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Current Obesity Reports
Published in: Current Obesity Reports 3/2017

01-09-2017 | Health Services and Programs (R Welbourn, Section Editor)

Evidence Base for Optimal Preoperative Preparation for Bariatric Surgery: Does Mandatory Weight Loss Make a Difference?

Author: Julie J. Kim

Published in: Current Obesity Reports | Issue 3/2017

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Preoperative weight loss regimens prior to bariatric surgery have been a routine and common practice for many centers, in the US and around the world. The mandated participation in such programs has largely been influenced by loco-regional payer requirements. The relationship between adherence to a mandatory weight loss regimen and achieved preoperative weight loss as well as the clinical impact of preoperative weight loss on bariatric outcomes remains uncertain.

Recent Findings

This review examines the available current literature, in the context of previous findings, regarding the impact of mandated preoperative weight loss regimens and mandatory weight loss on bariatric outcomes.

Summary

The reviewed studies do not provide sufficient evidence that mandatory participation in a preoperative weight loss regimen prior to bariatric surgery is associated with achieved weight loss or durable bariatric outcome benefit. Preoperative weight loss, when achieved, may confer a positive benefit on postoperative complications; however, this is not a consistent finding in the literature and requires further validation. The practice of mandating participation in a preoperative weight loss regimen or requiring mandatory weight loss prior to bariatric surgery is not supported by current literature and may serve as an obstacle to medically necessary and potentially life-saving treatment.
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Metadata
Title
Evidence Base for Optimal Preoperative Preparation for Bariatric Surgery: Does Mandatory Weight Loss Make a Difference?
Author
Julie J. Kim
Publication date
01-09-2017
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Obesity Reports / Issue 3/2017
Electronic ISSN: 2162-4968
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-017-0269-4

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