Preventing Long-term Poor Outcomes in the Bariatric Patient Postoperatively.

The obesity epidemic in America continues to rise. People are desperately trying to find ways to lose weight successfully and keep the weight off, and many people are turning to bariatric surgery as the only remaining option for morbid obesity. Bariatric surgery is considered to be a viable treatment option for morbid obesity. However, long-term data are revealing that many postsurgical bariatric patients are regaining the weight after 5 years. The purpose of lifelong follow-up appointments in the bariatric patient is to prevent weight regain and poor outcomes. A case study is used as an example for a poor outcome in a postsurgical bariatric patient. The author of this article provides definitions related to postsurgical bariatric patients, explains the value of early detection and prevention, provides an example of a poor outcome, and concludes with a discussion of evidence-based practice changes that prevent poor outcomes.