Bariatric surgery

Abstract

Bariatric surgery is a relatively safe and very efective procedure to combat obesity, making it an important alternative to drug therapy or lifestyle intervention. Obesity is causative for diseases of various organ systems: Diabetes mellitus type II with its serious micro- and macrovascular sequelae, arterial hypertension, fatty liver and joint problems are the best known, but also obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, poly-cystic ovary syndrome, asthma and refux disease are among them. Various surgical techniques are available, which are selected individually for and with the patient. Important is the interdisciplinary indication, treatment and consistent follow-up to detect possible complications early and to prevent defciencies.