Patient perceptions of primary care providers' knowledge of bariatric surgery

As the rate of obesity continues to rise, primary care providers (PCPs) must be aware and informed of the treatment options available. Bariatric surgery is the most effective long-term treatment for weight loss and improvement of obesity-related comorbidities. The aim of this study was to assess patients' perception of their PCP's opinion, support and knowledge of bariatric surgery and changes over time. In 2009 and 2015, a 27-question survey was developed and mailed to patients who had undergone laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) at our institution. Statistical analysis included chi-square and Fisher's exact test for associations between categorical variables, Wilcoxon rank sum test for comparison of ordinal or continuous variables and sign test for comparison of paired ordinal variables. There were 680 and 1106 patients who met inclusion criteria and were mailed the 2009 and 2015 survey, respectively. The survey response rate was 47% in 2009 and 35% in 2015; 125 patients completed both surveys. In 2009 and 2015, 78% and 80% of patients described their PCP's opinion of bariatric surgery as "very supportive" (P = 0.64), and 29% and 40% described their PCP as "very knowledgeable" about bariatric surgery (P = 0.02), respectively. Post-operative support from PCPs was described as "very supportive" by 77% and 79% of patients in 2009 and 2015, respectively (P = 0.07). Overall, Ninety-seven percent of patients would repeat their LRYGB experience. The majority of patients perceived their PCP as being supportive of bariatric surgery. Physicians' knowledge of bariatric surgery could be improved by establishing more opportunities for education. While patients' perception of their PCP's knowledge increased, no significant improvements in PCP opinion or support of bariatric surgery were observed over time. Patients' willingness to repeat their experience with bariatric surgery remained high.