Bariatric Surgery Cuts Risk of Dying

Gastric banding and other forms of bariatric surgery can dramatically reduce an obese person’s risk of heart attack, according to recent study results. Dr Yoon Loke from the University of East Anglia’s Norwich Medical School (England, UK) and colleagues reviewed data from 14 studies involving more than 29,000 patients who underwent bariatric surgery. Results showed that the death rate of obese people who underwent bariatric surgery was 40% lower than that of obese people who did not have surgery. Additionally, bariatric surgery almost halved the risk of heart attack and stroke. Dr Loke concluded: “Obesity is a worldwide problem with significant consequences on individuals and society. It is associated with heart disease, type 2 diabetes, many cancers, and a shorter life expectancy. These findings suggest that surgery should be seriously considered in obese patients who have a high risk of heart disease.”