Our Summary

This research paper compared the updated clinical practice guidelines for bariatric surgery from three organizations in 2020: the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery, the Canadian Adult Obesity Clinical Practice Guidelines, and the Dutch Federation for Medical Specialist. The researchers found that even though all three groups would have been able to access the same scientific literature, they only used five of the same references out of 655 unique ones. This shows that creating these guidelines involves a lot of personal judgment and might explain why their recommendations differ. The researchers suggest that these organizations could work together to create their guidelines to address this issue.

FAQs

  1. What organizations’ bariatric surgery guidelines were compared in this research paper?
  2. Why do the guidelines from the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery, the Canadian Adult Obesity Clinical Practice Guidelines, and the Dutch Federation for Medical Specialist differ?
  3. What was the solution proposed by the researchers to address the differences in the bariatric surgery guidelines?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about obesity surgery is to make sure to follow the post-operative guidelines provided by their healthcare team. This may include guidelines on diet, exercise, and follow-up appointments to ensure long-term success and optimal health outcomes. It is important to adhere to these guidelines to maximize the benefits of the surgery and maintain a healthy weight.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for obesity surgery are those who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or obstructive sleep apnea. Other factors that may influence the recommendation for obesity surgery include a history of failed attempts at weight loss through diet and exercise, psychological readiness for surgery, and the absence of any contraindications for surgery. Additionally, patients who are at a higher risk for obesity-related complications or have severe obesity-related health issues may also be recommended for obesity surgery.

Timeline

Before obesity surgery:

  1. Patient consultation and evaluation: Patients undergo extensive medical, psychological, and nutritional evaluations to determine their eligibility for surgery.
  2. Pre-operative preparation: Patients may be required to follow a specific diet, exercise regimen, and lifestyle changes to prepare for surgery.
  3. Education and counseling: Patients receive education on the risks and benefits of surgery, as well as post-operative expectations.
  4. Surgical procedure: The patient undergoes the chosen bariatric surgery, such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy.

After obesity surgery:

  1. Hospital recovery: The patient remains in the hospital for a few days to recover from surgery and monitor for any complications.
  2. Post-operative follow-up: Patients are closely monitored by healthcare providers to ensure proper healing and adjust to their new dietary and lifestyle changes.
  3. Weight loss and health improvements: Patients typically experience rapid weight loss in the first few months after surgery, leading to improvements in obesity-related health conditions.
  4. Long-term follow-up: Patients receive ongoing support and monitoring to maintain weight loss, address any nutritional deficiencies, and manage any complications that may arise.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the different types of obesity surgery options available and which one would be most suitable for me?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with obesity surgery?
  3. What is the success rate of obesity surgery in terms of weight loss and improvement in health conditions?
  4. What lifestyle changes will I need to make before and after obesity surgery?
  5. What is the recovery process like after obesity surgery and how long will it take for me to see results?
  6. What kind of support will I receive from the healthcare team before and after the surgery?
  7. Are there any long-term effects or potential complications I should be aware of?
  8. How will my diet and eating habits need to change after obesity surgery?
  9. Will I need to take any medications or supplements after the surgery?
  10. How often will I need to follow up with my healthcare provider after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Smeets MJR, Liem RSL. Journal: Obes Surg. 2021 Dec;31(12):5427-5440. doi: 10.1007/s11695-021-05746-7. Epub 2021 Oct 15. PMID: 34655055