ADOLESCENTS HAVING OBESITY SURGERY - A 6-YEAR FOLLOW-UP

Thirty-four adolescents aged 11 to 19 at the time of gastric surgery for obesity were interviewed an average of 6 years postoperatively. Patients' preoperative body mass index averaged 47; at follow-up, their body mass index averaged 32. Two thirds of the patients weighed within 9 kg of their lowest postsurgical weight at the time of follow-up; three had had additional obesity surgery. Patients reported excellent psychosocial adjustment, including improved self-esteem, social relationships, and appearance. No patient was unemployed. Patients reported poor compliance with exercise and dietary instructions. More seriously, only four patients reported taking vitamin B-12, multivitamin supplements, and calcium as directed. The need for long-term patient commitment and monitoring is discussed.