Objective: The basic aim of this study was to explore the differences between bariatric surgery candidates (BSC) and control group in self-esteem and quality of life. Also our secondary aim is to find out the relationship between self-esteem and quality of life in bariatric surgery candidates. Methods: The study involves a group of BSCs screened at Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital. Sixty-one consecutive BSCs and control group assessed by Short Form-36 (SF-36), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Control group was constituted from 61 normal-weight employees from the same hospital. Results: BSCs group consisted from 50 women and 11 men. BSCs scored statistically lower on all the SF-36 subscales, BDI and self-esteem scale compared with controls. The rates of having a lifetime psychiatric disorder and having any comorbid medical condi-tion in the BSCs were statistically significantly higher than the control group. As a result of regression analysis, mental health subscale score of SF-36 and BDI score were found to have the most effect on self-esteem in BSCs group. Conclusion: Self-esteem and quality of life are interrelated concepts in BSCs. Self-esteem is most common-ly associated with mental health and depression levels as expected. Psychiatric follow-up has a great importance in evaluation and treatment of these patients. [Anadolu Psikiyatri Derg 2019; 20(1.000): 20-28]