[Guidelines for clinical practice for bariatric surgery]

Abstract

Bariatric surgery is intended for subjects with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m(2) or ≥ 35 kg/m(2) with comorbidities. In any case, the indication can only be envisaged in patients who have had access to specialized medical care, and agree with a prolonged medical follow-up. After 60 years old, physiological age and comorbidities need to be highly considered. In genetic obesity and craniopharyngioma, surgery is exceptional. Main contraindications consist in severe disorders in feeding behaviour, non-stabilized psychiatric disorders, alcoholism, drug addiction, inability to participate in prolonged medical follow-up. Surgical process includes many important stages: preparation and information by a multidisciplinary team (identify contraindication, give optimal information, look for and treat comorbidities [as sleep apneoas syndrome, diabetes, cardiopulmonary disease], assess nutritional and psychological status and feeding behaviour); the decision of intervention during a concerted analysis by a multidisciplinary team; follow-up (for life) led to screen for nutritional deficiencies and surgical complications, to reinforce diet and physical activity counselling, to adapt to new situations (as pregnancy), and advise psychological care if necessary.