ABSTRACT
The decision to recommend weight loss surgery (WLS) for patients with obesity requires a multidisciplinary team to evaluate the indications for an operation, to define and manage comorbidities, and to provide short-and long-term post-WLS monitoring, support, and education. Although there is a growing body of research in the field, most current recommendations for the medical, nutritional, and psychological care of WLS patients are based on case reports, nonrandomized, small-sample, retrospective studies, and expert opinion. To date, there has been no standardization of care across surgical centers. Recently, major organizations and societies have been working to analyze the existing data and, where evidence is lacking, standardize recommendations based on expert opinion (Aills, Blankenship, Buffington, Furtado, & Parrott, 2008; AACE, 2008). All WLS procedures have nutritional implications, and this chapter will provide guidance for the nutritional evaluation and care of the WLS patient.
