BACKGROUND: Gastroplasty results in a considerable reduction in food intake and dramatic weight loss. This is likely to have a nutritional impact, although it is expected that this may be minimised by good advice and supplement use. METHODS: Twenty six obese subjects were studied in detail before and after modi®ed long vertical gastroplasty (MLVG), in a setting where comprehensive nutritional advice on symptom avoidance was readily available and multivitamin supplements advised. Nutritional intake and anthropometry were measured preoperatively and at 2, 5 (n 22) and 12 months (n 11) postoperatively. RESULTS: Mean weight loss was 13%, 22% and 31% of initial body weight at the respective time points. Energy intake (EI) was signi®cantly reduced postoperatively, with the mean protein intake being only 40 gad. At 2 months, mean intakes of iron, calcium and zinc from food were 40%, 71% and 39%, respectively, of the Australian recommended dietary intake (RDI), and iron and zinc intake remained below half the RDI at 5 months. Only regular adherence to the vitaminamineral supplement, brought iron and calcium intakes close to RDI, but zinc remained low. Haemoglobin and serum ferritin concentrations did not alter signi®cantly and remained within the reference range, but serum folate fell signi®cantly between 5 months and 12 months. By 5 months, 60% of subjects never regurgitated or regurgitated less than once a week. Fresh bread was the least tolerated food. Frequency of regurgitation was not correlated with adequacy of nutrient intake. CONCLUSIONS: The results emphasise the need for regular follow-up of MLVG patients, and nutritional advice which includes diet quality as well as symptom management, and regular intake of the vitaminamineral supplement for at least a year postoperatively. Low protein intakes, however, remain of potential long-term concern.