Predictors of significant postoperative weight regain after bariatric surgery include indicators of baseline increased food urges, decreased well-being, and concerns over addictive behaviors. Postoperative self-monitoring behaviors are strongly associated with freedom from regain. These data suggest that weight regain can be anticipated, in part, during the preoperative evaluation and potentially reduced with self-monitoring strategies after RYGB.

With better weight loss than LAGB and lower complication rates than RYGB, SG is a reasonable choice for the treatment of morbid obesity and should be covered by both public and private payers.

No abstract

Computer-assisted surgical devices, or "surgical robots," have recently been approved for general surgical use. The device allows the surgeon remote control of multi-articulated instrument arms with a three-dimensional view. Here we report the first known case of pancreatic resection with use of a computer-assisted, or robotic, surgical device. A 46-year old woman presented with back pain and a complex cystic mass in the tail of the pancreas. The daVinci surgical robot was used to remove the lesion en bloc with the tail of the pancreas and spleen. The patient did well and returned to full activity promptly. In summary, robotic technology may enhance advanced laparoscopic procedures. Pancreatic resection is feasible, and future experience will determine the true benefits of this technique.