Wow~! kath Everybody Health Centres http://www.everybody.co.nz/research/weight_stomachsurg.html Surgery to reduce stomach size urged for very obese people A Swedish study has found stomach reduction surgery can produce good results in the very obese. People who underwent this type of surgery had improved quality of life, stabilised type 2 diabetes, controlled BP and less health service costs. They also had lowered lipids, better sleep, fewer joint problems, and reduced reflux, incontinence and asthma. The risk of dying from surgery is low, about 1 in 600, and 93 per cent have no postoperative problems. The latest surgical techniques use gastric bands which result in about 60 per cent loss of excess weight and maintenance of weight loss long-term. Prejudice against surgery for morbid obesity needs to be addressed before these procedures can deliver better results, the researchers said. Baxter J. BMJ 321:523-4, 2 Sep 2000