The Association of Preoperative Food Insecurity With Early Postoperative Outcomes After Bariatric Surgery

Abstract

IntroductionTo assess the rate of food insecurity in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. To compare the rates of 30-d postoperative complications based on food security status. MethodsPatients undergoing primary Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy between 7/2020 - 3/2022 were screened for food insecurity via telephone using questions from the Accountable Health Communities Health-Related Social Needs Screening Tool. Screens were matched to patient data and 30-d outcomes from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program database. ResultsIn total, 213 (59%) of the 359 bariatric surgery patients were screened with 81 (38%) screening positive for food insecurity. Evaluation of preoperative variables based on food security status showed comparable age, body mass index, and comorbidity status. Food insecure patients were found to have an increased length of stay following surgery compared to food secure patients (P = 0.003). Food insecurity was not associated with higher rates of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program reported 30-d postoperative complications including emergency department/urgent care visits (P = 0.34) and hospital readmissions (P = 0.94). ConclusionsFood insecurity was prevalent at 38% of the bariatric surgical population. Food insecure patients had a statistically longer length of stay after primary bariatric surgery but were not associated with an increased risk of 30-d complications. Future studies are needed to determine the mid-term and long-term effects of food insecurity status on bariatric surgical outcomes and the potential impact of food insecurity on length of stay.