breathing apparatus for industrial and public firefighters, and the Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM), UK, is preparing a report on the demands on firefighters, which will be available in spring-1993. The IOM will make recommendations on air requirements, a comfortable weight for apparatus, and the acceptable amount of physical strain on firefighters. In the last decade there have been several changes in breathing apparatus, with improved fabrics and a lighter helmet, but for firefighters the weight of apparatus seems to be top priority. At Chester College, UK, trials have been carried out to compare lightweight compressed air cylinders with the traditional steel kind.

Usage, Innovations, Evaluation, Safety and security measures, Product information, Respirators, Respiratory protective equipment, Safety equipment industry, Pressure vessels, Composite materials, Fire fighters, Firefighters, Fire prevention equipment industry, EFiC Ltd.

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Who's making you fat?

Article Abstract:

Some people get fat because of their mothers, friends or lovers who directly or indirectly encourage them to eat. This can be avoided by honestly telling the person of one's weight concern so that eating adjustments can be made.

Prevention

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