While weight loss from weight loss surgeries often does not last a lifetime, the side effects often do. A longer-term Norwegian study followed 174 weight loss surgery patients for five years. During the first month twenty-five patients reported complications including severe wound infections, perforation of the stomach, peritonitis, and blood clots in the veins and to the lung. One patient died of widespread infection and multi-organ failure. After five years there were sixty cases of severe complications. Twenty-six patients had to be re-operated on, half of them because they had continual vomiting. Fifteen had developed hernias where the incisions were, and four patients died.

And despite a lot of talk about how much healthier people are after weight loss surgery, there is little hard evidence to prove it to be true.

We at NAAFA sincerely hope that Carnie achieves the body she desires and that she does not suffer any long-term serious side effects. We are concerned, however, that the coverage of her surgery presents a "glamorous" view of what is often a very unglamorous situation. We welcome the opportunity to present our viewpoint regarding weight loss surgeries. We have experienced and knowledgeable members available for interviews. Please feel free to contact us at the phone numbers and e-mail addresses listed above.

The following pages contain NAAFA's official position on Weight Loss Surgeries.