Management of bariatric patients beyond the scalpel.

BACKGROUND: Obesity management in general practice sometimes involves referral of patients for bariatric surgery. Integral to the success of long-term weight loss maintenance is supporting the patient's psychological, nutritional and exercise needs.

OBJECTIVE: This article is written to equip general practitioners (GPs) to manage the comprehensive needs, before and after bariatric surgery, of patients who are obese.

DISCUSSION: The number of patients undergoing bariatric surgery in Australia has increased significantly in the past few years. Pre-operative and postoperative management of this intervention presents a challenge for GPs. In this article we provide guidance around psychological, nutritional and exercise interventions, to equip GPs in managing patients who are obese. Access to allied health providers is not always available for patients, so this article is co-written with allied health colleagues who share their expertise as a resource for GPs.