Bariatric weight-loss surgery is like any other form of surgery in that different patients respond to it in different ways. So it's hard to predict what long-term effects a bariatric surgery patient will have down the road from his or her surgery.

But with that said, there are certain long-term effects that occur enough to make them worth mentioning here.

All forms of bariatric surgery reduce the patient's gastrointestinal capacity. In other words, they shrink the stomach in some way (either through staples or banding) to reduce the patient's weight. So an obvious and significant long-term effect is that patients have to eat smaller amounts than they did before. This is partly what leads to the patient's weight loss. In other words, over-eating is out.

Depending on the type of bariatric surgery you have, other long-term effects may include nutritional deficiencies due to a lack of vitamin and mineral absorption.

Positive long-term effects may include significant weight loss, better mobility, improved quality of life, and in some cases the reduction or elimination of diabetes (in patients who have it).

Learn more: Obesity Surgery 101 | Surgery for Severe Obesity