Is Adherence to Follow-Up After Bariatric Surgery Necessary? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Obes Surg. 2022 Mar;32(3):904-911. doi: 10.1007/s11695-021-05857-1. Epub 2022 Jan 12.

Abstract

The association of adherence to follow-up (FU) after laparoscopic gastric bypass - and gastric sleeve with weight loss (WL) is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate this association. Fourteen full text articles were included in the systematic review. Eight studies were included in the meta-analysis concerning FU up to 3 years postoperatively and 3 for the FU between 3 and 10 years postoperatively. Results showed a significant association between adherence to FU 0.5 to 3 years postoperatively and percentage excess WL (%EWL) but did not demonstrate a significant association between FU > 3 years postoperatively and total WL (%TWL). In conclusion, adherence to FU may not be associated with WL and therefore stringent lifelong FU in its current form should be evaluated.

Keywords: Adherence to follow-up; Gastric Sleeve; Gastric bypass; Long term follow-up; Short term follow-up; Weight loss.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Bariatric Surgery* / methods
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gastrectomy
  • Gastric Bypass* / methods
  • Humans
  • Laparoscopy* / methods
  • Obesity, Morbid* / surgery
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Weight Loss