Surgical management of obesity: Surgical procedures, preoperative evaluation, and patient selection

Abstract

Bariatric surgery is currently the most effective therapy available for the treatment of morbid obesity. The overall impact of these therapies on the quality and length of life is remarkable. This chapter will review current bariatric surgical procedures including vertical banded gastroplasty, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, biliopancreatic diversion with or without duodenal switch, and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. The weight loss and comorbidity outcomes of each procedure will be compared and complications reviewed. The current criteria for patient selection and preoperative evaluation are also reviewed including preoperative eating habits, psychological and physical evaluation.