Bariatric surgery is a treatment for extremely obese patients. The procedure (a gastric bypass surgery) involves cutting a large portion of the small intestine, practically reducing dramatically the size of the stomach to reduce the number of calories that the body absorbs during normal digestion.

Recently a study done at Pittsburg University found that after bariatric surgery, severely obese patients experience significant, long-term improvements in blood pressure because they lose substantial amount of weight thereby resulting to improved general health.

Despite these findings on bariatric surgery, the procedure is not recommended for just anybody who wants to lose weight. Certain criteria should be met:

1)Body-weight greater than 100 pounds or 45 kg above ideal body weight.

2)Body mass index (BMI) greater than 40 or BMI greater than 35 with medical complications related to obesity, including high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, or gallbladder disease.

3)A history of weight loss attempts consisting of supervised diets and exercise programs.

4)No indication of active alcoholism or major psychiatric disorder.

(Source: Pennsylvania University Hospital thru Wikipedia)

Read the full report on UPMC News Bureau.