Interdisciplinary Long-Term Treatment of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Patients (2023)

If the number of overweight and obese people worldwide has doubled since 1980 and the number of people suffering from diabetes mellitus has quadrupled, the number of bariatric surgical procedures is increasing analogously.

Approximately 145,000 bariatric surgery patients currently exist in Germany; and the numbers continue to increase exponentially. Currently, approximately 15,000 bariatric procedures are performed per year.

Obesity is considered a chronic disease (according to the World Obesity Federation) that requires lifelong care. The S3 Obesity Guideline states that only continued conservative care of patients after surgery can ensure long-term success.

Follow-up and regular medical care of patients plays an essential role in the long-term success, motivation and compliance (dietary changes, sports activity) of patients, and in the detection of secondary diseases that may develop after surgery.

A key role in this long-term treatment and follow-up of bariatric surgery patients is played by general and family physicians. (The approximately 50 obesity competence centers can no longer cover the multitude of follow-up care) However, obesity is not reflected in medical studies as a complex clinical picture, and care requires special knowledge among colleagues in private practice, which is rarely available.

This practical book closes this gap.