What should patients considering bariatric surgery have attempted prior to surgery?

Patients considering bariatric surgery should have attempted dietary management for at least 6 months because conservative weight loss methods are recommended as a prerequisite before surgical options are explored. This approach emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes, including diet modifications, exercise, and behavioral adjustments, as the first line of treatment for obesity. Successful dietary management can provide insights into the patient's commitment and capacity for making lasting changes to sustain weight loss post-surgery.

Additionally, a period of dietary management can help evaluate the patient's overall health, identify any underlying issues, and prepare them psychologically for the lifestyle changes required after surgery. It's essential for patients to understand that bariatric surgery is not a quick fix but a tool that requires ongoing lifestyle commitment for success.

While other considerations, such as psychiatric evaluations, physical therapy, or even prior surgical interventions, may play roles in the patient’s overall assessment for surgery, the focus on dietary management as a first step is central to ensuring that they are making informed and committed decisions about long-term weight loss success.