Bariatric surgery in Saudi Arabia.

Obesity is an emerging health problems in Saudi Arabia. An increasing number of patients are being referred for surgical management of their obesity. Vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) was performed on 39 patients as treatment for morbid obesity. The mean weight loss at one year (38 patients) was 39% in males and 33% in females. At four years (23 patients) the mean weight loss was 42% in males and 41% in female patients. The mortality rate was 2.5% while the failure rate reached 13%. Vertical banded gastroplasty is considered to be an effective treatment toa achieve and sustain near ideal body weight in morbidly obese Saudi patients.