Bariatric surgery has emerged as a safe and effective means to substantial weight loss with subsequent resolution of comorbid conditions, improvement in quality of life, and increased longevity for the morbidly obese. Achieving significant and sustained weight loss following surgery requires lifelong dietary and behavior modifications. Bariatric patients are challenged to adhere to the postoperative plan and the clinician to provide the necessary support services to promote the patient’s adherence. Long-term outcomes rely on lifelong patient adherence and follow-up care. Dietary management is central to weight loss, and medical nutrition therapy (MNT) provides the patient with the knowledge and skills needed to modify dietary behaviors. Telenutrition offers a novel and innovative approach to nutritional counseling for bariatric patients who might otherwise have limited or no access. This article presents the use of synchronous teleconsultation to augment patient care following bariatric surgery by connecting patients with the registered dietitian through web conferencing. The objectives of this multicomponent telenutrition program are to improve patient access to MNT, augment clinician–patient interaction between office visits, increase patient satisfaction, and improve patient adherence to prescribed treatment plans, thereby optimizing both short- and long-term outcomes following bariatric surgery.
Factors Affecting Patient Adherence to Multivitamin Intake After Bariatric Surgery: a Multicentre Survey Study from the Patient’s Perspective
