Abstract:
Objective: The study aims to help identify barriers that cause patients to cancel their bariatric surgery in the patient population of Kings County Medical Center in East Flatbush, New York.
Methods: 72 patients that canceled their bariatric surgery procedure, were called to participate in this research study. Patients were excluded from the study if their BMI was lower than 35 kg/m2, had success with a prior bariatric surgery procedure, or opted out of the study.
Questions utilized:
? Why did you choose not to have your bariatric surgery procedure?
? Are you using a GLP-1 agonist, an exercise or diet program?
? If so, are you currently successful in losing weight?
? Are you not receiving bariatric surgery due to current health issues?
? Are you concerned about the procedure or its side effects?
? Do you have insurance issues regarding your surgery?
? Are there any other burdens or obstacles that prevented you from undergoing bariatric surgery?
Results: 45 patients did not participate. 7 patients do want bariatric surgery but had a delay for various reasons such as pregnancy, conflicts with time off from work for recovery, health issues, inability to quit smoking, and insurance issues. 20 patients who canceled their surgery and do not intend to have bariatric surgery done, 7 were successful with weight loss with GLP-1 agonists (Wegovy, Ozempic.) 5 stated they were frightened of possible side effects (uncontrolled vomiting, vitamin deficiencies, hearing loss, loose skin surgery with plastic surgery to possibly follow), 3 due to health issues, 1 had family issues and unable at this time, 1 had weight loss success with a dietician and 1 had success with changing their diet by reducing fried foods and increasing their daily intake of fiber and water.
Conclusions: Understanding the barriers patients face when deciding to undergo bariatric surgery is essential to provide the highest standard of care. This study demonstrates the factors patients consider when opting out of having bariatric surgery: success with GLP-1 agonists, fear of side effects, and not wanting to have another procedure to remove loose skin after bariatric surgery.
