Obese Candidates For Bariatric Surgery Research Articles

Lung function and left ventricular hypertrophy in morbidly obese candidates for bariatric surgery.

Objective: To look for correlations between lung function and cardiac dimension variables in morbidly obese patients, in order to test the hypothesis that the relative size of the small airways is independently correlated with left ventricular hypertrophy. Methods: This was a retrospective study involving 192 medical records containing a clinical protocol employed in candidates for bariatric surgery between January of 2006 and December of 2010. Results: Of the 192 patients evaluated, 39 (10 males and 29 females) met the inclusion criteria. The mean BMI of the patients was 49.2 ± 7.6 kg/m2, and the mean age was 35.5 ± 7.7 years. The FEF25-75/FVC, % correlated significantly with left ventricular posterior wall thickness and relative left ventricular posterior wall thickness, those correlations remaining statistically significant (r = −0.355 and r = −0.349, respectively) after adjustment for weight, gender, and history of systemic arterial hypertension. Stepwise multivariate linear regression analysis showed that FVC and FEV1 were the major determinants of left ventricular mass (in grams or indexed to body surface area). Conclusions: A reduction in the relative size of the small airways appears to be independently correlated with obesity-related cardiac hypertrophy, regardless of factors affecting respiratory mechanics (BMI and weight), gender, or history of systemic arterial hypertension. However, FEV1 and FVC might be important predictors of left ventricular mass in morbidly obese individuals.

EVALUATION OF A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM OF FOUR MONTHS OF DURATION ON THE PREOPERATIVE CONDITIONS OF OBESE PATIENTS CANDIDATES FOR BARIATRIC SURGERY

in the morbidly obese there is preoperative background that must be improved to reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality. to evaluate the effects of a multidisciplinary treatment on anthropometric parameters, fasting glucose, physical condition and levels of depression and anxiety of morbidly obese patients with co-morbidities and obese candidates for bariatric surgery. four men and ten women between 21 and 55 year old candidates for bariatric surgery, with morbidly (n = 5) or obesity and comorbidities (diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance) (n = 9) they underwent multidisciplinary treatment such as; Interval exercise, counseling and nutrition education, three times a week for four months. Before and 72 hours after the last intervention session was evaluated (≥ 12 hours fasting): body mass, body fat percentage (% fat), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and glycemia basal. Besides fitness and levels of depression and anxiety were evaluated. significant decreases were evident in variable weight (p = 0.004), BMI (p = 0.000),% FM (p = 0.001), baseline glycemia (p = 0.02), WC (p = 0.000), the condition physical significantly increased (p = 0.000), in the psychological, levels of depression decreased significantly (p = 0.014), whereas the levels of anxiety as a state; transitory emotional condition and trait anxiety; anxious propensity relatively stable, there were no significant changes (p > 0.05). four months of treatment improve preoperative conditions of obese candidates for bariatric surgery and reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality.

High Prevalence of Zinc Deficiency in Iranian Morbid Obese Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery

Background: Bariatric surgery’s efficacy in morbid obesity therapy has been proven; but post-operational zinc deficiency is a problematic issue as its essential role in post-operational recovery of patients. Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the rate of zinc deficiency in Iranian morbidly obese candidates for bariatric surgery. Patients and Methods: We assessed zinc status in 996 morbidly obese subjects (BMI > 40 kg/m 2 or BMI > 35 kg/m 2 with any comorbidities) (841 females, 155 males) who were candidate for bariatric surgery. Comorbidities related to obesity including dyslipidemia, abnormal fasting glucose, hypertension and type-2 diabetes (T2D) were evaluated. Also we checked albumin and SGPT as markers of liver function. Data analyzed by SPSS. Results: Zinc deficiency was found in 13.6% of patients. Zinc levels had an inverse and significant association with age (P Value = 0.016). Although greater levels of circulating zinc were observed in patients with higher BMI, there were no significant correlation between zinc deficiency and adiposity. Dyslipidemia was found to be the most prevalent comorbidity in this population. Conclusions: These results show a high prevalence of zinc deficiency in morbidly obese subjects. Thus, we suggest the evaluation of the zinc status in patients undergoing bariatric surgery and treatment of zinc deficiency before doing the surgery.

Iron Nutrition following Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric weight loss surgery is growing in popularity as a treatment for moderate and severe obesity (body mass index ≥35 kg/m2). Although bariatric surgery induces significant weight loss and ameliorates cardiometabolic, mechanical, and psychosocial complications of obesity, evidence shows increased incidence of various nutrient deficiencies following surgery, including iron deficiency. Iron deficiency is the most common and widespread nutritional disorder in the world, known for its multifactorial etiology and its difficulty to treat. Iron deficiency is prevalent in obese candidates for bariatric surgery and appears to be exacerbated after surgery. Symptomatic manifestations of iron deficiency following bariatric surgery include disorders such as chronic anemia, fatigue, and even pica, a disorder characterized by the eating of nonfoods such as ice. The aim of this review is to explore the mechanisms associated with impaired iron status in obesity before and following bariatric surgery in order to understand the effects of bariatric surgery on iron nutriture. Understanding the underlying mechanisms that cause impairment of iron status may serve as a foundation for developing methods to prevent the common occurrence of iron deficiency following bariatric surgery.

Hallazgos de la endoscopia digestiva alta en pacientes con obesidad mórbida candidatos a cirugía bariátrica

IntroductionBody mass index has been associated with the presence and severity of various gastrointestinal symptoms. The aim of the study was to analyze the endoscopic findings and gastric histology of morbidly obese candidates for bariatric surgery. MethodsWe retrospectively included patients undergoing bariatric surgery at the Hospital de León from March 2005 to April 2013. The findings of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and antral histology were collected. The relationship of body mass index (BMI) with gastroscopy findings and the presence of Helicobacter pylori were assessed. ResultsA total of 194 patients were included. An abnormality on endoscopy or antral biopsy was found in 48.7% and 78.9% of the patients, respectively. Three patients had gastric peptic ulcer, and consequently the intervention was postponed until healing. H.pylori infection was found in 63.9% of the patients. The presence of H.pylori and endoscopic findings were not related to BMI. ConclusionGastroesophageal disease is common in morbidly obese patients and approximately half of the patients had some kind of alteration on endoscopy. Gastroscopy and H.pylori testing prior to surgery is required to rule out disease that could delay or contraindicate surgery.

BINGE EATING DISORDER AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF CANDIDATES TO BARIATRIC SURGERY

Background : Obesity decreases the quality of life, which is aggravated by the association of comorbidities, and the binge eating disorder is directly related to body image and predisposes to overweight. Aim: Evaluate association between the presence and the level of binge eating disorder and the quality of life of the obese candidates for bariatric surgery. Methods : Cross-sectional study analyzing anthropometric data (weight and height) and socioeconomics (age, sex, marital status, education and income). The application of Binge Eating Scale was held for diagnosis of Binge Eating Disorder and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-From Health Survey to assess the quality of life. Results : Total sample studied was 96 patients, mean age 38.15±9.6 years, 80.2% female, 67.7% married, 41% with complete and incomplete higher education, 77.1% with lower income or equal to four the minimum salary, 59.3% with grade III obesity. Binge eating disorder was observed in 44.2% of patients (29.9% moderate and 14.3% severe), and these had the worst scores in all domains of quality of life SF36 scale; however, this difference was not statistically significant. Only the nutritional status presented significant statistically association with the presence of binge eating disorder. Conclusion : High prevalence of patients with binge eating disorder was found and they presented the worst scores in all domains of quality of life.

Endometrial histology in severely obese bariatric surgery candidates: an exploratory analysis

BackgroundEndometrial pathology risk has been linked to obesity; however, little is known of its prevalence in severely obese women not seeking care for endometrial pathology associated symptoms. This pilot study was designed to explore the frequency and risk factors associated with endometrial pathology in cancer-free, severely obese, bariatric surgery candidates using the Pipelle endometrial sampling technique (SureFlex Preferred Curette, Bioteque America, Inc, New Taipei City, Taiwan). MethodsTwenty-nine severely obese bariatric surgery candidates with intact uteruses and no history of endometrial cancer or endometrial ablation were included in this subanalysis from a larger cohort of 47. Endometrial samples were obtained using a Pipelle endometrial suction curette at a single time point before surgery. Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between body mass index and endometrial pathology when adjusting for age and race. ResultsOf the 29 successful biopsies, 8 (27.6%) were classified as abnormal endometrium: 1 was classified as complex atypical hyperplasia, 1 was classified as hyperplasia without atypia, 4 samples were identified with endometrial polyps, and 2 samples were identified with metaplasia. None presented with cancer. Increasing body mass index was significantly associated with higher risk of abnormal endometrium (OR = 1.19, 95% CI [1.03–1.36], P = .01). ConclusionsThe findings in this sample suggest that obesity may be associated with increased risk of having undiagnosed endometrial pathology. More thorough examination of relationships between levels of obesity and endometrial pathology are needed to better characterize high cancer risk groups who may benefit from introducing new screening measures.

Association of Adipose Tissue and Liver Fibrosis With Tissue Stiffness in Morbid Obesity: Links With Diabetes and BMI Loss After Gastric Bypass

Liver and white adipose tissue (WAT) develop inflammation and fibrosis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the bioclinical relevance of WAT fibrosis in morbid obesity and diabetes and the relationships with tissue stiffness measured using a novel device. Observational and longitudinal studies were conducted in a hospital nutrition department. Biopsies of liver and subcutaneous WAT (scWAT) and omental adipose tissue were collected from 404 obese bariatric surgery candidates, of whom 243 were clinically characterized before surgery and 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. In 123 subjects, liver and scWAT stiffness was assessed noninvasively using vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE). Bariatric surgery was performed for some patients. Adipose tissue fibrosis and stiffness and their link to obesity phenotypes were measured. scWAT fibrosis was positively associated with liver fibrosis (fibrosis score ≥2) (ϱ= 0.14; P = .01). VCTE-evaluated liver and scWAT stiffness was positively correlated with immunohistochemistry-determined liver (ϱ= 0.46; P = .0009) and scWAT fibrosis (ϱ= 0.48; P = .0001). VCTE-evaluated scWAT stiffness measures negatively associated with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry-evaluated body fat mass (R = -0.25; P = .009) and were correlated with metabolic variables. Diabetic subjects showed increased scWAT stiffness. Participants less responsive to gastric bypass were older and more frequently diabetic, and they had increased body mass index, serum IL-6, and scWAT and liver fibrosis. Subjects with no diabetes and normal liver had higher fat mass and lower tissue fibrosis and stiffness. scWAT stiffness was associated with tissue fibrosis, obesity, and diabetes-related traits. Noninvasive evaluation of scWAT stiffness might be useful in clinical practice.

Effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy in morbidity obese candidates for bariatric surgery with and without binge eating disorder.

To analyze changes in the general and specific psychopathology of morbidly obese bariatric surgery (BS) candidates after cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and assess differences between patients with and without binge eating disorder (BED) and between patients with obesity grades III and IV, studying their influence on weight loss. 110 consecutive morbidly obese BS candidates [77 females; aged 41 ± 9 yrs; body mass index 49.1 ± 9.0 kg/m²] entered a three-month CBT program (12 two-hour sessions) before BS. Participants were assessed with general and specific psychopathology tests pre- and post-CBT. Data were analyzed according to the degree of obesity and presence/ absence of BED. At baseline, BED patients were more anxious and depressive with lower self-esteem and quality of life versus non-BED patients (p < 0.05) and were more concerned with food, weight and figure, felt greater hunger, fear and guilt, and were more influenced by contextual cues (p < 0.005). Post-CBT, these differences in self-esteem, depression, and eating disorders disappeared due to significant improvements in BED patients. No difference between OIII and OIV groups was found in any psychopathology test pre- or post-CBT. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that CBT was effective to treat psychological comorbidity regardless of the presence/ absence of BED or degree of obesity. At 1 yr post-CBT, weight loss versus baseline (before CTT) was > 10% in 61%, with no intergroup differences. CBT is effective to treat psychological comorbidity in BS candidates, regardless of the presence of BED and degree of obesity.

Impaired iron status in severely obese bariatric surgery candidates is multifactorial

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

Deficiências de micronutrientes no pré-operatório de cirurgia bariátrica

Data already demonstrated the increased prevalence of obesity in various segments of the population. In this context, bariatric surgery is accepted nowadays as the most effective tool in the treatment and control of morbid obesity. Several studies have evaluated the nutritional status after bariatric surgery, especially mixed by detecting a reduction in food intake of protein, vitamins and minerals. However, other studies have investigated the presence of nutritional deficiencies prior to surgery, which may be aggravated by the surgical procedure, resulting in serious postoperative complications. To analyze the literature in relationship to micronutrient deficiencies in obese patients before bariatric surgery. Was carried out a systematic review in several electronic databases, such as PubMed/ Medline, Scielo, Lilacs and Bireme. The following keywords were used alone or in combination: bariatric surgery, obesity, preoperative, gastric bypass, vitamin deficiencies, deficiencies and mineral nutrient absorption. Were included 40 review and original articles published between 2005 to 2012. There were consensus on the combination of preoperative nutritional deficiencies, restrictions and malabsorption, possibly induced by bariatric surgery that can lead patients to experience significant nutritional deficits during the late postoperative period, especially of micronutrients, resulting in serious complications. The high occurrence of micronutrient deficiencies preoperatively detected in morbidly obese candidates for bariatric surgery, plus a malabsorptive procedure, may involve worse prognosis during the late postoperative period. Preoperative evaluation of nutritional parameters and food intake is recommended in conjunction with surgical interventions.

Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire Factor Structure and Construct Validity in Bariatric Surgery Candidates

The Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q) is increasingly used in studies with bariatric surgery patients although little is known about psychometric properties of this self-report measure in this clinical group. The current study evaluated the factor structure and construct validity of the EDE-Q in bariatric surgery candidates. Participants were a consecutive series of 174 obese bariatric surgery candidates who completed the EDE-Q and a battery of behavioral and psychological measures. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) revealed an inadequate fit for the original EDE-Q structure but revealed a good fit for an alternative structure suggested by recent research with obese samples. CFA supported a seven-item, three-factor structure; the three factors were interpreted as dietary restraint, shape/weight overvaluation, and body dissatisfaction. The three factors converged with other relevant collateral measures. These factor analytic findings, which replicate recent findings from studies with diverse obese samples, demonstrated convergent validity. Implications of these findings for clinical assessment and research with bariatric surgery patients are discussed.

Correlations of HOMA2-IR and HbA1c with Algorithms Derived from Bioimpedance and Spectrophotometric Devices

Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR) and HbA1c, markers of metabolic syndrome and glycemic control, were compared with Electro Sensor (ES) Complex software algorithms. ES complex software integrates data from Electro Sensor Oxi (ESO; spectrophotometry) and Electro Sensor-Body Composition (ES-BC; bioimpedance). One hundred forty-eight Brazilian obese candidates for bariatric surgery underwent complete physical examinations, laboratory tests (fasting plasma glucose, fasting plasma insulin, and HbA1c) and ES complex assessments. HOMA2-IR was calculated from fasting plasma glucose and fasting plasma insulin using free software provided by The University of Oxford Diabetes Trial Unit. ES complex-insulin resistance (ESC-IR) and ES complex-blood glucose control (ESC-BCG) were calculated from ESO and ES-BC data using ES complex software. Correlations between HOMA2-IR and ESC-IR and between ESC-BGC and HbA1c were determined. ESC-BGC was correlated with HbA1c (r = 0.85). ESC-BCG values >3 were predictive of HbA1c > 6.5% (φ = 0.94; unweighted κ = 0.9383). ESC-IR was correlated with HOMA2-IR (r = 0.84). Patients with ESC-IR score >2.5 or >3 were more likely to have metabolic syndrome or insulin resistance, respectively, compared with HOMA2-IR value >1.4 and >1.8, respectively. ESC-IR performance was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curves. The areas under the curve for metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance were 0.9413 and 0.9022, respectively. The results of this study in Brazilian subjects with obesity suggest that ES complex algorithms will be useful in large-scale screening studies to predict insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and HbA1c >6.5%. Additional studies are needed to confirm these correlations in non-obese subjects and in other ethnic groups.

Factors Associated with Suicide Ideation in Severely Obese Bariatric Surgery‐Seeking Individuals

There are high rates of suicide ideation and/or behavior in severely obese individuals. The potential contributors to suicide ideation in a sample of 334 severely obese bariatric surgery candidates was explored. Lack of college education, a history of suicide ideation and/or behavior, psychological distress, hopelessness, loneliness, history of physical and/or sexual abuse, and lifetime major depression were associated with current suicide ideation. Some of the correlates of suicide ideation in severely obese bariatric surgery-seeking samples are similar to those found in the general community and this knowledge may serve to improve the psychological assessment and care for this group.

Factor Structure and Item Analysis of the Yale Food Addiction Scale in Obese Candidates for Bariatric Surgery

Converging research suggests phenomenological and neurobiological similarities between excessive food consumption and addictive behaviour in substance dependence. Recently, the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) has been proposed for the assessment of addictive eating behaviour. The German version of the YFAS was administered to obese individuals seeking bariatric surgery (N = 96). Factor structure, internal consistency, and item statistics were analysed. Forty participants (41.70%) received a food addiction diagnosis. The one-factorial structure of the YFAS, which has been found in non-clinical samples, could be confirmed. All but three items had factor loadings > .50. Internal consistency was α = .82. Item analysis revealed that items related to unsuccessful attempts to cut down and consumption despite physical and emotional problems were endorsed by the majority of participants. Findings support the use of the YFAS in clinical populations, while applicability of some items differs between clinical and non-clinical samples.

Validity of the Beck Depression Inventory as a Screening Tool for a Clinical Mood Disorder in Bariatric Surgery Candidates

The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) is one of the most commonly used instruments to assess depression in persons with obesity. While it has been validated in normal and psychiatric populations, in obese populations, its validity remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the validity and reliability of the BDI-IA and BDI-II in severely obese bariatric surgery candidates. Consecutive new candidates at a bariatric surgery clinic were invited to participate in the study by their consulting surgeon. All candidates were assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Disorders (SCID-I); 118 completed the BDI-IA and 83 completed the BDI-II. Two hundred one patients (response rate, 88 %) participated in the study. The current sample (82 % female) had an average body mass index of 42.83 ± 6.34 and an average age of 45 ± 12 years. Based on the SCID-I, 54 candidates (26.9 %) met the criteria for a mood disorder, with 37 meeting the criteria for current major depressive disorder. Individuals diagnosed with a clinical mood disorder had significantly higher scores on the BDI (BDI-IA, 23.59 ± 9.69 vs. 12.76 ± 8.29; BDI-II, 22.93 ± 5.22 vs. 11.25 ± 8.44). Our results indicated that, as a screening tool for a clinical mood disorder, the BDI-II had an optimal cutoff of 13, with a sensitivity of 100 and specificity of 67.75. Results indicated that the BDI-IA should not be used as a tool to measure depressive symptomatology in obese bariatric surgery candidates. No cutoff was identified with adequate sensitivity and specificity, and over 20 % of patients were misclassified. As a screening tool for a clinical mood disorder, the BDI-II was adequate; however, prevalence rates were significantly overestimated.

New look at nutritional care for obese patient candidates for bariatric surgery

BackgroundThe combination of preoperative deficiencies and the restrictions and malabsorption possibly induced by bariatric surgery could lead patients to experience important nutritional deficits during the late postoperative period. Our objective was to characterize the eating, anthropometric, and biochemical profiles of obese candidates for bariatric surgery at a bariatric surgery center of a university hospital. MethodsA retrospective study with the analysis of medical records of candidates for bariatric surgery from 2007 to 2008 was performed. A total of 80 adult patients, aged 45 ± 11 years, were included in the present study. ResultsThe mean patient weight was 145 ± 24 kg, and the mean body mass index was 54 ± 8 kg/m2. Of the 80 patients, 78% had ≥1 co-morbidities related to obesity. The reported daily energy intake before surgery was 1981 ± 882 kcal, with 48% ± 11% consisting of carbohydrate, 29% ± 8% of lipids, and 23% ± 8% of protein. The mean number of daily meals was 4 ± 1. Patients with a greater body mass index ingested a smaller amount of calories per kilogram of current weight. The occurrence of hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia, and dyslipidemia and of nutritional deficiencies, among them magnesium (19%), vitamin A (15%), vitamin C (16%), iron (9%), β-carotene (3%), and vitamin B12 (3%), was high. ConclusionThe high occurrence of micronutrient deficiency detected by biochemical analysis in morbidly obese candidates for bariatric surgery, representing a disabsorptive process, might involve a poorer prognosis during the late postoperative period. A preoperative evaluation of the nutritional parameters and the food intake pattern is recommended for these patients, together with the necessary interventions.

Childhood Parental Loss and Bipolar Spectrum in Obese Bariatric Surgery Candidates

Early adverse experiences such as sexual, verbal, or physical abuse and parental neglect have been associated with a higher risk of weight or eating problems in adulthood, and death or prolonged separation from parents during childhood has been implicated as a correlate of adult psychiatric disorders that are widely represented in obese subjects seeking bariatric surgery. The aim of this study was to examine the rate of childhood parental loss in obese bariatric surgery candidates and explore its association with a psychiatric diagnosis and clinical and weight/eating-related characteristics. The current and lifetime psychiatric diagnoses of 120 consecutive bariatric patients undergoing pre-surgical psychiatric consultation were assessed using a modified version of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-CV), and information relating to parental death or separation before the age of 17 years was collected using a semi-structured interview. The rate of childhood parental loss was compared with that of an always slender population sharing the same psychiatric diagnosis. 91.7% of the obese subjects were diagnosed as having a bipolar spectrum disorder. Overall, 28% of the patients reported a childhood parental death or separation. Early parental loss was not equally distributed in the different diagnostic subgroups, being more frequent in those with bipolar II disorders; the always slender subjects with bipolar II disorders showed a lower rate of early parental loss. The study findings confirm the association between obesity and bipolar disorders and suggest that early parental loss may play a role in the development of obesity in bipolar II subjects.

Systemic inflammation and carotid diameter in obese patients: pilot comparative study with flaxseed powder and cassava powder.

Botanical omega-3 fatty acid (alphalinolenic acid/ALA) has been shown to alleviate the prothrombotic and proinflammatory profile of metabolic syndrome, however clinical protocols are still scarce. Aiming to focus an obese population, a pilot study was designed. Morbidly obese candidates for bariatric surgery (n = 29, age 46.3 ± 5.2 years), 82.8% females (24/29), BMI 44.9 ± 5.2 kg/m², with C-reactive protein/CRP > 5 mg/L were recruited. Twenty were randomized and after exclusions, 16 were available for analysis. Flaxseed powder (60 g/day, 10 g ALA) and isocaloric roasted cassava powder (60 g/day, fat-free) were administered in a double-blind routine for 12 weeks. During flaxseed consumption neutrophil count decreased and fibrinogen, complement C4, prothrombin time and carotid diameter remained stable, whereas placebo (cassava powder) was associated with further elevation of those measurements. Inflammatory and coagulatory markers tended to exhibit a better outlook in the flaxseed group. Also large-artery diameter stabilized whereas further increase was noticed in controls. These findings raise the hypothesis of a less deleterious cardiovascular course in seriously obese subjects receiving a flaxseed supplement.

Preoperative use of incentive spirometry does not affect postoperative lung function in bariatric surgery

Morbidly obese patients undergoing general anesthesia for laparoscopic bariatric surgery are considered at increased risk of a postoperative decrease in lung function. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a systematic use of incentive spirometry (IS) prior to surgery could help patients to preserve their respiratory function better in the postoperative period. Forty-one morbidly obese (body mass index [BMI] > 40 kg/m²) candidates for laparoscopic bariatric surgery were consented in the study. All patients were taught how to use an incentive spirometer but then were randomized blindly into 2 groups. The control group was instructed to use the incentive spirometer for 3 breaths, once per day. The treatment group was requested to use the incentive spirometer for 10 breaths, 5 times per day. Twenty experimental (mean BMI of 48.9 ± 5.67 kg/m²) and 21 control patients (mean BMI of 48.3 ± 6.96 kg/m²) were studied. The initial mean inspiratory capacity (IC) was 2155 ± 650.08 (SD) cc and 2171 ± 762.98 cc in the experimental and control groups, respectively. On the day of surgery, the mean IC was 2275 ± 777.56 cc versus 2254.76 ± 808.84 cc, respectively. On postoperative day 1, both groups experienced a significant drop of their IC, with volumes of 1458 ± 613.87 cc (t test P < 0.001) and 1557.89 ± 814.67 cc (t test P < 0.010), respectively. Our results suggest that preoperative use of the IS does not lead to significant improvements of inspiratory capacity and that it is a not a useful resource to prevent postoperative decrease in lung function.