Pre-operative Bariatric Clinic Attendance Is a Predictor of Post-operative Clinic Attendance and Weight Loss Outcomes

Abstract

Our primary aim was to determine whether non-attendance at pre-operative clinics were associated with non-attendance at post-operative clinics and its influence on weight loss. We also sought to examine the relationship between gender, ethnicity and post-operative clinic attendance with respect to weight loss post-bariatric surgery. A retrospective audit was performed for patients undertaking the bariatric surgery program at the Auckland City Hospital between 2013 and 2016. One hundred and eighty-four patients completed our program, with a mean age of 46.1years. Mean weight at commencement was 133.3kg, with a BMI of 47.4. At 2years follow-up (n = 143), excess weight loss was 70.8% following RYGB and 68.0% following LSG (p = 0.5743). More patients attended all pre-operative than post-operative clinics (67.4% vs 37.5% p = < 0.001). One pre-operative clinic non-attendance wasassociated with less weight loss at 2years and it increases the risk of missing at least 50% of post-operative clinics with a risk ratio of 2.73, p = 0.005. Non-attendance of at least 50% of post-operative clinics was also associated with less weight loss at 2years (33.4kg vs 44.3kg, p = 0.040).Although Maori and Pacific Islanders more frequently missed > 50% of post-operative clinics, weight loss was similar between European, Maori and Pacific Islander populations (2-year weight loss 44.2kg vs 40.74kg vs 44.1kg, respectively, p = 0.8192). Pre-operative clinic non-attendance helps predict post-operative clinic non-attendance. Missing any pre-operative clinics and at least 50% of scheduled post-operative clinics is associated with poorer weight loss outcomes.