A study on bariatric surgery in the Archives of Surgery articulates that an obese patient on a high risk, losing 5 to 10 % of his/ her excess body weight before gastric bypass surgery stays in hospital less time and loses weight faster after the operation.

Bariatric surgery is much effective for the long term treatment of the morbidly obese patients having other medical problems. Experiencing post-operative complications’ chances are greater for these patients.

The authors say, “To that end, older and higher-risk patients with multiple uncontrolled medical problems, such as diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea, steatohepatitis (liver inflammation), degenerate joint disease, venous stasis disease (loss of vein function in the legs) and cardiopulmonary vascular disease) are opting for bariatric surgery. Moreover, patients are seeking referral for bariatric surgery when the disease burden from their comorbidities eliminates meaningful quality of life.”

Christopher D. Still, D.O., Geisinger Health System, Danville, Penn. USA, and team examined the patients who received open or laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery during the period 2002-2006.

Researchers say, “Patients were required to participate in a standardized multidisciplinary preoperative program that encompasses medical, psychological, nutritional and surgical interventions and education. In addition, patients were encouraged to achieve a 10 percent loss of excess body weight prior to surgical intervention.”

Physiologic improvements related to weight loss assisted in decreasing the surgical complications, therefore this shortens their hospital stay, researchers articulate.