new article on sleeve outcomes
 

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/771803?src=nl_topic

Key points:

• some folks had open instead of lap procedures - they were generally super-obese
• after 18 months, the average excess weight loss was just under 50%, but some folks lost nearly 75% of their excess weight
• 25% of these patients added a malabsorption component later - 22% went with the duodenal switch, and 3% went with the gastric bypass
• about half of patients needed iron and/or vitamin B12 supplements, and about 1/3 of patients needed other vitamin supplements

so, bottom line - the sleeve is safe and effective, and patients need to be monitored for vitamin levels. just like with everything else!

enjoy!