Our Summary

This research paper looks at the number of women compared to men who are choosing a career in surgery, specifically obesity surgery. By examining articles from two prominent journals in this field from 2018-2020, the researchers found that the proportion of female authors was less than male authors. Around 40% of the papers were written by women, mostly original research from university hospitals. There was a notable difference between the two journals in the number of female-authored articles. When a woman was the lead author, a man or woman was usually the senior author. However, only a small percentage of articles with a woman as the senior author had a man as the lead author. The researchers concluded that there is a gender imbalance in this field of surgery.

FAQs

  1. What was the proportion of female authors compared to male authors in obesity surgery research from 2018-2020?
  2. Was there a difference between the two examined journals in terms of the number of female-authored articles?
  3. What was the gender distribution when a woman was the senior author of an obesity surgery research article?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about obesity surgery is to make sure to follow the post-operative care instructions closely to ensure a successful recovery and long-term weight loss. This may include maintaining a healthy diet, staying active, attending follow-up appointments, and seeking support from healthcare professionals or support groups. It’s important to remember that obesity surgery is a tool to help with weight loss, but lifestyle changes are still necessary for long-term success.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended obesity surgery include 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, candidates for obesity surgery should have tried other methods of weight loss such as diet and exercise without success. It is important for patients to be committed to making lifestyle changes after surgery to ensure long-term success. Medical professionals will also take into consideration the patient’s overall health and readiness for surgery before recommending obesity surgery.

Timeline

Pre-surgery timeline:

  1. Initial consultation with a bariatric surgeon to discuss the possibility of obesity surgery and determine eligibility.
  2. Pre-operative assessments including blood tests, imaging studies, and psychological evaluations.
  3. Meeting with a dietitian to develop a pre-surgery diet plan and receive nutritional counseling.
  4. Attending educational sessions to learn about the surgery, potential risks, and post-operative lifestyle changes.

Surgery timeline:

  1. Undergoing the obesity surgery procedure, which can vary depending on the type of surgery chosen (such as gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, or gastric banding).
  2. Recovering in the hospital for a few days post-surgery, under the care of medical professionals.
  3. Following a strict post-operative diet plan, gradually transitioning from liquid to solid foods.
  4. Starting an exercise program once cleared by the surgeon.

Post-surgery timeline:

  1. Attending follow-up appointments with the surgeon and other healthcare providers to monitor progress and address any concerns.
  2. Making lifestyle changes to support weight loss and overall health, including regular exercise and healthy eating habits.
  3. Adjusting to changes in appetite, digestion, and food tolerance that may occur after surgery.
  4. Participating in support groups or counseling to help navigate the emotional and psychological aspects of weight loss surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  2. How long is the recovery time after surgery and what is the expected timeline for weight loss?

  3. What lifestyle changes will I need to make before and after surgery to ensure long-term success?

  4. Are there any specific dietary restrictions or guidelines I should follow post-surgery?

  5. Will I need to take any medications or supplements after surgery to support my weight loss journey?

  6. How often will I need to follow up with you or a dietitian after surgery for monitoring and support?

  7. What are the expected outcomes and success rates for patients who undergo obesity surgery?

  8. Are there any alternative treatment options for obesity that I should consider before deciding on surgery?

  9. How will obesity surgery impact my overall health and well-being in the long term?

  10. Can you provide me with information about the qualifications and experience of the surgical team who will be performing the procedure?

Reference

Authors: Apostolopoulou A, Fyntanidou B, Shrewsbury AD, Kotzampassi K. Journal: Obes Surg. 2022 May;32(5):1741-1747. doi: 10.1007/s11695-022-05998-x. Epub 2022 Mar 17. PMID: 35296967