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Initial Medical Evaluation

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Patient Preparation for Bariatric Surgery

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Abstract

Multidisciplinary evaluation of candidates for bariatric surgery is the current standard of care. Many patients with extreme obesity endure embarrassment because physicians’ offices are not equipped to carry out a complete examination. Bariatric treatment centers should secure the appropriate spaces and equipment to provide a supportive environment for surgical candidates. An individual who is familiar with management of extreme obesity and the diagnosis of all important comorbid conditions should conduct a complete medical history including a weight history and a physical exam. Close questioning based on awareness of all known surgical risk factors is an essential component. An assessment of functional status and capability for physical activity is emerging as an important component of the patient evaluation and selection process. A simple functional assessment with metrics should be part of the initial medical evaluation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Obesity Institute, Geisinger Medical Center, Southold, NY, USA

    Peter N. Benotti (Senior Clinical Investigator)

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  1. Peter N. Benotti
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© 2014 Springer Science+Business Media New York

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Benotti, P.N. (2014). Initial Medical Evaluation. In: Patient Preparation for Bariatric Surgery. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-0906-3_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-0906-3_4

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4939-0905-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4939-0906-3

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