Physiologic changes in obesity and patient preparation for bariatric surgery

Morbid obesity is pandemic. Regardless of the socioeconomic status of the population, incidence of obesity is increasing worldwide. Bariatric surgery provides the only stable means of surgical cure for obesity. Number of bariatric procedures performed is increasing around the world. Morbidly obese patients are physiologically prone to complications after such major surgery. In the present review, the mechanisms of obesity and altered organ systems were discussed, and a brief summary of key points in preoperative patient evaluation was explained.