Our Summary

This study looked at how often researchers involve patients and the public (PPI) in studies about weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery. This involvement can help make the research more relevant and useful. The researchers looked at studies published from 2018 to 2021 and found that very few mentioned involving patients or the public. This shows that there is a lack of this kind of involvement in bariatric surgery research.

FAQs

  1. What was the main focus of the study on obesity surgery?
  2. According to the study, how often are patients and the public involved in bariatric surgery research?
  3. What years did the research cover and what was found regarding patient and public involvement in bariatric surgery studies?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient considering obesity surgery is to make sure to thoroughly research the procedure and potential risks and benefits. It’s important to have realistic expectations and understand that surgery is not a quick fix for weight loss. Additionally, following a healthy diet and exercise plan before and after surgery is crucial for long-term success. It’s also important to follow up with regular check-ups and appointments with your healthcare team to monitor progress and address any concerns.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended obesity surgery include those who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. Additionally, candidates for obesity surgery should have attempted other weight loss methods such as diet and exercise without long-term success. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals to determine if they are suitable candidates for obesity surgery.

Timeline

Before obesity surgery:

  1. Patient consults with a healthcare provider to discuss weight loss options and determine if surgery is a suitable option.
  2. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and tests to assess overall health and readiness for surgery.
  3. Patient attends counseling sessions to discuss the risks and benefits of surgery, as well as lifestyle changes that will be necessary post-surgery.

After obesity surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure, which may include gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, or lap band surgery.
  2. Patient stays in the hospital for a few days for monitoring and recovery.
  3. Patient follows a strict diet and exercise plan to promote weight loss and maintain overall health.
  4. Patient attends regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers to monitor progress and address any concerns.
  5. Patient may experience significant weight loss and improvements in overall health and quality of life.

Overall, obesity surgery can be a life-changing procedure for many patients, but it is important to carefully consider all options and consult with healthcare providers before making a decision.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications of obesity surgery?
  2. What are the expected outcomes and success rates of the surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period after surgery?
  4. What lifestyle changes will I need to make after surgery?
  5. Will I need to follow a specific diet or exercise plan after surgery?
  6. How will the surgery impact my overall health and well-being?
  7. Are there any alternative treatment options for obesity that I should consider?
  8. What is the long-term prognosis for patients who undergo obesity surgery?
  9. How often will I need to follow up with you after the surgery?
  10. Can you provide me with information about support groups or resources for patients who have undergone obesity surgery?

Reference

Authors: Musbahi A, Clyde D, Small P, Courtney M, Mahawar K, Lamb PJ, Robertson AGN. Journal: Obes Surg. 2022 Nov;32(11):3740-3751. doi: 10.1007/s11695-022-06259-7. Epub 2022 Sep 3. PMID: 36057021