Gastric bypass for obesity. Results of a community hospital series.

Seven hundred patients at a community hospital underwent gastric bypass for morbid obesity. Postoperative complications developed in 14.9 percent. The incidence of major complications was particularly low. Both weight loss and the percentage of excess weight lost in the postoperative period were very satisfactory. The criteria for selecting patients for gastric bypass are presented and preoperative evaluation is reviewed. Major technical points in the operation are stressed. Roux-Y reconstruction of gastrointestinal continuity is the preferred technique in our hands. This report reemphasizes the safety and efficacy of gastric bypass as a treatment for morbid obesity. When careful patient selection, preoperative evaluation and operative techniques are combined. excellent results can be expected in the community hospital.