The effect of rapid weight loss due to jejunoileal bypass on total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein.

Twelve patients undergoing a 10 to 4 inch end-to-side jejunoileal bypass for morbid obesity were measured pre- and postsurgically for total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. After a mean weight loss period of 7 months, results showed a significant decrease in total cholesterol (p less than 0.001) and in the total cholesterol: HDL cholesterol level (p less than 0.01). The change in HDL cholesterol levels was not significant (p less than 0.05). The decrease in total cholesterol accompanied by no change in HDL cholesterol indicates an increased transport of cholesterol as HDL in these patients. This results suggests that these subjects are placed at a decreased risk of coronary heart disease postsurgically.