(July 27, 2010 - Insidermedicine)

According to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, surgery to induce weight loss - called bariatric surgery - is very safe, but the risk of developing a post operative complication is correlated to surgeon experience.

Here are some important things to consider regarding weight loss

- Studies suggest that obesity is linked to genetics. However a series of aerobic activities such as running, swimming and biking can increase the chance of weight loss. Lifting weights can not only increase muscle size, but because creating muscle burns energy, a weight lifting program can also help with weight loss.

- Bariatric surgery includes several procedures that lessen the size of the stomach and/or re-route the passage of food to limit its absorption. This surgery is not without risk and should be considered only in those whose BMI is very high. It is now the second most commonly performed abdominal surgery in the US.

- Research has shown that bariatric surgery can reverse diabetes and prolong ones lifespan. In addition a study showed that this technique for weight loss can also lower the chance  of developing cancer in women.

In the present study, researchers from the University of Michigan were interested in evaluating the complication rate of bariatric surgery. To perform their study they evaluated data from a clinical outcomes registry which contained data from over 15000 patients and 62 surgeons.  Overall, complications were noted in 7% of patients, but most were not serious and involved wound infections. Serious complications were noted in 1-3% of patients depending on the type of surgery.  Fatalities occured in one in every 7000 cases if the patient received gastric bypass surgery.  Serious risk of complication was dependent on surgeon and hopsital experience.

Today's research highlights the growing rate of bariatric surgery. While research shows that this intervention may have numerous longterm health benefits, it, like all surgeries can be associated with serious complications. If you are considering having this surgery performed, it is important to be under the care of an experienced surgeon.