Preliminary Analysis of Telehealth vs. In-Person Preoperative Consultations and Their Impact on Immediate Bariatric Surgery Outcomes

Swazi Sharma¹, Dr Alexa Seal¹, Dr Katherine Smith², Simeon Moore¹, Peter Sheeran ¹

1. University of Dame Australia (Rural Clinical School – Wagga Wagga)

2. Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) Metabolic Obesity Service (MOS)

Introduction:

Obesity is a significant public health concern affecting over one billion people worldwide, which is a 3-fold since the 1990s. While non-surgical interventions can be beneficial for short term weight loss, studies have proven bariatric surgery in combination with appropriate education and support to be highly effective in long term weight loss and improved health outcomes. However, accessing appropriate multidisciplinary care is challenging for bariatric patients in regional and rural settings.

Aim:

This study evaluates whether the modality of education, i.e., face-to-face vs telehealth, affects pre- and immediate post-surgical weight loss outcomes.

Method + Results:

Preliminary retrospective analysis of the Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) Metabolic Obesity Service (MOS) dataset using independent samples t test showed nil significant differences presurgical and immediate post-surgical weight loss assessed using Total Weight Loss (TWL) and Excess Weight Loss (EWL) percentage over time.

Implication:

While further analysis is required to compare long term weight loss outcomes and potential complications, there are no differences in short term outcomes. Therefore, telehealth a safe alternative to face-to-face preoperative assessment and education for bariatric surgery candidates.

Reference:

• 1.  Obesity and overweight (2024) World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight (Accessed: 15 March 2025).
• 2. Chang, S.-H. et al. (2014) ‘The effectiveness and risks of Bariatric Surgery’, JAMA Surgery, 149(3), p. 275. doi:10.1001/jamasurg.2013.3654.