Prevention of bariatric complications: best practices

The prevalence of obesity in both the United States and worldwide has grown significantly over the last several decades. With this growing pandemic, more patients are seeking surgical alternatives to achieve weight loss goals. Bariatric surgery has multiple proven health benefits, including weight loss and resolution of several co-morbidities, including diabetes. Advances in surgical techniques, including laparoscopy, have allowed bariatric surgery to increase in popularity among obese patients. However, bariatric surgery is not without complications. Key to successful weight loss surgery includes appropriate pre-operative laboratory workup, a multidisciplinary approach with other health care providers, proper peri-operative techniques as well as close post-operative follow up. This article will highlight several important criteria bariatric surgeons should bear in mind when evaluating patients in pre-operative, peri-operative and post-operative states to help prevent common complications seen in weight loss surgery.