When one undergoes bariatric surgery, they are undergoing a procedure which requires a lifelong change.
Unfortunately, very few studies into the success of weight loss surgery have reported a high number of patients who continue to follow up with bariatric physicians after the procedure was performed. To ensure the best results from your obesity surgery procedure, it is of the utmost importance to continue visiting your weight loss surgeon and their team for follow up appointments in the long term.
Post-Operative Visits
All forms of weight loss surgery will necessitate some degree of follow up in the aftermath, which will entail visiting your bariatric surgeon at certain intervals post-surgery. Dr Kevin Dolan and the WALOS team recommend holding follow up appointments at various stages in one’s recovery from surgery and will discuss this with you in your initial consultation phase.
Generally, it is strongly recommended that you have 4-6 follow up appointments during the first year after surgery. After this point in time, you are encouraged to visit your surgeon either annually or bi-annually for continued health checkups and progress tracking.
The importance of your follow up visits
The success of your weight loss surgery is unknown after the procedure occurs. With most bariatric surgeries, the level of success only becomes clear in the 12-24 months after surgery. Therefore, follow up care at this stage is crucial.
Initially, your follow up appointments will be with a dietitian, and cover the transition from liquid to solid foods after your surgery has been performed. They will also assist you with making appropriate food choices to assist with your weight loss and maintain a balanced diet.
At these post-operative visits with your bariatric surgeon and their team, your health will be checked, in addition to your vitamin and mineral levels. It is very important to recognise if there are any deficiencies in one’s vitamin and iron levels during the early stages of weight loss, so appropriate treatment can be given. If you miss these visits, you are at risk of eventually developing vitamin and mineral deficiencies, which may require more extensive treatment.
How much follow up does my procedure require?
The amount of follow up, however, depends on the type of surgery that has been performed. For most surgeries including gastric sleeve surgery (sleeve gastrectomy) or gastric bypass surgery, the patient generally undergoes follow up appointments to ensure they are getting the results they desire. In some cases, revision surgery may be necessary if one is unable to reach their ideal body mass index, is unable to lose weight sufficiently, or is struggling with weight regain.
Monitoring your health
It has been widely accepted by multiple health governing bodies that having regular follow up consultations can assist people in creating and maintaining healthy habits after bariatric surgery.
This is because a health professional can assist you in maintaining a better quality of life, as well as hold you accountable for your weight loss journey, guide you through any weight related issues you may have.
Weight loss surgery follow up in Perth
If you have had a weight loss surgery performed and are in or near the Perth area, we highly recommend that you visit Dr Kevin Dolan and the WALOS team for regular follow up appointments.
You can view our range of weight loss surgery options here.
If you would like to book an appointment with Dr Kevin Dolan and the WALOS team, please call or get in touch.