Presurgical evaluation and postoperative care for the bariatric patient.

Overview

With the increasing number of bariatric surgeries being performed, multiple specialties encounter bariatric patients. This article gives an overview of the comprehensive evaluation and preoperative preparation of a bariatric patient. Medical, psychological, and behavioral evaluation is discussed. The role of routine preoperative endoscopy is controversial but can be very important and may alter the operation performed. Immediate postoperative care is also addressed. Undergoing bariatric surgery is a lifelong commitment, and frequent follow up with reinforcement and monitoring for nutritional deficiencies is extremely important.