Our Summary

This study shows that even though both men and women are equally affected by obesity, more women than men are undergoing weight loss surgery. The researchers looked at a group of 710 patients who were referred for such surgery, and found that nearly two-thirds of them were African American. However, among these African American patients, far more were women than men. The study also found that the men who were referred for surgery were older, more often married, and had more health problems related to their obesity. They also had higher levels of education, earned more money, and lived farther from the hospital than the women. Despite these differences, the use of telehealth, or remote healthcare services, was about the same for both groups. The researchers found that men were more likely to drop out of the surgery process. The authors suggest that more needs to be done to encourage men to access weight loss surgery.

FAQs

  1. Are there any gender disparities among African American patients seeking bariatric surgery?
  2. What are the differences in demographic and socio-economic variables between male and female African American patients seeking bariatic surgery?
  3. What strategies can be implemented to increase access to bariatric surgery for male patients?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about obesity surgery is to follow a balanced diet and regular exercise routine post-surgery to ensure long-term success and maintain weight loss. It is important to make healthy lifestyle changes to support the effects of the surgery and improve overall health outcomes. Additionally, attending follow-up appointments and seeking support from a healthcare provider or support group can also be beneficial in achieving and sustaining weight loss goals.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended 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 health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. Additionally, patients who have tried and failed to lose weight through diet and exercise may also be recommended for obesity surgery.

Timeline

  • Patient is referred for bariatric surgery
  • Initial consultation with healthcare provider to discuss surgery options and assess eligibility
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative tests and evaluations to determine candidacy for surgery
  • Patient attends educational sessions to learn about the surgery, potential risks, and post-operative care
  • Surgery is scheduled and performed
  • Patient recovers in the hospital for a few days post-surgery
  • Patient follows a strict diet and exercise plan post-surgery to aid in weight loss
  • Patient attends regular follow-up appointments with healthcare provider to monitor progress and address any concerns
  • Patient experiences significant weight loss and improvement in obesity-related health conditions
  • Patient may undergo additional surgeries or procedures to address excess skin or other complications
  • Patient continues to follow up with healthcare provider for long-term monitoring and support.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with obesity surgery?

  2. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort?

  3. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes before or after the surgery?

  4. How successful is obesity surgery in terms of long-term weight loss and improvement of obesity-related health conditions?

  5. Are there any specific dietary or exercise recommendations I should follow post-surgery?

  6. What type of follow-up care will be needed after the surgery?

  7. Are there any support groups or counseling services available for patients undergoing obesity surgery?

  8. How will obesity surgery affect my ability to have children or any other future medical procedures?

  9. What are the costs associated with obesity surgery and will my insurance cover it?

  10. Are there any specific factors that may affect my eligibility for obesity surgery, such as other medical conditions or medications I am currently taking?

Reference

Authors: Schlottmann F, Baz C, Dreifuss NH, Vanetta C, Masrur MA. Journal: Obes Surg. 2022 Aug;32(8):2820-2822. doi: 10.1007/s11695-022-06154-1. Epub 2022 Jun 16. PMID: 35708876