New study on RNYs for men

Just out today in JAMA: http://jama.ama-assn.org/content/early/2011/06/07/jama.2011.817.full.pdf?papetoc=

Not encouraging! But somehow it just doesn't seem right to me. I mean, I'm down 100 pounds since my heaviest, I feel better, no more high blood pressure, no more high blood sugar (and I am predisposed to diabetes). How can my chances of survival not improve?

A few thoughts from the study.  The average age of the veteran was 49.5.  Many were lifers, but may not have been in shape or could have had permanent disability before they started.  10-20 years post op of abusing your body with obesity can do damage.  Also wondering (in general...no sterotyping) if ex-military people smoke or drink more than the general population.  Also do they comply with doctor's orders compared to the general population?  Just asking.  I think the most important figure was the mortality rates at 6 years...6.8 ( WLS) vs 15.2 (non WLS).  Abuse of the body takes its toll on all of us.  But for those who work their tool and comply...exercise regualary, there is a much better outcome long term than those who didn't get their comorbidities under control...

I think that's a good analysis. This study just sounds fishy to me, as if something major was omitted or not taken into consideration. How can shedding weight not improve your health? As I said, I'm cured of high blood pressure now. My chances of getting diabetes are far reduced. Is that bad?

I wouldn't read too much into that study.  It seems severely flawed in my opinion.  It also seems like the surgery itself, patient education, support, etc... has also come a long way since 2000 and I would be willing to bet that the long term prognosis for patients over the past 5+ years has gotten even better than those who followed before them.  One other thing to note is that if the insurance companies thought that there was no long term health benefit (read: their bottom line) to surgery then they would absolutely not be covering the surgeries.  I for one would not have done anything different and am thankful every day for having done this surgery.  It has made my outlook once again very bright!!

I had surgery five years ago and even if It does not lengthen my life span., the increase in quality of life was worth having the surgery. I would do it again. High blood pressure is gone, high triglycerides fixed, GERD gone and no more sleep apnea. In the last two years I have completed two marathons. I believe I will live longer and healthier.

pan head

Amen to that!!