Evaluation of massive weight loss body contouring
Date
04/07/2015Author
Al-Hadithy, Nada
Metadata
Abstract
Introduction: There is proven therapeutic benefit in bariatric surgery for obese
patients. Consequently the National Institute of Clinical Excellence UK has provided
referral guidelines for bariatric surgery. Successful bariatric surgery will result in
massive weight loss and ptotic skin, which can cause significant functional and
psychological problems. As the number of cases of bariatric surgery increases, a
corresponding number of massive weight loss patients will require plastic surgery. In
this novel field of post massive weight loss surgery there is a lack of understanding of
the demographics, physical symptoms and psychological health of this new group of
patients. The tools to assess them are few and not validated, the patient pathway is
disjointed and there is no consensus on standardised provision.
Method: A prospective multicentre, observational study of outcomes in 100 patients
undergoing bariatric and post massive weight loss plastic surgery at 2 clinical sites was
performed. Each patient followed a standard operating protocol. This included
undergoing a semi structured interview, completing five patient-report outcome
measures, having anthropometric measurements and clinical photographs taken.
Conclusion: This observational study identified key psychosocial themes prevalent in
massive weight loss patients, during their weight loss journey. It identified there are no
validated patient reported outcome measures available specific to this cohort of
patients. This work led to the development of a new validated tool for massive weight
loss body contouring.