Signe Nielsen, Maria S. Svane, Kirstine N. Bojsen-Møller and Sten Madsbad
Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for severe obesity. The mean weight loss is approximately 30-40 kg/11-15 BMI units or approximately 60 % of excess body weight. Many patients pursue bariatric surgery for improvement in their physical image and self-esteem rather than somatic health improvement. Health-related quality of life improves after bariatric surgery and the long-term improvements are positively associated with the long-term amount of weight reduction. After the major weight loss, excess skin present problems for the patients and many patients want body contouring by plastic surgery. Plastic surgery adds to further improvement in health-related quality of life