Peer Reviewed
Gastroenterology clinic

Surgical options for weight loss

Costa Karihaloo
Abstract
Surgery may be appropriate for certain obese patients who have failed to achieve weight loss using other strategies and who have a full understanding of the procedure, risks and follow up requirements.
Key Points

    About 25% of Australian adults are obese (BMI >30 kg/m2). Obesity is a significant risk factor for the metabolic syndrome and other diseases. Weight loss (bariatric) surgery provides lasting reduction in weight and remission of obesity-related comorbidities. Current debate centres on the application of bariatric surgery in the nonmorbidly obese population and the choice of operation. A tailored approach to the choice of primary operation may lead to a reduction in the need for revisional surgery (Table).

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