Weight loss surgery, otherwise known as bariatric surgery, is intended for people who are approximately 100 pounds or more overweight, and who have not had success with other medical therapies such as diet, exercise, medications, etc.
Bariatric surgery is not cosmetic surgery and should not be thought of in any way as a cosmetic procedure. It does not involve the removal of adipose tissue (fat) by suction or surgical removal.
The patient and doctor should discuss the benefits and risks together. They should be aware that problems after surgery may require more operations to correct them.
The patient must commit to long-term lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, which are the keys to the success of bariatric surgery.