Bariatric surgery is performed to help patients who are severely overweight lose excess weight in order to lower the risk of severe, life-threatening health problems, such as:
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• High blood pressure
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
• Sleep apnea
• Type 2 diabetes
Keep in mind that bariatric surgery is not for everyone who is overweight. Certain medical criteria need to be met. It is typically suggested after other methods of weight loss, like changing diet and exercise, are unsuccessful.