Older age increases risk of obesity surgery

In a review of more than 25,000 weight-loss surgery ( bariatric surgery), carried out nationwide in 2001 and 2002, it was reported by UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas that complications rose as the age of patients increased. In fact there was a "steep increase" after age 65. Those with electrolyte imbalances and diabetes were particularly at risk.

Oregon Health & Science University in Portland concludes that there is a need to look at benefits in the vast majority of patients who survive their bariatric procedure to determine what an appropriate risk is for a given patient.