Inhibition of C-reactive protein in morbidly obese patients after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

Background: Obesity is considered a low-grade chronic inflammatory condition as reflected by increased C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Inflammation is emerging as a predictor of cardiovascular disease and it may be a precursor of the metabolic syndrome. Bariatric surgery is commonly performed as a treatment for morbid obesity offering significant reductions in premature myocardial infarction.