Study Finds That Death is a Rare Complication in Bariatric Operations

According to a recent study, bariatric surgery can now be considered remarkably safe. The study was conducted by the department of surgery at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and the findings were reported in the Journal of American medical Association.

Nancy J.O Birkmeyer, PhD, reported the findings in the issue of July, 28 2010. The conclusions of the study found that the patients who have the procedures performed in a hospital have the lowest risk of complications. It was also noted that the more procedures that are performed by the hospitals, reduces the risk of complications by those institutions.

Bariatric surgery has become popular because it is aimed to help patients lose weight. By placing bands around the gastric system, this procedure restricts the food intake. Therefore, allowing the patient to lose weight at a faster pace than some of the diets that leave their appetites, unfulfilled.

There are three types of bariatric procedures that were included in the study. Gastric bypass, gastric band and gastrectomy with none after sleeve, these operations are now performed with death being very rare, as a complication.

Bariatric surgery is usually recommended for people with a body mass index of 35 and has other medical conditions such as diabetes. However, at body mass index, 40 no pre-existing medical conditions are required to be recommended for a bariatric operation.