Energy regulation in morbid obesity by multidisciplinary therapy.

Regulation of energy expenditure should be directed toward fat mobilization and oxidation with concomitant preservation of lean body mass. This requires a multidisciplinary approach. The key surgical component of a gastric bypass is a properly sized pouch and stoma outlet. Compliance with a diet of approximately 800 to 1200 kcal per day, limited to three small meals and two snacks is the desired result. Weight loss should average 10 to 15 pounds monthly when surgery is added to intense medical, nutritional, and behavior therapy to ensure that the weight is reduced to desirable levels.