Study of Surgically-Induced Weight Loss on Pelvic Floor Disorders

A Prospective Cohort Study of the Impact of Surgically-Induced Weight Loss on Pelvic Floor Disorders

The specific aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of surgically-induced weight reduction, as achieved by laparoscopic gastric banding or sleeve gastrectomy, on pelvic floor disorders such as stress urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, anal incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse in severely, morbidly and super-obese women using a prospective, observational study design.

Inclusion Criteria:

• surgical eligibility met by Center for the Treatment Obesity criteria
• morbid obesity (BMI > 40 kg/m2) or severe obesity (BMI > 33 kg/m2) in presence of NIH co-morbidities
• willing to participate in study, including completion of self-reported questionnaires

Exclusion Criteria:

• pregnancy or planned pregnancy
• recent pregnancy or pelvic surgery
• age < 21 years
• known neurologic disease or pelvic pathology