Weight-loss surgery has many benefits. It is the most effective intervention available for leading to substantial and sustained weight losses. Medically, weight-loss surgery has resulted in dramatic improvements in type 2 diabetes, glucose intolerance, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnea, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), asthma, ovarian dysfunction, infertility, urinary incontinence and other conditions associated with obesity. For example, in obese persons with type 2 diabetes, there is often an immediate improvement in blood sugar control.

Psychological functioning often improves dramatically, too. Depression is common in severely obese persons, and weight loss following surgery frequently is associated with significant reductions in depression.

Quality of life often improves as well. So does self-evaluation of appearance. I believe that these improvements in psychological functioning are oftentimes as important, if not more so, than the improvements in medical risk factors.