For this series on bariatric surgery, a number of bariatric physicians, surgeons, dieticians, psychologists and epidemiologists have come together to address the impact of various bariatric procedures, not just on short and long term weight loss, but in terms of longevity, quality of life, as well as the impact on various co-morbidities and cancers. However, as with all surgical procedures—especially those in a high-risk bariatric population—bariatric procedures are not undertaken without a degree of risk of complications that may lead to further burden on the health system and diminished postoperative quality of life.