Research:  Although Bariatric surgeries have been performed for over 30 years, the dramatic growth in the last 10 years provides a previously unavailable amount of data. The unifying theme of addressing the perceived risk and affordability of weight loss surgery provides focus for BLIS foundation research.

Research topics will include:
• Analysis of various bariatric surgery procedures with their related complications and associated costs.
• Exploration of financial implications in terms of risk/reward, return on investment, and other views of cost justification for weight loss surgery.
• Monitoring of insurance coverage trends and rationale Evaluating the impact of surgery on the reduction of co-morbidities.

Education:  Multiple audiences will benefit from the above noted research, especially medical practitioners, their patients, advocacy groups, and suppliers of related products and services.