Journal of AIDS & Clinical Research

Obesity and HIV Infection-is there a Role for Bariatric Surgery in Treatment?

Abstract

Shivshankar Seechurn, Maryam Alfa-Wali, Olubaniyi Ayodeji, Jeremy Thompson and Moses Kapembwa

Life expectancy of HIV-infected patients has improved in the recent decade with the use of antiretroviral therapy. Hence, more HIV-infected patients with chronic co-morbidities are being followed by different specialities. Diabetes and obesity are two of the co-morbidities. We looked at the outcome of bariatric surgery for 3 HIV-infected patients. We concluded that bariatric surgery is safe and can reduce pill burden. However, a multi-disciplinary team approach is needed to ensure that the right patients are selected and on-going support available to achieve the best outcome.