Surgical management of obesity.

Bariatric surgery has undergone significant change in the past several decades. There are now several attractive surgical options for the management of clinically severe obesity (body mass index > 40 kg/m2). Gastric restrictive procedures predominate and have been performed with acceptable complication rates. Long-term weight loss is frequently > 50% excess weight with amelioration of obesity-related illnesses. Laparoscopic approaches are increasingly popular. Patient selection and appropriate follow-up remain challenging aspects of patient care. In summary, bariatric surgery is a reliable option for the surgical management of clinically severe obese patients.