[Surgical treatment of obesity]

At the beginning of the 21st century, obesity has become an epidemic with the greatest prevalence in the western world. For morbidly obese patients, conservative treatment has yielded disappointing results: On the other hand, bariatric surgery offers a sustained substantial weight loss for these patients. Common bariatric procedures including results and complications are described. Different Bariatric procedures including Gastric Banding, Vertical Banded Gastroplasty, Gastric Bypass, Duodenal Switch and Gastric Pacing are introduced. Bariatric procedures can result in permanent excessive weight loss ranging from 25 to 78% and thus are an effective treatment for morbidly obese patients. Efficacy, morbidity and late term complications, however, should be considered in choosing the most effective bariatric approach.