Bariatric Surgery

At the latest in its extreme forms obesity can no longer be treated successfully by conservative means. Surgical interventions such as sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass and gastric banding lead to sustained improvement in quality of life for suitable, morbidly obese patients by bringing about a reduction in body weight and comorbidities and an increase in life expectancy. In specialized centers with the appropriate surgical expertise and concomitant professional, interdisciplinary peri-and postoperative management, challenging laparoscopic interventions can be performed safely on this high-risk group of patients. However, a long-term counselling and interdisciplinary cooperation within a therapeutic total concept including the general practitioner, nutrition experts, diabetologists and surgeons as well as self-support groups is decisive for the long-term success. The development and financing of such long-term, interdisciplinary accompanying measures must be urgently tackled.