Bariatric Surgery: Clinical Presentation and Evaluation

The prevalence of obesity in the world has risen significantly over the past decades. Obesity is associated with severe health comorbidities and metabolic disorders such as diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Even with aggressive pharmacotherapy, obese patients will have substantial poor health outcomes. Bariatric and metabolic surgery has been shown to be safe and effective in decreasing weight and improving metabolic disorders. Prior to bariatric surgery, patients should undergo a routine preoperative assessment by a comprehensive multidisciplinary group. A thorough preoperative evaluation will help in predicting outcomes and psychological ability to comply with required postoperative recommendations for health maintenance and to achieve success following weight loss surgery.