ABSTRACT
This chapter is designed as a primer for when to recommend weight loss surgery and how to care for metabolic surgery patients before and after surgery. The optimal evaluation of a metabolic surgery patient should result in a well-informed patient who is optimally prepared for his/her procedure and is committed to the necessary postoperative monitoring. The decision-making process for weight loss and metabolic surgery is explored. The components of immediate and long-term postoperative follow-up to prevent the avoidable metabolic complications of surgery are also reviewed. Finally, there is information on weight loss failure, weight regain after surgery, and the relationships between successful surgery and successful pregnancy.
