According to international guidelines bariatric surgery is indicated for BMI>40 kg/m² or 35 kg/m² with comorbidity (e.g. diabetes). In Switzerland the costs for the surgery are covered by the health insurance with BMI>40 kg/m² but the coverage of the costs should be adapted to international recommendations in 2010.

The basic requirement of any surgical procedure is the motivation of the patient as this determines the long-term outcome. All surgical procedures involve active participation of the patient to ensure the efficiency of weight loss.