In that brief span, the novel's nameless protagonist, a retired advertising man, undergoes a series of increasingly drastic surgical procedures.

Surgeons call one of the more drastic procedures the "duodenal switch."

A more drastic procedure is a surgical "remodeling" of the abdominal wall and urinary tract.

The drastic new procedures being put in force affect research in medical schools and hospitals throughout the country.

Insurance companies paid for the costly and drastic procedure.

For most people, however, Lucas says, acupuncture "lifts" are a great alternative for those who don't want more drastic procedures.

"Chris felt it was a drastic and dangerous procedure that was not worth the risk," Dr. McDonald said.

MAURICE: If we could only be certain that this drastic procedure will work!

It is a drastic procedure, I admit.

In a radical mastectomy, a more drastic procedure, surgeons also remove the muscles underlying the breast.