Our Summary

This study looked at why patients who had gastric bypass surgery were readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of their operation. They found that 6.6% of patients (298 out of 4427) had to go back to the hospital due to issues like bleeding, infections, and abdominal pain. The study also found that patients who were African American, had the surgery done through an open procedure (as opposed to a minimally invasive one), and had a history of heart attacks or rheumatoid arthritis were more likely to be readmitted. Additionally, patients who stayed in the hospital longer after their surgery, were over 50 years old, had a history of heart failure, peripheral vascular disease, or kidney disease were also more likely to stay longer in the hospital. The study suggests that by identifying these factors, medical professionals can potentially create strategies to prevent readmissions and reduce the length of hospital stays for these patients.

FAQs

  1. What are some common reasons for readmission to the hospital after gastric bypass surgery?
  2. Which patients were found to be more likely to be readmitted to the hospital after gastric bypass surgery?
  3. How can the findings of this study potentially help in reducing the rate of readmissions and length of hospital stays after gastric bypass surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about obesity surgery is to follow all post-operative instructions carefully to reduce the risk of complications and readmission to the hospital. This includes following a specific diet plan, taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and getting regular exercise. It is also important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly. By following these guidelines, patients can increase their chances of a successful recovery and long-term weight loss after surgery.

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 health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. These patients have often tried other weight loss methods without success and are at risk for serious health complications due to their obesity. Additionally, patients who are committed to making lifestyle changes and following a post-operative plan are also good candidates for obesity surgery.

Timeline

Before obesity surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes initial consultation with a bariatric surgeon to discuss options for weight loss surgery.
  2. Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and evaluation to ensure they are a suitable candidate for surgery.
  3. Patient may be required to participate in a pre-surgery weight loss program to prepare for the procedure.
  4. Patient undergoes the obesity surgery procedure, such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy.

After obesity surgery:

  1. Patient is monitored closely in the hospital for complications and to ensure proper recovery.
  2. Patient is given instructions on post-operative care, including diet and exercise guidelines.
  3. Patient may experience some discomfort and dietary restrictions in the immediate post-operative period.
  4. Patient attends follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor weight loss progress and address any concerns.
  5. Patient may experience significant weight loss and improvements in health and quality of life over time.
  6. Patient may need additional support, such as counseling or support groups, to help maintain weight loss and address any emotional or psychological issues related to obesity.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  2. What is the success rate of obesity surgery in terms of weight loss and improvement of medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension?

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

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

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

  6. Are there any dietary restrictions or nutritional supplements I will need to take after the surgery?

  7. How will the surgery affect my ability to exercise and be physically active?

  8. Are there any long-term effects of obesity surgery that I should be aware of?

  9. What is the likelihood of needing additional surgeries or procedures in the future after having obesity surgery?

  10. Are there any support groups or resources available for patients who have had obesity surgery?

Reference

Authors: Sun SX, Hollenbeak CS, Rogers AM. Journal: Obes Surg. 2016 Feb;26(2):269-75. doi: 10.1007/s11695-015-1736-1. PMID: 26264895