Cost-effective bariatric surgery in Germany today

Background: The reason for this inquiry was to assess the actual state of B ariatric Surgery in Germany, especially relating to the much discussed econ omic aspect. Method: A questionnaire was sent to those hospitals in Germany in which we knew that obesity surgery was performed, concerning the year 1997. Results:To our regret, the feedback was only 37%, although this must be con sidered an adequate response for Germany. Nevertheless, some interesting tr ends are easily seen. Conclusion: Bariatric Surgery in Germany could pay for itself by saving the costs associated with conservative therapy and preventing co-morbidities i n patients with morbid obesity.