[Surgery for obesity--the most successful long-term therapy?]

The surgical treatment of morbid obesity by VBG or adjustable gastric banding techniques is very effective as 633 own patients demonstrate clearly. A significant weight reduction is possible in 75 to 80% of all operated patients. The BMI can be reduced from an original value of 49 kg/m2 to 33 kg/m2. An absolute necessity is a lifelong medical care of the patients, because long term complications may occur. The surgical treatment is believed to be an important help for the obese patients but not an easy solution of every problem of the obese.