Morbid obesity--psychosocial aspects and surgical interventions

MORBID OBESITY has a significant impact on the health, psychosocial well-being, longevity, and quality of life of those affected. BARIATRIC SURGERY is not a cure for obesity; however, surgical interventions can offer the potential for long-term weight-loss success for individuals who are obese. CAREGIVERS should be prepared to meet both the physiological and psychological needs of these patients. EDUCATION is key to helping the public understand that obesity is a chronic disease, and bariatric surgery should be viewed no differently than surgery for other chronic diseases.