Before Weight Loss Surgery One Should Get Tested for Bacteria

People who are considering weight loss surgery should probably be tested to see if they carry common bacteria responsible for gastrointestinal disorders, say researchers according to findings of a recent study. Helicobacter pylori bacteria, is known to cause ulcers and has also been linked to stomach cancer. However researchers are baffled as to how this bacteria impacts people undergoing gastric bypass surgery a weight loss operation in which food is directed past most of the intestinal tract .

Researchers assessed 99 patients evaluated for gastric bypass surgery to determine if they carried the bacteria. Results showed about a quarter of the patients did have the bacteria present in their guts and among that group, nearly half who had the surgery reported gastrointestinal symptoms after the operation. The study also showed that about 19 percent of patients showed no signs of the bacteria prior to the surgery.

Researchers believe their findings suggest a need to test and treat patients before surgery is performed and since H. pylori can be eradicated with treatment researchers say that eradication should be considered for symptom relief and for lowering the long-term risks of ulcer disease and cancer.