Perioperative Management of the Bariatric Patient

More than one-third of US adults are obese. Bariatric surgery is currently the most efficient means of treating obesity, and it is estimated that approximately 200,000 bariatric surgeries are being performed each year. Bariatric patients suffer from a multitude of comorbidities that complicate their management. All patients being evaluated for weight loss surgery should be evaluated for obesity-related comorbidities. The preoperative evaluation should focus on identifying, stratifying, and optimizing risk factors. Ultimately, optimizing the obese patient from a medical standpoint prior to bariatric surgery or intervention will have a substantial impact on their success.