Bariatric Surgery Found to Significantly Reduce Risk of Cardiovascular and Musculoskeletal Complications

Researchers Celebrate Major Advance in the Fight against Morbid Obesity

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) February 25, 2007 -- A recent article published in the Elsevier Journal of Science and Health illustrated the results of a study designed to assess the impact of bariatric surgery on cardiovascular and musculoskeletal morbidity.

The study focused on 1,035 morbidly obese patients ("cohort") who had undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or vertical LapBand procedures sometime between 1986 and 2002. The results of this group were compared to 5,746 patients who had chosen non-surgical alternative therapies.

On the whole, the surgical cohort experienced a 62% mean reduction in excess weight and a 32% drop in body mass index (BMI). More importantly, during the five-year follow-up period, the surgical cohort had a significantly reduced incidence of cardiovascular and musculoskeletal disease when compared with the control group, while 10.84% of the control group received treatment for arrhythmias, only 1.96% of batriatric surgery patients required similar treatment. Bariatric patients were also less likely to encounter problems with pulmonary edema, heart attack and arthritis.

When asked to comment on the study, Dr. Paul Cirangle, a noted bariatric surgeon and member of the Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco (LAPSF), stated, "With over 300,000 deaths attributed to morbid obesity each year, this is another example of bariatric surgery being an effective treatment for morbid obesity. Not only do weight-loss procedures like Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and duodenal switch bring at-risk patients back to a safer weight, but they also limit the possibility of future cardiovascular and musculoskeletal problems."

Dr. Cirangle explained his view, saying, "A global epidemic like morbid obesity deserves greater attention from health experts. It's comforting to see more studies conducted in that confirm the benefits of bariatric surgery. It's important that individuals understand that first and foremost, a good diet and a regular exercise regimen are the best roads to a healthy life, but bariatric surgery is a viable option for those looking for serious treatment."

About Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco
Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco (LapSF) is a team of surgeons with a compassionate approach to patient care and a proven commitment to laparoscopic advancement for bariatric surgical procedures. Specializing in the four main bariatric procedures: roux-en-y gastric bypass, vertical gastrectomy, LapBand® and duodenal switch, LapSF has performed over 2,000 procedures, and is recognized by the American Society of Bariatric Surgery (ASBS) as a Center of Excellence.

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