Patients' Expectations and Perspectives on Follow-up Care after Bariatric Surgery in Germany

Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for patients with obesity. After surgery, lifelong follow-up care is recommended to improve weight-loss outcomes. However, follow-up attendance is low, and the reasons have yet to be determined. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify patients' expectations and perspectives on follow-up care after bariatric surgery to identify current unmet needs and ways to increase follow-up attendance.

Patients who underwent bariatric surgery at a university medical center and attended at least one follow-up appointment completed an online questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of open-ended questions regarding follow-up care. Content analysis was applied to qualitatively analyze the results.

In total, 164 patients responded to at least one question (participation rate 50.1%). On average, patients had attended three follow-up appointments at the time of the study. Expectations concerning the content of follow-up care included regular examinations, blood tests, and psychological and nutritional counseling and support. Notably, the follow-up care was most criticized for its lack of regular psychological and nutritional support, with many suggesting that these services be incorporated. Interestingly, follow-up care appointment attendance was rarely connected with expectations of better outcomes. Regular appointments and laboratory results were among the positive aspects of the current follow-up care.

Expectations were mostly related to the content of follow-up care. However, few patients seemed to recognize the importance of follow-up care for improved outcomes. Therefore, educating patients about the critical role of follow-up care might improve attendance and also lead to more successful long-term bariatric surgery outcomes.