Benefits of Bariatric Surgery in adolescents persist after 2 years

Beneficial changes in heart structure are observed in adolescents as early as 6 months after undergoing bariatric surgery, and benefits persist for up to at least 2 years, researchers said here at the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2009. In a study, adolescents lost a mean of 50 kg (110 lbs), and the weight loss showed up in imaging of their hearts, according to Holly Ippisch, MD, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio. "Increased cardiac risk factors are present in morbidly obese adolescents but can improve rapidly, within 6 months, following profound weight loss," said Dr. Ippisch during an oral presentation on November 17. "These improvements persist for at least 2 years following profound weight loss." Read more:  Doctor's Guide