Our Summary

The study looks into why certain groups of people in New Zealand, who are referred for weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery), end up not going through with it. The study focused on two groups: those who completed the surgery and those who dropped out before the surgery. It found that more than half (54%) of the people referred for the surgery ended up not going through with it. Men were more likely to drop out than women, and this was especially the case among the Maori and Pacific Islander populations, where the dropout rates were even higher. The study also found that being overweight and a smoker were common traits among those who dropped out. Interestingly, having a job appeared to make European New Zealanders less likely to drop out, but this wasn’t the case for Pacific Islanders. The researchers concluded more needs to be done to support Maori and Pacific Islanders, and men in general, to go through with weight loss surgery. They also call for more research to understand why these groups are more likely to drop out.

FAQs

  1. What was the main focus of the New Zealand obesity surgery study?
  2. What were the common traits among those who dropped out of the bariatric surgery process according to the study?
  3. What conclusions did the researchers make based on the results of the study on weight loss surgery dropouts in New Zealand?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about obesity surgery is to seek support from family, friends, and healthcare professionals throughout the process. Having a strong support system can help individuals stay motivated and committed to their weight loss journey before and after surgery. It is also important to address any underlying issues or barriers that may be contributing to the decision to drop out of the surgery, such as smoking or employment status. Working with a healthcare provider to address these issues can increase the chances of successful weight loss surgery outcomes.

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. These patients have often tried other weight loss methods such as diet and exercise without success and are at high risk for obesity-related health complications.

Timeline

Before obesity surgery:

  1. Patient is referred for weight loss surgery by a healthcare provider.
  2. Patient undergoes a series of assessments and consultations with a multidisciplinary team to determine eligibility for surgery.
  3. Patient receives education on the different types of weight loss surgery options available.
  4. Patient may undergo pre-operative tests and evaluations to assess their overall health and readiness for surgery.
  5. Patient may attend support groups or counseling sessions to prepare for the lifestyle changes required post-surgery.

After obesity surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure to reduce the size of the stomach or restrict the amount of food that can be consumed.
  2. Patient may stay in the hospital for a few days for monitoring and recovery.
  3. Patient follows a strict diet and exercise plan to aid in weight loss and prevent complications.
  4. Patient attends follow-up appointments with the surgical team to monitor progress and address any issues.
  5. Patient may experience rapid weight loss in the first few months post-surgery.
  6. Patient may need to make significant lifestyle changes to maintain weight loss long-term.
  7. Patient may experience improvements in overall health and quality of life as a result of the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the different types of obesity surgery options available to me?
  2. How does each type of surgery work and what are the potential risks and benefits?
  3. Am I a good candidate for obesity surgery? Are there any specific criteria I need to meet?
  4. What kind of lifestyle changes will I need to make before and after surgery?
  5. What kind of support will I receive from the medical team before, during, and after the surgery?
  6. What are the potential complications or side effects of the surgery?
  7. How long is the recovery time and what kind of follow-up care will I need?
  8. How successful is this type of surgery in helping patients lose weight and maintain weight loss long-term?
  9. Are there any specific dietary or physical activity recommendations I should follow after surgery?
  10. How will my overall health and quality of life be impacted by obesity surgery?

Reference

Authors: Taylor T, Wang Y, Rogerson W, Bavin L, Sharon C, Beban G, Evennett N, Gamble G, Cundy T. Journal: Obes Surg. 2018 Aug;28(8):2500-2507. doi: 10.1007/s11695-018-3195-y. PMID: 29525936