Our Summary

This research paper explores why some patients stop attending their follow-up appointments after undergoing weight-loss surgery. The study looked back at patients who had this surgery between 2014 and 2017. They tried to contact all the patients who had stopped coming to their appointments and managed to reach nearly 90% of them.

The main reason people gave for not attending was that they didn’t think the follow-ups were necessary (29.5% of patients). Other reasons included living too far away (24% of patients), and having family, work, or health issues (which accounted for 23.3%, 18.6%, and 14.0% of patients respectively).

Interestingly, only 7% of patients said they stopped going because they weren’t losing enough weight. In fact, the study found that patients who kept attending their follow-ups lost more weight than those who didn’t. However, the difference in weight loss wasn’t considered statistically significant.

The study concludes that follow-up appointments are really important after weight-loss surgery. It suggests that healthcare providers might need to be more flexible in the way they offer care to help with some of the reasons patients gave for not attending their follow-ups.

FAQs

  1. What were the major reasons patients cited for not attending follow-up appointments after weight-loss surgery?
  2. Was there a difference in weight loss between patients who attended their follow-up appointments and those who didn’t?
  3. What does the study suggest for healthcare providers to improve attendance at follow-up appointments post weight-loss surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip that a doctor might tell a patient about obesity surgery is to prioritize attending follow-up appointments. These appointments are crucial for monitoring progress, addressing any concerns or complications, and providing ongoing support for successful weight loss. Patients should communicate any challenges they are facing, such as distance, time constraints, or other issues, so that healthcare providers can work with them to find solutions and ensure they continue to receive the necessary care and support. Remember, attending follow-up appointments can have a positive impact on weight loss outcomes.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended obesity surgery are those who have a BMI (Body Mass Index) 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 usually tried other methods of weight loss such as diet and exercise without success, and surgery is seen as a last resort to help them achieve and maintain a healthier weight.

It is important for patients who undergo obesity surgery to attend their follow-up appointments to monitor their progress, address any complications, and receive ongoing support and guidance to maintain their weight loss. This study highlights the importance of these follow-up appointments and the potential impact on weight loss outcomes when patients do not attend them.

Timeline

Before obesity surgery:

  • Patient consults with healthcare provider and discusses options for weight-loss surgery
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and tests to determine eligibility for surgery
  • Patient receives education and counseling on the procedure and post-operative care
  • Patient prepares for surgery by following any recommended pre-operative diet and lifestyle changes

After obesity surgery:

  • Patient undergoes surgery and stays in the hospital for a few days for recovery
  • Patient follows post-operative diet and exercise regimen as advised by healthcare provider
  • Patient attends regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress and address any concerns
  • Patient may experience weight loss and improvements in overall health and well-being
  • Patient may need to make further lifestyle changes to maintain weight loss and prevent complications
  • Patient may experience emotional and psychological changes as a result of the surgery and weight loss

Overall, the journey before and after obesity surgery involves a combination of medical, physical, emotional, and lifestyle changes that require ongoing support and monitoring from healthcare providers.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about obesity surgery include:

  1. What are the different types of weight-loss surgeries available and which one would be most suitable for me?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with obesity surgery?
  3. What are the expected outcomes in terms of weight loss and improvement in health conditions?
  4. What lifestyle changes will I need to make before and after the surgery?
  5. What is the recovery process like and how long will it take?
  6. How often will I need to follow-up with you after the surgery and why are these appointments necessary?
  7. What support services are available to me post-surgery, such as nutrition counseling or support groups?
  8. What happens if I experience complications or have concerns after the surgery?
  9. How long will it take for me to see significant weight loss results?
  10. Are there any specific dietary restrictions or guidelines I should follow after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Luca P, Nicolas C, Marina V, Sarah B, Andrea L. Journal: Obes Surg. 2021 May;31(5):1979-1985. doi: 10.1007/s11695-020-05186-9. Epub 2021 Jan 11. PMID: 33428161