Primary care perspective on bariatric surgery.

The role of primary care physicians in identifying potential candidates for bariatric surgery and providing them with long-term postoperative care is gaining rapidly in importance. With the increased use of surgical procedures as treatment options for obesity, a knowledge of bariatric surgery is essential for providing optimal care. During the past decade, the number of bariatric procedures has increased, and refinements of these procedures have made them safer and more effective. Primary care physicians should know how to Identify appropriate surgical candidates and be familiar with available procedures, aware of potential complications and benefits, and able to provide lifelong monitoring and follow-up care. Thus, the primary care physician must be informed about surgical criteria, types of procedures, outcomes, complications, and the long-term monitoring needs of these patients.