Bariatric surgery is an effective weight loss procedure but there are consequences and risks that you need to be aware of.  You need to have good communication with your doctor so that you are not surprised with any results.  

Bariatric surgery is a complex weight loss surgery.  It's generally reserved only for the severely obese meaning they:

• Weigh more than 50 percent of their ideal body weight
• Have a BMI of
• 40 or over; or 
• 35 to 39.9 with serious medical conditions, such as heart problems, diabetes, sleep apnea or other risk factors

Bariatric surgery is a significant step with all of the complications normally associated with surgery plus several that are specifically related to rapid weight loss and change in physiology.  It should not be considered until you:

• Are completely satisfied that non-surgical methods will not work for you
• Undergo extensive medical screening
• Discuss with your doctor the various surgical options available and which is best for you 
• Work with your doctor to set realistic goals
• Make a commitment to lifelong dietary and lifestyle changes
• Understand the risks and side effects of the surgery, including the fact that problems may arise after surgery requiring additional operations
• Understand that excess skin, called "skin redundancy" may mean you will want or need plastic surgery to remove it
• Make sure you are psychologically ready

Different gastric procedures yield different results.  Gastric bypass is the most commonly performed bariatric surgery in the U.S., but it may not be right for everyone.  The <<American Society of Bariatric Surgery>> [www.asbs.org] web site features detailed descriptions of the various types of bariatric surgery. 

Surgery-Specific Risks
No surgery is risk free.  Bariatric surgery requires general anesthesia, with time in the hospital and for recovery depending on whether the procedure is performed with a laparoscopic or open method.  The death rate from the surgery is, on average, less than 1 percent.  Complications include, bleeding, deep vein thrombosis (blood clots), infections, leaks, marginal ulcers and pulmonary problems.  

Rapid Weight Loss and Change-in-Physiology Side Effects
Considerable stress can come with considerable body change.  Patients have to re-learn what to eat, how much to eat and when to eat.  They are terrified of regaining the weight. Their friends and families have to learn new ways to relate to them.  They either have to accept "skin redundancy" or go through – and pay for – plastic surgery to correct it.  And they may have to deal with (mostly temporary) side effects like:

• Body aches
• Fatigue
• Feeling cold
• Dry skin
• Hair thinning and hair loss
• Mood changes
• Disappointment when weight loss doesn't fix all life's problems

There are lots to consider.  But, despite all the challenges, most people report that after the surgery and subsequent weight loss they feel better, are more active, and take fewer medications to treat the complications of obesity.   And they say they'd do it all again – in a heartbeat.  When the pros and cons are tallied, the pros win.