The pulmonary function of 85 morbidly obese patients was evaluated prior to jejunoileal bypass surgery. All patients were ambulatory, were performing daily routine activities, and had no discernible cardiopulmonary disease. Although the results of spirometry were essentially normal, there was a significant decrease in arterial oxygen tension. In 8 of these patients studies of lung volumes revealed that functional residual capacity, expiratory reserve volume, and residual volumes were all significantly decreased. Routine spirometry and arterial blood gas analysis alone did not provide a complete evaluation of the mass loading effect of obesity. Measurements of functional residual capacity, expiratory reserve volume, and residual volume were more useful.
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