Abstract
Assessment of body composition after bariatric surgery is important for monitoring the changes that occur with respect to lean body mass and fat (subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue). Different procedures (malabsorptive vs restrictive) result in different rates and amounts of lean body mass and adipose tissue loss during the short-term and long-term periods after bariatric surgery. Many of the methods used to assess body composition changes are either impractical or not validated for use in the obese and superobese population. Thus, health care professionals should understand the alterations in body composition changes that occur and be able to educate clients accordingly.