According to the new Australian algorithm for the management of obesity, GPs will need to refer many obese patients for bariatric surgery. This presentation will discuss issues that need to be considered when deciding whether bariatric surgery should be offered. By identifying the risk of surgery, medical alternatives and the possible results, we can shorten the surgery waiting list by sorting out when we should delay or deny bariatric surgery for a patient. It is also important to take into account the patient’s psychology and family’s view of the surgery.