Evaluation of massive weight loss body contouring

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.