Ileal bypass for obesity: postoperative perspective.

Initially, diarrhea is almost universal but becomes self-limited unless the patient persists in overeating. Weight loss averages 75 to 100 lb the first year, with a stable level generally achieved after 18 months. Among the serious potential complications are enteritis, kidney stones, gallstones, and hepatopathology. Some can be anticipated and kept at bay by prophylactic measures like high-protein intake.