Can bariatric Aftercare Programs Benefit Weight Loss Maintenance and Adherence to Lifestyle Changes?

Authors

Ruth Pierre Charles, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Bariatric Surgery

Advisor

Professor Nancy Reid, MHA, DHSc, PA-C

Abstract

Can bariatric Aftercare Programs Benefit Weight Loss Maintenance and Adherence to Lifestyle Changes?

ABSTRACT:

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to review the benefit of bariatric aftercare programs in the aid of weight loss maintenance post medical weight loss surgery and adherence to long-term lifestyle practices, leading to long-term weight loss maintenance.

Method: A PubMed literature search was conducted with search terms bariatric aftercare, post-op care, weight loss, bariatric surgery, long-term, medical weight loss surgery, weight regain, sleeve gastrectomy, lifestyle changes, and obesity. Studies were included if they described outcomes following gastric sleeve performed on patients with a body mass index of 35 or greater. Twenty-five pertinent articles were retrieved and served as the basis for this clinical review.

Results: A lack of evidence-based research to demonstrate effective bariatric aftercare program and patients' compliance with bariatric aftercare program or clinical follow-up retention remains.

Conclusion: Very few studies, especially sleeve gastrectomy, found sustained weight loss with sufficient patient follow-up care, following bariatric surgery. Studies show bariatric patients need a multidisciplinary approach, with specialized aftercare program providing behavioral therapy, to help avoid weight regain. The benefit of bariatric surgery is the resolution of comorbidities, especially comorbid conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension. The benefits of "sustained weight loss" and resolutions of the comorbid conditions can only be maintained beyond the first five years after obesity surgery if patients avoid returning to old, unhealthy lifestyles that contribute to weight-regain. The personal-contact intervention model is where patients participate in addressing key components that may sabotage weight loss is a promising best practice for effective weight loss and maintenance.

Keywords: Bariatric aftercare, weight loss maintenance, gastric sleeve, bariatric surgery, and obesity.

Recommended Citation

Pierre Charles R. Can bariatric Aftercare Programs Benefit Weight Loss Maintenance and Adherence to Lifestyle Changes?. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2020; 2(1).